Drive the Wildflower Way and discover nature’s breathtaking beauty as more than 12,000 wildflower species blanket the ground in Western Australia’s Wildflower Country.
Stroll through fields of white everlastings that create a scene fondly referred to by locals as Western Australia's ‘snow season’.
The wildflower season colours the state's landscape for about five months of the year – one of Australia's longest wildflower seasons – and is best enjoyed during August and September when the wildflowers to the north of Perth are at their most spectacular.
Wildflower Country runs from Moora in the south to Dalwallinu in the east, and from Mullewa in the north to Green Head and Geraldton in the west.
There are two main routes to explore the Wildflower Country, giving you the opportunity of taking one route for the outward-bound journey and returning via a different route.
The popular Wildflower Way is the most eastern route and runs from Dalwallinu in the south to Geraldton in the north, passing through Perenjori, Morawa and Mullewa on the way.
The Midlands Route is the most central route and takes in Coorow, Carnamah, Three Springs and Mingenew.
Alternatively, both the Brand Highway and the coastal Indian Ocean Drive pass through Wildflower Country, with the opportunity to visit the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park and Jurien Bay Marine Park along the way.
Wildflower Country is home to one of the most diverse and colourful range of plants in the world.
The western and southern section of Wildflower Country is home to a dense mixture of different plants, including the soft grey of smoke-bush, the scarlet flowers of the stag-horn bush and the pink and yellow of verticordias.
The eastern and northern Wildflower Country is a complete contrast, with carpets of everlastings, the unique and distinctive wreath flower as well as bright orange wild pomegranate and bright pink native foxgloves.
Look out also for the many species of orchids, grevillea, acacia, purple darwinia and dampiera, thryptomene, smokebush, woody pear, cassias, eremophila, blue cornflower and yellow bells.
This popular route takes you from Moora in the south to Geraldton in the north, passing through Dalwallinu, Perenjori, Morawa and Mullewa on the way.
Each wildflower season may vary from year-to-year: but typically the end of July – start of everlastings and wreath flower; mid-August – orchids, everlastings, wreath flower and wattles; September – wattles, end of orchids and wreath flower; and October – wattles.
Heading north from Perth into the Wildflower Country, must-see sights include…
Located on the banks of the Moore River and less than two hours drive north of Perth, Moora is recognised as the gateway to the wildflower displays in the wheatbelt.
The town also sits between two popular tourism attractions – New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, and the natural wonder of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes.
Moora is located on the junction of two very different botanical regions where the geology has produced different soil types and consequently different plant communities. To the east lie the ancient, 2000 million-years-old rocks of the Western Australian Shield. This area is characterised by fertile red soils and has been cleared for farming.
To the west are the younger rocks of the Dandaragan Plateau, covered with poor sandy soils. The fault line is marked by the course of the Moore River. The Shire of Moora is home to 2364 species of plants and animals.
Wildflower season here includes everything from York gums to banksia woodlands, wattle, blue dampiera, yellow kangaroo paws, pink and white feather flowers, smokebush, Christmas tree, saltmarsh honey myrtle, scarlet feather flowers, bush cauliflower, dryandras, lambswool, orchids, everlastings, salmon gums and lilac hibiscus.
View the magnificent wildflowers in season, admire the many historic buildings, murals and sculptures in town, then visit the granite outcrops at Bilya Rock and War Rock and not forgetting to check out the impressive Koolanooka Mine.
The great appeal of Moora lies in the excellent wildflower displays which occur in spring. There are many excellent walks and viewing points and the area is known to be home to some particularly exotic and rare species of orchids and flora.
Moora Heritage Trail – Get a taste of Moora on this fascinating walk that reveals historical buildings, galleries, public art pieces, and various points of interest in the town, including the Court House, three Gothic churches and the Drovers Inn, all of which were built in the period immediately before World War 1.
Various murals and statues in Federation Park depict the district’s agricultural and historical heritage.
Some of the best locations to discover wildflowers in Moora, include…
Cemetery-Airstrip Road Reserve – Discover a wonderland of smoke bush (conospermum), emu bush (eremophilas), wattles (acacias) and honey-myrtles (melaleucas) as well as huge donkey orchids, lemon scented sun orchids, catspaws and spider orchids (photo). The reserve is located next to the Town Cemetery.
Watheroo National Park – Discover a diverse range of native plants and spot kangaroos and native birds in this beautiful park that covers an area of around 444km² (171mi²),
The park sits on a sandy plain and is home to the extraordinary bush cauliflower and scarlet feather flower. Nearby Jingemia Cave is a shady picnic site to be enjoyed all year round.
Moora Wildflower Drive – This scenic drive showcases wonderful displays of wildflowers from July to November. Experience rare and beautiful species along the route. Particularly impressive are the avenue of native trees on Midlands Road, Prices Road and Jingemia Cave.
Candy’s Bush Reserve – This reserve features informal trails, plentiful wildflowers and orchids. The easy 1km circuit walk showcases displays of wildflowers and orchids between June and October.
The Bush Reserve – a patch of remnant salmon gum and wandoo woodland on the south east corner of Moora – boasts 11 species of orchid.
Stack Cooper Reserve – Enjoy a short 400m one way or 800m circuit walk through the four hectare reserve which features stands of salmon gums, shell orchids and York gum woodland. The reserve is located between Stack Street and Cooper Street.
Carnaby's Cockatoo Interpretive Trail – This interpretive 3.4km (2mi) one way or 7km (4mi) circuit walk takes you alongside the Moore River and through eucalypt woodland remnants. Interpretative signage along the trail showcases the preservation of the endangered Carnaby's cockatoo bird.
Visit between July and February and you might spot the endangered Carnaby’s (or short-billed) black cockatoo which comes to Moora to breed in the hollows of old Salmon Gums and Wandoo trees.
Karamarra Reserve – This 56ha reserve located 8km (5mi) west of Moora features different vegetation types, including orchids as well as casuarina obesa (sheoak) in the wetter soils along Dandaragan Road and thick melaleuca and prickly hakeas in the sandier York gum woodland. The reserve is best enjoyed in the winter and spring months.
Wheatbin Road Reserve – This 24ha reserve is located 5km (3mi) south of Moora on Wheatbin Road. Several tracks are available to view the vegetation, including hakea and dryandra (banksia).
Allocasuarina thicket gives way to acacia and York gum woodland to the south which is dotted with balgas (grass trees).
The prickly thickets are attractive for small birds to feed and hide. Blue calytrix leschenaultii (starflower), cowslip and blue china orchids can be seen during the winter months.
Watheroo Wildflower Drive – Watheroo is located 37km (23mi) north of Moora on the road to Geraldton. The drive passes around the edges of Watheroo National Park which covers an area of 1634ha and is rich in wildflowers during season.
Take Eagle Hill Road to Jingemia Cave – an unusual cave which is formed in chert, an unsealed rock that produces flora on the hillside that is very different from the surrounding areas.
Moora is located 170km (105mi) north of Perth via Bindoon.
Known as the gateway to the world of wattles (acacias), this region is home to the greatest density and most diverse range of acacia species in the world.
These golden shrubs can be seen brightening up road sides with their abundant yellow blossoms during wildflower season between July and October.
Located three hours drive north of Perth, Dalwallinu is the first town at the southern end of the Wildflower Way – a route that stretches north to Mullewa and showcases a range of beautiful wildflowers carpeting the countryside.
Learn more about the town by following a series of walks, and pop into the Dalwallinu Discovery Centre to discover the best wildflower spots. The centre is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Wreath flowers (lechenaultia macrantha) are usually found along Wubin East Road and Goodlands Road – but be sure to check their flowering stage with the Visitor Centre as timing can vary significantly with each season.
An assortment of orchids can usually be found at Mia Moon Reserve, Petrudor Rocks and Buntine Rock.
Get off the beaten track on a choice of interesting self-drive routes featuring good wildflower spots and local natural attractions. These include the Heritage Wattle Drive, Heritage Rabbit Proof Fence Trail and the Heritage Everlasting Trail.
Petrudor Rocks – Located 33km (20mi) east of Pithara and 44km (27mi) from Dalwallinu, this large granite outcrop offers several different varieties of wildflowers including patches of everlastings and wattles with different species flowering when in season.
Look out for gnarled kunzea emerging from cracks in the granite rock. Stroll around the top of the rocks to find orchids, rainbow plants and grevilleas flowering during the season.
Wubin Rocks – Discover displays of white, pink and yellow everlastings, as well as orchids, pimelea and wattles. Wubin Rocks is located 7km (4.3mi) from Wubin on the Great Northern Highway.
Buntine Rock – Located 3km (1.8mi) from Buntine on Buntine East Road, Buntine Rock provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Around the rock you can admire displays of everlastings, several types of orchids, wattles and melaleucas.
Mia Moon Reserve – Located 27km (16mi) from Dalwallinu off the Gunyida-Wubin Road, this granite outcrop, with a gnamma hole is surrounded by everlastings and several varieties of orchids.
Jibberding Reserve – See fields of pink, yellow and white everlastings in this reserve located 52km (32mi) north-east of Dalwallinu on the Great Northern Highway.
Wubin Wheatbelt Museum – Located on the Great Northern Highway, 24km (15mi) north of Dalwallinu, the Heritage Wheatbin Museum depicts Wubin's grain growing history through photographs, models and machinery.
There is also an extensive collection of minerals and rocks. The old wheatbin sits beside today's modern storage bins and offers a simple comparison between past and present-day grain handling.
Built in 1939 and heritage listed, the museum opens from 10am to 3pm daily, from June to October.
Dalwallinu is located 263km (163mi) north-east of Perth on the Great Northern Highway.
Get an authentic taste of Western Australia's outback and gold mining history at Paynes Find, which makes a fascination side trip off the Wildflower Way.
From late July to September, wildflowers are prolific in the area. White, cream, yellow and pink everlastings flow in carpets across the timeless landscape. Look out for the exquisite wreath flowers.
The circular wreath-like shrub with thousands of red to pink and yellow to white flowers looks like a man-made arrangement placed carefully on the ground.
Visit the old tavern, boasting a cellar hand-hewn from solid rock that was once used as a cool store. Spend the night in the historic roadhouse, with its original pressed tin walls and ceilings that date back to 1912.
The small community of Paynes Find is located 155km from Dalwallinu, and 420km from Perth on the Great Northern Highway.
Perenjori comes alive with impressive displays of wildflowers between July and October.
The area is notable for its carpets of pink, white and yellow everlastings, the unique and distinctive wreath flower (leschenaultia macrantha) and its unforgettable stands of wattle.
You can expect endless vistas of pink, yellow and white everlastings from mid-July to mid-November on road verges and in the bush country.
Orchids also abound in the region, with the best spots at Caron Dam and Orchid Ridge. For wreath flowers head to Wanarra Road, and for everlastings check out Camel Soak.
Follow the Rothsay Heritage Trail through pastoral and mining country to the John Forrest Lookout, with impressive views across the countryside. Further out sits the Rothsay townsite and abandoned mine, as well as historical grave sites and the abandoned Beryl mine.
Take a relaxing walk along the Perenjori People's Pathway, stroll among the beautiful gardens at the Geoff Trott Memorial Park and enjoy a BBQ at the gazebo. Or take a wander through the Dam Reserve for a chance to view an abundance of birds in their natural habitat.
People's Pathway – Ponder an eclectic collection of 24 rusty steel characters scattered along both sides of the main street on this short, one-way 1.35km walk through town. Each carries a simple interpretive sign telling their story.
The trail is marked for one-way travel only,in an anti-clockwise direction. Trail markers on green recycled plastic posts clearly mark each turn and junction along the way.
The People’s Pathway is a celebration of the people and community of Perenjori in the last 100yrs.
Perenjori Museum – Discover a collection of memorabilia from the districts' past, including a range of historical farm machinery, ploughs, binders, seeders and trucks as well as an impressive mural depicting the agricultural history of the area.
The Pioneer Museum is located on Fowler Street in a bank building dating from 1929. The museum is open from July to October from 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Monsignor Hawes Heritage Drive Trail – Located at the southern end of the drive, this self-drive trail takes you on a journey to numerous buildings created by architect-priest Monsignor Hawes between 1915 and 1939.
Perenjori’s Church of St Joseph is part of this trail. The complete trail takes you through the scenic Mid West and Murchison region on a four day self-drive tour of 15 buildings.
Monsignor Hawes buildings can be seen in Morawa, Kojarena, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Tardun, Perenjori, Carnamah, Nanson and Bluff Point, and remain as a dramatic and alluring testament to the skill and productivity of this remarkable man.
The trail takes you through diverse landscapes ranging from stunning beaches to the edges of the outback and colourful spring wildflowers.
Perenjori-Rothsay Heritage Trail – The Perenjori-Rothsay Heritage Trail is a 180km (112mi) round trip, which includes the Perenjori Museum, the John Forrest Lookout, the Rothsay townsite, the rabbit–proof fence road to the Camel Soak and the Mungar’s Lake Lookout, which overlooks a large salt lake.
The trail passes through the rich wheat growing area around Perenjori and moves east across native shrub and salt lakes to the station country around Rothsay.
Look out for native fauna such as galahs, emus, lizards and small marsupials as well as stands of native flora in particular the everlastings and the wreath flowers.
Caron Dam Walk Trail – Rail enthusiasts will enjoy the heritage-listed Caron Coal Stage – a reminder of the golden age of steam locomotives.
Follow the trail to the pump station to find an abundance of native orchids. The trail is located around 10km (6.2mi) south of town.
John Forrest Lookout – Located to the east of the town via the Perenjori-Rothsay Road, the John Forrest Lookout forms part of the Damperwah Hills and was discovered and named in 1869 when Forrest was looking for Ludwig Leichhardt.
The lookout was established as a survey point in 1897 and offers a superb 360° panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The walk to the lookout is 750m uphill. Picnic facilities and toilets are located at the base on the hill.
No. 2 Rabbit Proof Fence – Located 37km (23mi) east of Perenjori, the Vermin Proof Fence runs from north to south across the Perenjori-Rothsay Road.
The fence is regularly patrolled and well-maintained with the focus now on controlling wild dogs and emus rather than rabbits. Signage warns of cameras, fines and poison baits.
Camel Soak – Located 47km (29mi) east of Perenjori, off the Perenjori-Rothsay Road, the unusual Camel Soak is a granite water catchment which was sunk to provide water for the men and their camels who were building the Rabbit Proof Fence between 1903 and 1905. Today it is a popular picnic destination.
The water now attracts kangaroos and emus, and there are impressive orchids at the base of the rock.
Mongers Lake Lookout – Located off Wanarra East Road on the unsealed road north to Camel Soak, the Mongers Lake Lookout has a view over Mongers Lake. Although, the lake is often little more than a dry salt lake.
Rothsay – Explore the remains of this historic gold mining town. At its height, from the discovery of gold in 1894 to the closing down of the mine in 1902, more than 90,000 ounces of gold were extracted from the region.
Today all that is left are some deserted buildings, including the mine manager’s house and strong room, the foundations of the gold battery and some derelict shafts.
Rothsay lies approximately halfway between Perenjori and Paynes Find, around 69km (442mi) from Perenjori.
Perenjori is located 383km (238mi) north of Perth via National Highway 95.
Located four hours drive north of Perth, this sheep and wheat farming town is located in the heart of wildflower country.
From August to October, you can expect to see a stunning display of colourful and unusual outback wildflowers, including orchids, native foxgloves, grevillea, acacias, wreath flowers and carpets of everlastings.
The area was first settled around 1905 and was once home to the iron ore mine that supplied the first iron ore to be exported from Western Australia.
Here, you can explore the old gaol, courthouse and windmill collection at the Morawa Museum and look around the Church of the Holy Cross and The Old Presbytery. Don’t forget to check out the rock formations at Bilya Rock, Koolanook Springs and War Rock.
Morawa Museum – Discover the history of the district at the Morawa Museum, home to a remarkable collection of windmills, as well as memorabilia and vintage farm machinery.
The museum’s historic windmill collection is the only large, public display in Australia. The museum is located on the corner of Gill and Prater Street, and open from 9.30 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Saturday.
Koolanooka Springs – Enjoy a picnic lunch at historic Koolanooka Springs and keep an eye out for native animals and wildflowers.
This spring provided water to the early settlers of the area. Enjoy a panoramic view of outback Western Australia by scaling the ironstone formations encapsulating the spring.
Koolanooka Springs is an ideal place to have a picnic and view the abundant wildflowers. Facilities include toilets.
Koolanooka Hills Mine Site – A viewing area near the old mine site provides picnic facilities and panoramic views over the mine as well as an abundance of flora including species of everlastings, eremophilas, melaleucas, grevilleas, acacias, orchids and numerous other varieties during wildflower season.
Fauna here includes euro and grey kangaroos, lizards, ducks, wrens, bellbirds, thornbills, honeyeaters, hawks and finches.
Koolanooka Hills Mine Site is located 20km (12mi) east of Morawa.
Canna Wildflower Walk – Enjoy the wonderful wildflowers of Canna. Spend the day exploring the townsite of Canna and take one of the many walk trails through Canna Reserve.
Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail – Visit the Church of the Holy Cross and the small stone hermitage known as the Old Presbytery.
The Church, which was built out of locally quarried stone, was designed along Spanish Mission lines but with a simplicity and lack of the ornamentation which it unusual in Hawes' work.
The use of local stone, red Cordoba tiles, louvred shutters and heavy walls was an attempt to keep the building cool during the district's oppressive summer heat.
During 1933 Hawes built himself a Hermitage or Presbytery – a one-room lodge with just enough room for a bed, table and chair – which stands next to the church. Hawes used it when he was travelling through the area.
War Rock – Located 16km (10mi) north of Morawa via the Mullawa-Wubin Road and Pintharuka Road, the War Rock reputedly received its name when two local Aboriginal tribes fought over the land.
Today, the area is particularly impressive during the wildflower season and a series of silhouettes depicting the warring warriors have been placed with informative signage near the dam.
Bilya Rock – Located 30km (18mi) north of Morawa, this large granite outcrop Bilya Rock offers great views and is a pleasant spot for a picnic or bushwalk. Signage explains the early exploring history of the area.
Morowa is located 350km (217mi) north of Perth.
Known as the northern gateway to Wildflower Country, Mullewa is renowned for stunning displays of everlastings and flowering shrubs along the roadsides and surrounding nature reserves.
Look out for species such as hakea, heath brush and spider orchids, which create a sea of colour over the landscape in spring.
Check out the Mullewa Wildflower Show, held over four days at the Mullewa Town Hall in late-August or early-September during Wildflower Season.
The Mullewa Agricultural Show is also on at this time. Another annual event not to be missed is the Mullewa Muster and Rodeo, now known as one of the best Rodeo’s and Country Music Concerts in the Midwest. Held on the WA Day long weekend each year in early June or late May.
Two of the five walking trails in Mullewa are dedicated to wildflowers and are located in the outskirts of the town centre.
Mullewa Bushland Trail – This 2.3km (1.4mi) offers an insight into the local landscape, natural heritage and indigenous culture through several interpretative panels.
Along the way, look out for kangaroos, euros, lizards and bungarras (goannas) and plants used for bush medicine.
The walk is on the edge of town and takes around an hour to complete and also includes the Scenic Lookout, the best way to get an overview of Mullewa.
Wildflower Walk – This 2.8km (1.7mi) trail is an ideal way to familiarise yourself with some of Western Australia's most impressive wildflowers. Interpretative signage both indicates and provides detailed information about specific wildflowers.
The walk begins and ends on the opposite side of the road from the Mullewa Caravan Park on Lovers Lane at the western end of the town.
Mullewa Town Heritage Trail – Discover interesting facts about Mullewa's history on this short 1.1km circuit walk around the town centre, which passes 22 places of interest. Allow 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
Rail Heritage Loop – This 1.72km (1mi) trail explores the fascinating history of Mullewa's Railway past. Interpretative panels tell the story of the opening of the railway from Geraldton to Mullewa in 1894; the inland line to Northam in 1915; and the railway houses which developed in Mullewa in the 1940s.
The walk includes the Station Master's House, the Railway Institute and the Railway Station. Allow 30 to 40 minutes to complete the walk.
Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail – This short walk begins at the Mullewa Town Hall and ends at the Church and Museum (photo) that Monsignor Hawes designed and built. Along the way learn more about this remarkable man and his life.
Mullewa has the greatest number of Hawes' buildings, including the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul, the Priest House (now known as the Monsignor Hawes Priesthouse Museum) which stands nearby, the Mass Rock on the outskirts of town, and the headstone for Selby John Arnold in the town's Pioneer Cemetery.
Hawes was Mullewa's first resident parish priest. He arrived in the town in late 1920 and started building the church in 1927. It was to be his most personal and most original church and, as he wrote at the time, his devotion to the task was complete.
Butterabby Grave – This grave is on private property and is marked by a single piece of stone on which is written: 'In these graves lie James Rudd speared here at Butterabby 23 Sept 1864. Also Garder, Wangayakoo, Yourmacarra, Charlacarra, Williacarra. Natives sentenced in Perth and hanged here 28 Jan 1865 for the spearing of Thomas Bott at Butterabby 22 August 1864.'
The grave is a reminder of the conflict which led to the deaths of both Europeans and Aborigines throughout Australia as graziers moved sheep into land which the Aborigines had used for thousands of years.
Inevitably the Aborigines killed the sheep and fought the pastoralists. When James Rudd and a convict labourer, Thomas Bott, moved to Butterabby in 1864 they were moving into an area where Aboriginal-European relations were already tense.
On 22 August, after Bott had only been in the area for about three months, he was attacked by a group of five Aborigines who speared him, beat him up and took everything they could from his hut.
Bott survived until 18 September during which time he identified his attackers. The attackers were caught, taken to Perth and tried, found guilty, returned to the site of the murder and, watched by as many members of their tribe as the local authorities could find, were hung from a nearby gumtree.
The Butterabby site is located along the Mingenew Road west of Mullewa.
Mullewa is located 462km (287mi) north of Perth and 99km (61mi) east of Geraldton.
Yalgoo comes alive with spectacular displays of wildflowers between July and October.
The region is notable for its displays of everlastings, distinctive wreath flower (leschenaultia macrantha), bright orange wild pomegranate, bright pink native foxgloves, many species of orchids, grevillea, acacia, purple darwinia and dampiera, thriptomene, smokebush, woody pear, cassias, eremophila, blue cornflower and yellow bells.
Look out also for wildlife such as wedge-tailed eagles, kangaroos, lizards and emus, which can often be spotted racing through the bush.
Founded in the 1890s, the tiny historic settlement of Yalgoo oozes old-world charm and is filled with well-preserved heritage buildings from the beginning of the last century.
Check out the Court House Museum for gold rush history and displays of old photographs, the Dominican Chapel of St Hyacinth and Joker’s Tunnel, which was carved though solid rock by early gold prospectors.
Yalgoo is located 590km (360mi) north of Perth on the road from Geraldton to Mount Magnet.
This route through the central region of Wildlife Country, stretches from Mullewa in the north to Moora in the south.
Running south from Mullewa, this route avoids the main highways and takes you past Coalseam Conservation Park, Mingenew, Three Springs, Carnamah, Coorow and Moora.
Often described as the true heart and soul of the mid-west’s Wildflower Country, Mingenew is abundant in natural, amazing landscapes.
The town is also a short distance from Coalseam Conservation Park – arguably the holy-grail for wildflower lovers.
Follow one of the town's walking trails through a colourful blanket of gold, pink, cream and white everlastings. Pick a perfect spot for a picnic or climb to Mingenew Hill, a tree-covered red rock monolith, for breathtaking views of the Irwin Valley from its summit.
Mingenew Wildflower Walk – Located just southwest of the Mingenew Recreation Centre, the Mingenew Wildflower Walk is an ideal place to experience the many varieties of wildflowers, including local orchids, pink and yellow everlastings, bacon and egg, fringed lily and thriptomene.
Mingenew Hill Walk – Take this short 1km walk up to the iconic Mingenew Hill for sweeping views over the town and the surrounding countryside. It is also an excellent place to see wildflowers in season.
Depot Hill – Here you will find an abundance of wildflowers and native animals. From August to October be surrounded by a sea of pink everlastings and a mix of flowering shrubs and orchids including snail, donkey, spider, cowslips and purple tassels.
Depot Hill is particularly impressive during the wildflower season. A meandering pathway offers access to a rich, rare and colourful assortment of wildflower species, including orchids, everlastings, cats paw, thriptomene, dampiera and many more.
Depot Hill is located 12km (7.4mi) north-west of Mingenew on a bend of the Irwin River.
Mingenew is located 379km (235mi) north of Perth via Coorow and Carnamah.
Located between Mingenew and Mullewa, the Coalseam Conservation Park is one of Western Australia’s top wildflower regions and is renowned for its displays of native pink and white everlastings (rhodanthe chlorocephala ss. rosea) and yellow pom pom (cephalipterum drummondii) wildflowers.
Here, you may discover an explosion of colour during wildflower season, with everlastings, banksias, hakeas and grevilleas transforming the normally sparse understorey of wattle scrub.
Look out for wildlife that lives in the park including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, eagles and cockatoos.
The reserve is also rich in history and geology: It is the site of the first mined coal deposit in Western Australia, and exposed bands of coal seams can still be seen, along with the siltstones, claystones and sandstones that stripe the cliff faces and reveal 250 million years of geological history.
Due to its rugged topography, Coalseam Conservation Park has remained uncleared and is now a pocket of wilderness in the surrounding open farmland.
Head to the Irwin Lookout for panoramic views overlooking the valley and the Irwin River. Signage recounts the history of the mine area, which was first used in 1917.
The park offers a choice of walking trails for wildflower spotting.
Plateau Loop Trail – This 3.2km (2mi) return trail begins at Miners campground and meanders through a rare eucalypt woodland leading to a plateau ridge with sweeping valley views. Allow one to three hours for the walk and to fully enjoy the majestic landscape.
Camping is available at two designated sites within the park, Breakaway or Miners. Note: drinking water is not available, so you need to bring your own supplies. Toilet facilities are located within the park.
Coalseam Conservation Park is located around 30km (18mi) north-east of Mingenew, and 60km (37mi) south of Mullewa.
Three Springs is a beautiful little town in the heart of Wildflower Country. Renowned for its picturesque townscape and old-style wheat silos, which are clearly visible from roads leading into town.
The name ‘Three Springs’ is derived from three original water springs located to the north-east, used by the early settlers and drovers for stock watering purposes.
The area around the town is known for the wildflowers which bloom between August and October. The wildflower rest area at the southern end of town and the Visitor Information Centre also features an impressive native garden and herbarium.
Three Springs Heritage Trail – Enjoy a pleasant stroll around the town which includes several historically interesting buildings.
Talc Mine Lookout – Located 10km (6.2mi) east of Three Springs is Western Australia’s first talc mine. A lookout provides views over the the mine site.
Talc is mined by open cut method and exported for use in paper, paint and ceramic industries. Three Springs talc is also processed in Western Australia for cosmetics, agriculture and carving blocks.
The mine is the largest talc mine in the southern hemisphere and the second largest in the world with an annual production exceeding 100,000 tonnes.
Eucalyptus Rose Mallee – The floral emblem of Three Springs, the Rose Mallee (eucalyptus rhodantha) is a rare species of eucalypt that flowers between June and October.
It can be found around the townsite and 18km (11mi) west of Three Springs along Sweetman Road.
Pink Lakes – In spring the saline lakes turn pink, which is particularly clear on overcast days. The colour is caused by carotene from a type of algae which gives the lake a distinct pink hue.
Pink Lakes are located 8km (5mi) east of Three Springs on the Perenjori-Three Springs Road.
Yarra Yarra Lakes Nature Reserve – Located 16km (10mi) south of Three Springs, the Yarra Yarra Lakes are home to various species of bird life including, swans, pelicans, ducks and the Siberian stilt.
The lake is 25km (15mi) long and 9km (5.6mi) wide and covers 119km² (46mi²).
The intermittent salt lake system provides unique scenery and is a great spot to stop and take in the view and enjoy some birdwatching.
Mica Mine Thicket – This large stand of natural bushland in Dookanooka National Park is impressive with its wildflowers in the spring and is home to a rich variety of native fauna.
Dookanooka National Park is located 18km (11mi) south-west of Three Springs on the Eneabba-Three Springs road.
Three Springs is located 325km (202mi) north of Perth via the Midlands Road.
Both the Brand Highway and the Indian Ocean Drive also lead you through to the heart of Wildflower Country and offer access to the area’s wealth of natural attractions.
Discover one of Australia’s most intriguing landscapes: the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.
These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as 3.5m (11ft), were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells.
Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.
In addition to the amazing Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park is also known for its beautiful coastal dune systems, low heathland rich in flowering plants, and white-sand beaches at Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay.
At the northern end of the park near the town of Cervantes, there is a loop trail and boardwalk at Lake Thetis where you can see fascinating rock-like structures called stromatolites, created by micro-organisms too small for the human eye to see.
Nambung National Park covers an area of 174km² (67mi²), providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
Nambung National Park is located just 17km (10mi) from Cervantes.
More about Nambung National Park…
Explore the long sandy beaches, dive or snorkel the reef that teems with colourful coral and fish. Join a fishing charter or get up close and personal on a cruise visiting friendly seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales.
Boasting an extensive limestone reef system and a large shallow lagoon, Jurien Bay provides the perfect habitat for Australian sea lions, dolphins and a myriad of juvenile fish.
Extensive seagrass meadows inside the reef shelter armies of marine animals such as western rock lobsters, octopus and cuttlefish that are the favourite food for young sea lions.
The marine park also surrounds dozens of magnificent and ecologically-important islands that contain rare and endangered animals found nowhere else in the world.
The marine park is the perfect spot for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, surfing and fishing.
Jurien Bay Marine Park is located 26km (16mi) north of Cervantes.
More about Jurien Bay…
Recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot, Lesueur National Park is one of the most important flora conservation reserves in Western Australia.
The park erupts into colour in late winter and spring as the park’s diverse flora blooms, making it a paradise for wildflower enthusiasts.
Covering an area of 9.8km² (3.8mi²) Lesueur National Park is home to over 900 plant species – 10 percent of Western Australia’s known flora – including acacias, hibbertias, leschenaultias, melaleucas, gastrolobiums.
You can see different orchids including pink enamel, purple enamel, cowslip, blue lady, white spider and donkey orchids. Several varieties of kangaroo paw are predominant during spring.
Lesueur National Park is located 27km (16mi) northeast of Jurien Bay and 250km (155mi) north of Perth on the Brand Highway.
Stroll the tree-lined main street past historic buildings on the 4.6km (2.8mi) long Dongara Heritage Trail.
The walk takes around one hour and passes most of the impressive buildings in the town. It starts at the Royal Steam Flour Mill and includes Priory Lodge, Russ Cottage, the Old Police Station and Court House, the Church of St John the Baptist and the gracious houses on Hunts Road.
Russ Cottage, built in the late 1860s is typical of a yeoman’s cottage of the time. Later cool off with a swim on the excellent beaches in the area.
Located on the coast just four hours drive north of Perth, Dongara and neighbouring Port Denison are often referred to as the 'Rock Lobster Capital', for the numerous crustaceans caught in season.
Please note: While exploring the Wildflower Country take nothing but photos; leave nothing but footprints.
Western Australian law prohibits the picking of wildflowers and offenders can expect a hefty fine of up to AU$2000. Instead, purchase dried wildflowers from the numerous craft and souvenir shops found all over the state.
Respect private propert and don't trespass. Protect Canola crops and prevent the spread of disease by staying out of canola fields.
To conserve native flora and fauna, no domestic animals are permitted in national parks.
Wildflower Country runs from Moora in the south to Dalwallinu in the east, and from Mullewa in the north to Geraldton in the west.
There are two main routes to explore Wildflower Country: the Wildflower Way starts in Dalwallinu and passes through Perenjori, Morawa, Mullewa and ends up in Geraldton.
The Midlands Route runs from Geraldton in the north down through Mingenew, Three Springs, Carnamah and Coorow to Moora.
Both the Brand Highway and the Indian Ocean Drive also pass through Wildflower Country and offer access to the area’s wealth of natural attractions, including the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park and Jurien Bay Marine Park.
Latest update: Top attractions in the Wildflower Country: 19 April, 2022
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