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Quinninup Falls: Locals Guide
⭐RATING: 4.4/5 | 🌏DISTANCE FROM MARGARET RIVER: 29km |📍LOCATION: Wilyabrup WA | Google Maps | ☀️BEST TIME TO VIST: Winter, early spring | 💲COST: Free | 🐶DOGS ALLOWED: No | 🕰️OPEN: 24 hours | 🚗PARKING: Yes | 🚻FACILITIES: Toilet at carpark | 🛣️UNSEALED ROADS: No
Quinninup Falls is a beautiful natural attraction located just 30km from the town center of Margaret River in Western Australia. The falls are fed by the Quinninup Brook, as it flows down from the nearby hills and into a large pool at the base of the waterfall, continuing its way towards the coast.
Visitors can take in the stunning scenery of Moses Rock Beach from the nearby car park, and then hike to the falls, which is a challenging 2km hike there and 2km back.
As a local expert, I’ve crafted a detailed guide to ensure your adventure to Quinninup Falls is unforgettable, from the hike itself to the best times for a visit.
If you are looking to see a waterfall closer to the town of Margaret River, that doesn’t involve any hiking, check out our guide on Yalgardup Falls, which is just a 4km drive from the center of Margaret River and you can get insta-worthy pics from the side of the road!
There is also Meekadarabee Falls, which, while not super impressive, are close to Margaret River.
Everything You Need To Know About Quinninup Falls
How To Get To Quinninup Falls
If you are visiting Quinninup Falls from Margaret River, head north along Caves Road and then turn left down Moses Rock Road.
Maybe it’s just me, but I always feel like this intersection sneaks up on me, so if you don’t have your GPS on to tell you to slow down, keep an eye out for Matheson Road on the left, and Flying Fish Cove Wines and Stonefish Wines on the right-hand side, once you see these places you know to slow down.
Once you’re on Moses Rock Road, take it until you get to the T-junction. Here, take the road to the right, which will become gravel. It can be bumpy and full of potholes (although I think this has somewhat been fixed recently), so go slowly, especially if you are in a 2WD.
Follow this right down to the end, and park in the large car park overlooking Moses Rock Beach. On your left, you will see toilets and a spot to view the beach, and on your right, you will see a path to the falls up some log steps.
The path there is on the Cape to Cape Track, so you will see trail markers all along this path, if you see them you are going the right way! You’ll go over a bridge and eventually come to a steep sand dune (fine to go down but can be tough to go up!) and then you follow the path around to the right and past the sign.
The path is quite varied, some of it is flat and easy, other parts are rocky and uneven, and there are also big sand dunes to climb which can be physically challenging. I assure you though, the effort is worth it!
The way back to your car is the same as the way there.
Tips For Visiting Quinninup Falls
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Quinninup Falls:
- Quinninup Falls are best viewed in Winter, or early Spring, after rainfall. It’s still nice to visit other times of the year, just be forewarned that if there hasn’t been rain, it might not be flowing. Check with your accommodation provider if you’re not sure.
- Quinninup Falls is located in a bushland area, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and be mindful of the native plants and animals in the area.
- This walk is probably not suitable for the very young (unless you don’t mind carrying them up sandy dunes!), the physically disabled, or the very elderly.
- Don’t forget to take plenty of water and sun protection.
- Do not type in Quinninup Falls on your GPS or Google Maps, this is how you could wind up lost on an unsealed 4WD track. Follow my instructions to Moses Rock Road Carpark and the car park and find the path from there.
- Remember to adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles. Dispose of waste properly, don’t take any flowers or nature home with you, pick up any rubbish you find, and look after the surrounding area as best you can.
Is Quinninup Falls Suitable For Kids?
Yes, Quinninup Falls is suitable for older kids, but I would not recommend it for small children or babies unless you’re happy to carry them. If you do take children, please supervise them at all times as the falls are located in a bushland area and the water could be dangerous.
How Long Does Quinninup Falls Take?
Allow 45 minutes to hike into Quinninup Falls, 30 minutes to look around and take photos, and an hour to hike back, so between two and two-and-a-half hours in total.
Are There Toilets At Quinninup Falls?
No, there are not toilets located at Quinninup Falls themselves, however there is a toilet at the Moses Rock Road Carpark.
Is Quinninup Falls Dog Friendly?
No, you cannot take your dog to Quininup Falls as it falls within the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, and dogs are not allowed in National Parks in WA. We have a great list of Dog-Friendly Activities In Margaret River if you’re looking for other things to do while visiting Margaret River with your dog!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Quinninup Falls?
Quinninup Falls are best viewed in Winter, or early Spring, after rainfall. It’s still nice to visit other times of year, the waterfall just won’t be as heavy, or could even not be flowing. If you’re not sure, check with your local accommodation provider and they’ll be able to let you know.
What Else Should I Know About Quinninup Falls?
Quinninup Falls is a beautiful natural attraction that is well worth a visit if you are in the Margaret River area.
Just remember that Quinnup Falls is a place of great importance to the local Wadandi People, so stay on the track, be respectful, and don’t disturb any native plants or animals. This ensures that the Falls will be there for generations to come!
Be sure to keep the above tips in mind when planning your trip, and you’re sure to have a great time at the Falls!
Wrapping Up: Quinninup Falls Margaret River
After a half-day at Quinninup Falls, you’ll definitely have some great stories to tell. This quiet spot in Margaret River is adventure getting there will give you a peaceful feeling being surrounded by nature. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good hike or just wants to escape the noise for a bit.
So, take a deep breath, enjoy the calm, and remember to leave the place just as beautiful as you found it!
Read More on Nature and Outdoors:
Australia Travel Planning Guide
🚑Should I buy Australian travel insurance?
100% YES! — Australia has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I like SafetyWing – their Nomad Insurance starts at just $1.50 USD a day!
🚗Should I rent a car in Australia?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!
🏨What’s the best way to book my Australian accommodation?
My go-to for Australian hotels is Booking.com. Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!
If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!
