Quinninup Falls Western Australia
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Quinninup Falls Western Australia

4.5
·295 reviews·Wilyabrup, Australia

A seasonal cascade in Western Australia's Margaret River region, Quinninup Falls offers a stunning spectacle after rain, accessible via a scenic coast...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

August & September mornings

Falls at their peak flow

CrowdMedium
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Quinninup Falls Western Australia

Quinninup Falls Western Australia

Best Time

August & September mornings

Falls at their peak flow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A seasonal cascade in Western Australia's Margaret River region, Quinninup Falls offers a stunning spectacle after rain, accessible via a scenic coastal hike.

4.5
(295 reviews)

"The falls are at their best in spring when winter rains are still flowing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park at Moses Rock

Start your hike from Moses Rock car park for the most direct access to the falls. :toilet: Public toilets are available here.

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail can be slippery and sandy, especially after rain. Proper hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roaring Quinninup Falls

The Roaring Quinninup Falls

Base of the falls

Witness the impressive cascade of water tumbling 10 meters down granite steps, especially vibrant after winter rains.

Scenic Coastal Heath Trail

Scenic Coastal Heath Trail

Trail from Moses Rock

Enjoy a picturesque 4km return walk through coastal heathland with ocean views.

Wadandi Cultural Significance

Wadandi Cultural Significance

Surrounding area

Appreciate the sacred land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) people, the traditional owners of this area.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Quinninup Falls

Quinninup Falls is a seasonal spectacle, best experienced after significant rainfall, typically from August to September. Visiting during these times ensures the falls are at their most impressive, cascading down granite steps. Be prepared for potentially wet and slippery conditions on the trail, especially after heavy rain.

Trail Accessibility and What to Expect

The hike from Moses Rock car park is generally considered moderate, with some steep and sandy sections, particularly towards the end. While some boardwalks have been improved for accessibility, sturdy footwear is recommended. Families with very young children might find the final descent to the falls challenging.

Best Times

When
August & September mornings
Why
Falls at their peak flow
Crowd
Medium
When
After heavy rainfall
Why
Most dramatic waterfall display
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Edge Luxury Villas the most romantic hidden getaway🥂✨ #fyp #foryou #westernaustralia #margaretriver #romantic #romanticgetaway #accomodation #aesthetic #beautiful
@trinityflint.x
14.4K likes • 209.2K views

🚗 Park at Moses Rock

Start your hike from Moses Rock car park for the most direct access to the falls. :toilet: Public toilets are available here. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail can be slippery and sandy, especially after rain. Proper hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Quinninup Falls in the south west region is absolutely heaving after a big 24hrs of rainfall. Cascading down 10 metres of granite steps, Quinninup Falls is one of the south west’s most impressive waterfalls. Located near Wilyabrup, the falls are in full flow as a result of receiving over 100mm of rain in the last 24hrs.  Surrounding areas like Margaret River and Cowaramup received between 50-80...
perthisok
7.2K likes • 144.2K views
Quinninup Falls part 2✌🏻 As with most waterfalls I visit, the fpv drone was put to work as well. Not my best work, there was a strong wind ripping through the valley, and the drone had also gotten the attention of a big coastal swoopy boy of some description🙈, so I only flew one pack haha. Watch till the end to get an idea of how close this waterfall actually is to the beach, which is something ...
john_daws_vdc
0 likes • 679 views

💧 Check Rainfall Before You Go

Quinninup Falls are seasonal. Visit after significant rain for the best waterfall experience. :cloudwithrain:

🥾 Be Prepared for Steep Sections

The final descent to the falls is steep and sandy; it can be challenging for very young children. :hiking_boot:

🌊 Have you hiked down to this coastal waterfall near Margaret River? 🥾🌿 The Quinninup Falls Trail is a short 4km return walk that takes you through coastal heath and across a raised boardwalk before descending sandy tracks to the falls. They’re at their best in spring when winter rains are still flowing. On the way back, look out for kangaroos near the trailhead, and if you’re walking late in th...
jackwwalters
0 likes • 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park at Moses Rock

Start your hike from Moses Rock car park for the most direct access to the falls. :toilet: Public toilets are available here. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail can be slippery and sandy, especially after rain. Proper hiking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Check Rainfall Before You Go

Quinninup Falls are seasonal. Visit after significant rain for the best waterfall experience. :cloudwithrain:

🥾 Be Prepared for Steep Sections

The final descent to the falls is steep and sandy; it can be challenging for very young children. :hiking_boot:

📸 Photography Opportunities

Capture stunning shots of the falls and coastal scenery, especially with a drone for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🦘 Look for Kangaroos

Keep an eye out for kangaroos on your way back, particularly in the heathland areas. :kangaroo:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(295 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Quinninup Falls for its stunning seasonal beauty, especially after rain, and the scenic coastal hike to reach it. While the trail has some challenging sandy and steep sections, improvements have been made. Some find the falls themselves smaller than expected, but the overall experience of the hike and the natural environment is highly regarded.

"Easy walk from the moses rock carpark to the falls. It is steep in some areas and can also have sections with slippery mud, depends on the weather.
This is a seasonal waterfall, so recommend visiting in august to early September to enjoy the falls."

Christabel Pereira

"Lovely scenic trail to walk, mostly flat apart from a sandy drop down to the beach towards the end. Some works have been done and more planned over some of the flat, soft, flood prone sections, making it more accessible year round in any footwear.

The falls at the end are beautiful and fun for a quick dip. For an extra challenge, there's a bit of a goat trail up to the top of the Falls for a different perspective.

With a few exploratory detours and an easy pace, the trek in and out took under 2 hours."

Damien Herbert

"Was a wonderful walk along the amazing coastline. Some metal made walks tobassist over the rocks and water. You could hear the falls even though they are short only 10 meters high."

Carole Trevena

What People Like

Impressive waterfall flow
Scenic coastal hike
Seasonal natural beauty

What People Dislike

Falls smaller than expected
Steep sandy sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended starting point is the Moses Rock car park. From there, it's a scenic hike to the falls. Driving via Quininup Road has been reported as unsuccessful for finding a shortcut. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Moses Rock car park, which also has public toilets. Reddit

The hike from Moses Rock car park is the primary access route. It's a 4km return walk through coastal heath. Instagram

No, you cannot drive directly to the falls. The experience involves a hike from a designated car park. Reddit

Yes, Quinninup Falls are located in the Margaret River region, near Wilyabrup and Moses Rock. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Quinninup Falls is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit. TikTok

As a natural outdoor attraction, Quinninup Falls does not have set opening hours. It is accessible during daylight hours. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit Quinninup Falls. Access is free for all visitors. TikTok

The falls are best visited after significant rainfall, typically from August to September, when they are in full flow. Instagram+1

Visitors are asked to respect the cultural significance of the area and avoid touching stacked rocks, which are part of Wadandi cultural practices. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike from Moses Rock car park is approximately 4km return, taking under 2 hours with an easy pace and some exploration. InstagramReddit

The hike is generally considered moderate. It has flat sections, but also includes steep and sandy descents and ascents, especially near the falls. Reddit

Yes, the falls are beautiful and fun for a quick dip, especially when they are flowing well. Reddit

The initial part of the hike is manageable, but the final steep and sandy section to the falls can be challenging for very young children or those without proper hiking shoes. Reddit

You'll experience coastal heathland, ocean views, and the impressive waterfall itself, which flows into the ocean. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The base of the falls offers dramatic shots, and a goat trail leads to the top for a different perspective. Drone photography can capture the scale and surrounding landscape. InstagramReddit

Drone photography is possible, but be mindful of wind conditions and wildlife. Instagram

Mornings can offer softer light, but the dramatic flow after rain is the main photographic draw. Consider the angle of the sun for your shots. Instagram

A camera capable of capturing dynamic landscapes and water flow is ideal. A drone can provide unique aerial views. Reddit

Focus on the cascading water, the rugged granite steps, the coastal heath, and the ocean where the falls meet the sea. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The hike to Quinninup Falls offers a great outdoor adventure for families, but with a caveat. The initial part of the 4km return trail from Moses Rock car park is relatively flat and enjoyable. Reddit However, the final section leading down to the falls becomes steep and sandy, which can be challenging for younger children or those not equipped with appropriate footwear. Reddit

Consider bringing a baby carrier for very young children. While the falls are beautiful and offer a chance for a quick dip, assess your children's stamina and ability before committing to the final descent. The surrounding heathland also offers opportunities to spot kangaroos, adding to the wildlife experience. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Quinninup Falls presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers, especially after rain when the falls are at their most dramatic. Instagram+1 The 10-meter cascade over granite steps provides a striking subject. For unique perspectives, consider using an FPV drone to capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding coastal landscape, though be mindful of wind conditions. Instagram The hike itself offers scenic views of coastal heath, which can also make for compelling shots. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, from the base of the falls to the higher vantage points accessible via a 'goat trail'. Capturing the water flow and its interaction with the rocks and ocean is key. Early mornings can offer softer light, but the sheer power of the falls after rain is often the main photographic draw. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers, Quinninup Falls offers a rewarding 4km return trek through diverse coastal scenery. The trail from Moses Rock car park is well-defined, though it transitions from flatter paths to sandy, steeper sections closer to the falls. InstagramReddit The improved boardwalks in some areas enhance the walking experience. The natural beauty of the coastal heath and the impressive waterfall make it a worthwhile excursion. Instagram

Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as kangaroos, along the trail. Instagram The falls themselves are a seasonal marvel, so visiting after rainfall is highly recommended to witness them in their full glory. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be slippery and challenging in parts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Seasonal Magic of Quinninup Falls

Quinninup Falls is a testament to the power of Western Australia's winter rains. Unlike permanent waterfalls, its grandeur is fleeting, appearing in full force only after significant rainfall, typically between August and September. This seasonality makes a visit during the right period a truly special experience. The water cascades approximately 10 meters down a series of granite steps, creating a dramatic spectacle that flows directly into the ocean. Instagram+1

Travelers often describe the falls as 'heaving' or 'roaring' after a good downpour, highlighting the impressive volume of water. The surrounding landscape, a mix of coastal heath and sandy tracks, adds to the natural beauty of the hike. While the falls themselves are the main draw, the journey to reach them is also a significant part of the experience, offering glimpses of the rugged coastline. Instagram+1

It's crucial to check recent weather patterns before planning your visit. Social media posts often showcase the falls at their peak, serving as a good indicator of current conditions. The ephemeral nature of Quinninup Falls means that timing your visit is key to witnessing its full splendor. Instagram+1

Navigating the Quinninup Falls Trail

The hike to Quinninup Falls begins at the Moses Rock car park, a convenient starting point that also offers public toilet facilities. Reddit The trail is a roughly 4km round trip, winding through coastal heathland. While much of the path is relatively flat, especially in the initial sections leading to a lookout point, the latter third becomes sandy and involves a noticeable downhill descent towards the falls. InstagramReddit

This sandy section can be challenging, particularly on the return journey when you have to climb back up. Some sections of the trail have undergone improvements with boardwalks to enhance accessibility, especially over flood-prone areas. However, after heavy rain, the track can become waterlogged and slippery, making sturdy hiking shoes essential. Reddit For those seeking a bit more adventure, a 'goat trail' offers a steeper, more challenging route to the top of the falls for a different vantage point. Reddit

Families with very young children might find the final steep and sandy descent difficult to navigate without proper hiking gear. While some adults and older children can manage, it's worth considering the physical capabilities of your group. The effort is generally rewarded by the stunning views and the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the falls. Reddit

Cultural Significance and Respect

Quinninup Falls and its surrounding landscape hold deep cultural significance for the Wadandi (Saltwater) people, the traditional custodians of this land. Instagram The area is considered sacred, and visitors are urged to approach it with respect and awareness. This includes understanding that certain natural features may have cultural importance. Reddit

One specific point of caution highlighted by visitors is the presence of stacked rocks. These are not merely decorative but can be part of Wadandi cultural practices, such as markers or for worship. Touching or disturbing these formations is strongly discouraged. Reddit By being mindful of these cultural sensitivities, visitors can ensure a respectful and enriching experience while appreciating the natural beauty of Quinninup Falls. Instagram

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