Discovering Hidden Waterfalls in Albany, WA: A Nature Lover’s Guide

Albany, located on Western Australia’s south coast, is surrounded by dramatic granite formations, karri forests, and rugged national parks. While the town is famous for its beaches and whale-watching, it also hides some secret waterfalls tucked into the hinterland. Exploring these falls requires venturing beyond the typical tourist routes, but the reward is a refreshing escape into nature and a glimpse of the region’s unique ecology.

One of the most accessible secret waterfalls near Albany can be found in the Porongurup Range, about a 40-minute drive north of town. The range is better known for its Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock, but if you follow the trails through the towering karri and jarrah trees you might stumble upon small cascades that form after rainfall. These waterfalls aren’t on most maps because they are seasonal, appearing when winter rains swell the creeks. They pour over moss-covered rocks and carve miniature ravines, creating tranquil pools that reflect the surrounding forest. The gentle sound of water trickling down granite complements the birdsong from red‑winged parrots and honeyeaters that inhabit the area.

Further east, Gull Rock National Park is a coastal reserve where rocky headlands meet dense heathland. The park’s main attractions include spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and wildflower displays in spring, yet the park also hides a couple of waterfalls along its inland tracks. To find them, start at Ledge Beach and follow the inland path that meanders through banksia scrub and peppermint woodland. After about two kilometres you will hear water flowing. In winter and early spring, a small creek spills over smooth rocks, forming a waterfall that looks like a silver curtain draped across a green corridor. This is a perfect spot for a picnic. The falls’ flow may be modest compared with bigger waterfalls elsewhere, but in the serene setting of Gull Rock, they feel enchanting.

Waychinicup National Park, a remote reserve about 60 km east of Albany, offers a sense of wilderness that is rare along the south coast. The park’s deep inlet and granite outcrops provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing and bushwalking. Hidden within the park’s steep valleys are two waterfalls that are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall. One waterfall tumbles down a granite slope near the inlet. The other cascades through a series of rock pools further inland. Both are accessible by unmarked bush tracks; local hikers recommend following the sounds of rushing water through dense eucalypt forest. Seeing these waterfalls requires some bushcraft, but the experience of discovering them on your own makes them feel truly secret.

Another area worth exploring is the Stirling Range National Park, about an hour’s drive north of Albany. The range is renowned for Bluff Knoll, one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, but many hikers overlook the smaller waterfalls hidden in the gullies. During winter, melting snow and rainfall create streams that flow from the mountains. These streams feed waterfalls that cascade through ferns and wildflowers. One such fall can be found along the Mount Trio trail. After about 3 km, a side track leads to a sheltered glen where water trickles down a rock face. Sitting by this waterfall, you can observe the Stirling Range’s rich biodiversity; more than 1,500 plant species grow in the park, many of them endemic.

If you prefer an easier walk, consider visiting Torndirrup National Park, just south of Albany. The park features the Natural Bridge, Gap, and Blowholes. While it is better known for coastal rock formations, there are also small waterfalls in hidden valleys near the park’s edge. In winter months, rainfall creates streams that flow towards the sea. Following these streams inland can lead to cascades over granite ledges. These waterfalls might be small and seasonal, but they offer a peaceful retreat from the busier lookouts.