Flower enthusiasts will get their fix when the state blushes with wildflowers from June to November.
From the vibrant fields of white and pink everlastings in the Goldfields, to the delicate spider orchids that bloom in the rocky landscape of the Kalbarri National Park, flower enthusiasts will get their fix when the state blushes with wildflowers from June to November.
WHERE TO GO
NorthWest | The striking Pilbara landscape undergoes a different style of transformation come wildflower season. While there may not be a mass of blooms compared to other regions, the flowers that do exist here have adapted to grow in stunning contrast to the environment, forming amazing vistas in counterpoint to the red colouring that characterises the landscape. In Karijini National Park you'll see Desert Poplar and Robinson's Desert Rose (among other blooms). Millstream-Chichester National Park plays host to flowers like Sturt's Desert Pea and the flowering Tall Mulla Mulla.
Coral Coast | Coalseam Conservation Park is famous for its Everlastings, and considered a must-see by many wildflower enthusiasts, as is Lesueur National Park, which is known for its range of flora on display. Kalbarri National Park is another gem of a location during wildflower season. The Cape Range Trail is a popular self-guided trail taking a minimum of three days to complete (obviously longer if you stop and smell the flowers). Starting at the sand dunes south of Minilya, travel through Exmouth Gulf and Vlamingh Head, before working your way to the Cape Range National Park, finishing at the Yardie Creek Gorge. (Check Tourism WA's Wildflower Guide for detailed directions and other popular wildflower trails).
Perth Surrounds | Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers free, guided walks throughout the year (with extra walks scheduled during the busy Kings Park Festival, held during wildflower season in September). If you have any queries, you can contact the visitor centre on (08) 9480 3634. The Swan Valley and Gidgegannup are other popular wildflower destinations. The Avon Valley National Park is also a wildflower adventure, about an hour's drive from Perth, and home to a large collection of native orchids. Consider camping for the night at the Bald Hill campground (park fees and camping fees apply).
Golden Outback | This region is brimming with blooms come wildflower season. Standout locations include Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park, Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve, and Karlkurla Bushland Park. The Central Wheatbelt visitor centre on (08) 9041 1666 is a great help for wildflower fans exploring the region. If in Kalgoorlie, consider picking up a Green Trail brochure from the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Centre – or even just stop in for a chat about the current wildflower scene. For a self-drive trip, the four-day Granite and Goldfields Wildflowers Drive through the Goldfields might appeal (visit www.australiasgoldenoutback.com).
SouthWest | The Stirling Range National Park is popular with bushwalkers, even more so during wildflower season, with well over 1000 types of species thriving in the area. Also head for Yeagarup Dunes in the D'Entrecasteaux National Park; the wildflowers in the surrounds are breathtaking. Fitzgerald River National Park boasts up to 1800 species of flowering plants and wildflowers, so for wildflower enthusiasts it's often considered a must. Stop in at the annual Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and Spring Festival if you're in the area at the time – it's a popular celebration of local blooms, with hundreds of specimens on display.
WILDFLOWER SEASON
- Wildflower season can stretch from late June through to early November (although August/September/October is generally considered a peak period), but can differ slightly each year and in each region, depending on weather conditions in the lead up.
- A number of national parks are great for wildflower viewing, so if travelling, consider a day out, or camp overnight in the park where applicable.
- In the southwest region it is recommended you avoid visiting wildflowers for up to two days after heavy rainfall, then stick to roads and tracks to avoid wet soil. Clean your shoes between sites, to help fight the spread of dieback.
- Resist the urge to grab a handful of blooms as a souvenir. Picking wildflowers is illegal!
- Local visitor centres are incredibly helpful come wildflower season. They can suggest wildflower-saturated areas to visit (including popular local trails and tours), offer helpful brochures specific to the region, and give advice on what may or may not be in season at the time of your visit. If you'd like to be able to identify the species you're sighting, purchasing some kind of wildflower directory is also worth considering.
Top Wildflower Destinations
- Kings Park
- Kalbarri National Park
- Goldfields
- D'Entrecasteaux National Park
- Stirling Range National Park
