Western Australia’s Wildflowers
Of all the states, none compare to Western Australia for its magnificent array of wildflowers. There are more than 12,000 species of wildflowers in Western Australia, making it the world s largest collection. It s a staggering sight to behold, especially when you consider 60% of Western Australian wildflowers are found nowhere else on Earth.
The wildflower season commences in the north of the region in June and finishes in the south during December so you can enjoy their glorious carpets of colour and curious blooms for six months of the year. Although Western Australian wildflowers can often be seen from the roadside, many interesting species can be found a short distance off the road and the local visitor centres will be happy to point you in the right direction. For information on the many outback wildflower trails, call a local visitor centre for information about the variety and location of wildflowers in bloom.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or extended outback driving holiday, download a copy of the Western Australian Wildflowers Holiday Guide, visit the Wildflowers WA website, or download a Wildflower Self Drive Trail.
- Western Australian Wildflowers Holiday Guide
- Explore Western Australia’s Wildflowers
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- Self-Drive Scenic Tours
The Western Australian Botanic Garden, an 18 hectare site within Kings Park, is the best place to go for an inmtroduction to Western Australia’s wildflowers. The Garden has a collection of 2000 species of Western Australian flora on display. Botanic Garden is part of the worldwide network of botanic gardens committed to plant conservation. It was established to showcase the flora of Western Australia to those visiting Perth for the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, although the official opening did not take place until 1965.
The Botanic Garden is today home to over half of Australia’s 25,000 plant species and the following popular landmarks: Conservation Garden; Gija Jumulu Boab Tree; Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain and Water Garden; Lotterywest Federation Walkway (a treetop walkway).
A bequest from Mr F. Wittenoom, a Western Australian pastoralist, was used to build the floral clock outside the restaurant in Kings Park. the clock was unveiled in 1962. The call of the Rufous Whistler, a bird found in Kings Park bushland, indicates the half hours. The landmark was removed in 2011 to allow for landscape improvements. It has been reinstated 200 metres south of its previous location, near the Western Australian Botanic Garden entry. The 2013 design features Australian plants as the roman numerals and a range of Western Australian native plants around the perimeter and in the clock centre.
Beginning in 1965, the Kings Park Festival has grown to a month long celebration of floral displays, live music, exhibitions, workshops, interpretive artworks, guided walks and family activities throughout September. Held to promote the beauty of Western Australia’s native wildflowers, the event now attracts over 500,000 people including gardening enthusiasts, families, school students, artists, seniors and fashion lovers.
The wildflowers of the Pilbara region, in Western Australia’s North West, are quite different to those found further south. Over half a million square kilometres of mangroves, off shore islands, deep gorges, mountain ranges, desert sand dunes and river pools ensure the Pilbara s flora is as diverse as the landscape. Vibrant floral shades contrast with the dusty red earth and golden spinifex grass. Watercourses are lined with river red gums, coolibah, silver cadjeput and desert bloodwood trees. Gorges contain permanent water supplies to support moisture loving plants like the common rock fig and rock kurrajong.
These interesting drives will lead you on a self-drive trip through some of the State s most breathtaking displays of Western Australian wildflowers. Among the 12,000-plus wildflower species scattered across the outback, you ll find carpets of pink, yellow and white everlastings stretching as far as the eye can see, as well as the unusual wreath leschenaultia.
The central agricultural region of Western Australia is home to one of the most diverse and colourful range of plants in the world. From fields of everlastings to the diverse flowering plants, you will continue to be amazed. Being one of the world’s richest flora areas, it has become known as Wildflower Country. Situated to the north of Perth, Wildflower Country runs from Moora in the south to Dalwallinu in the east and Mullewa in the north and Greenhead and Geraldton to the West. There are four main ways to explore Wildflower Country, Wildflower Way is the most Eastern Route or Midlands Road is the central route, avoiding the main highways. Both Brand Highway and the newly opened Indian Ocean Drive will also will lead you through to the heart of Wildflower Country and offer access to all the area has to offer.
