View from behind the curtain of Little Mertens Falls across a tranquil pool surrounded by lush vegetation and sandstone rocks.

    Little Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australia.

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    Mertens Falls

    Water Feature

    Mertens Falls is a seasonal waterfall on the Mitchell Plateau in the northern Kimberley, where a creek drops from the sandstone plateau into a deep gorge. The falls and surrounding escarpment form part of the walking route toward Mitchell Falls, with pools, exposed rock and open woodland along the drainage. The vertical drop, layered gorge walls and elevated viewpoints provide opportunities for landscape and geological photography.

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    Gallery

    View from behind the curtain of Little Mertens Falls across a tranquil pool surrounded by lush vegetation and sandstone rocks.

    Little Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australia.

    Aerial view showing Mitchell Falls and Big Mertens Falls plunging into separate deep pools between towering sandstone cliffs on the Mitchell Plateau.

    Aerial view of Mitchell Falls and Big Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau, Kim…

    Aerial view of the Mitchell River winding through rugged sandstone gorges toward Mitchell Falls, with Big Mertens Falls visible in the distance.

    Mitchell River flowing toward Mitchell Falls, with Big Mertens Falls in the dist…

    Deep plunge pool beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of Big Mertens Falls, with the waterfall reduced to a trickle during the dry season.

    Big Mertens Falls during the dry season, Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Au…

    Aerial view of Mitchell Falls and Big Mertens Falls dropping into separate pools amid rugged sandstone cliffs and the vast Mitchell Plateau.

    Aerial view of Mitchell Falls and Big Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau, Kim…

    Ferns, moss and hanging roots thrive beneath the shaded rock overhang behind Little Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau.

    Behind Little Mertens Falls on the Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australi…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Moderate Hike

    45–90 min

    Elevation Gain

    100 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Golden Hour

    Low-angle light reveals texture and layering in the sandstone gorge while creating separation between the waterfall, escarpment and surrounding vegetation.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer brings heavy seasonal flow, greener vegetation and water-filled pools during the Kimberley wet season. Winter brings progressively lower water levels, drier vegetation and stronger ochre tones across the exposed sandstone gorge.

    Crowds

    Usually Quiet

    Restrictions

    4×4 Required
    Seasonal Access Risk
    Fee Common

    Mertens Falls is reached from the Mitchell Plateau campground along the walking route towards Mitchell Falls. Access to the plateau is remote and normally requires a high-clearance 4WD during the dry season, with roads subject to seasonal closure and changing conditions. The route crosses exposed and uneven sandstone terrain, and water levels vary considerably through the season. Current park, road and cultural-site conditions should be checked before travel.

    Photography Notes

    The main compositions use the waterfall and deep sandstone gorge together to communicate the scale of the drop. Wide lenses suit elevated views incorporating the gorge, surrounding plateau and watercourse, while longer focal lengths isolate the falling water, rock layers and vegetation along the cliff edges. Lower-angle light strengthens sandstone texture and gives greater separation to the gorge walls. Water volume changes markedly through the dry season, so the character of the falls can differ substantially between visits.
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