05 Sep 2019
Western Australia's wildflower season is well and truly underway with carpets blooming in the State's mid-north west regions.
For the first time, wildflower enthusiasts can track where to locate the latest wildflowers State-wide, following the launch of an interactive Wildflower Tracker, which also gives users the opportunity to contribute photos and flower recordings from their travels.
Western Australia Visitor Centre Manager Troy De Souza said the new online tracker is a fantastic way for people to stay up-to-date on the latest blooms.
“The tracker is updated regularly as reports of new flowers come in, so users have an accurate guide on where to find wildflowers across the season.
“It will greatly assist travellers choose where and when they would like to embark on a wildflower trail across many of WA's hotspots, such as the carpets of everlastings and wreath flowers found in the greater Geraldton area,” said Troy.
WA's wildflower season typically begins in July in the northern areas of the Pilbara, Goldfields and Coral Coast, before moving south to Perth by September, and finishing in the forests and coastal heaths of the South West in November.
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours Managing Director Gene Hardy operates seasonal guided and year-round self-guided tours of the Cape to Cape Track in the Margaret River region, which sees more than 8,000 species of wildflowers and 300 species of delicate orchids blooming between August and November.
“Our expert guides love showcasing the unique and interesting species that flower across spring to guests hiking the Cape to Cape Track, which takes in spectacular coastal and forest scenery from the northern tip of Cape Naturaliste to the southern end of Cape Leeuwin.
“Being one of the world's only biodiversity hotspots, the State's South West region is without doubt a prime location for wildflower spotting, and perfectly suited to those with a passion for nature and wildlife,” said Gene.
Overall, WA is home to the world's largest collection of wildflowers, with more than 12,000 species – 60 percent of which are found nowhere else on earth.
A number of WA wildflower scenic drives and walking trails are on offer for visitors, in addition to organised tours with a range of tourism operators, including Luxury Outback Tours, ADAMS Pinnacle Tours and Outback Spirit Tours.
For more information:
WA Wildflower Guide
Interactive Wildflower Tracker
Annual events
Chittering Spring Festival
August 24 to September 15, 2019
Chittering Spring Festival has evolved into a three week celebration of all things Chittering, including wildflowers, art, heritage and the region's natural beauty. With more than 20 events held across three weeks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Kings Park Festival
September 1 to 30, 2019
See thousands of extraordinary wildflowers from all across WA blooming in one spot at the spectacular Kings Park and Botanic Garden, right on the steps of the Perth CBD. Celebrating the greatest wildflower show on earth, the month-long festival hosts a number of free events, including outdoor exhibitions, guided walks, art displays and family activities.
Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show & Spring Festival
September 9 to 21, 2019
Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, natural rugged beauty and national parks, the Shire of Ravensthorpe shows off its incredible wildflowers and other flora at this show and festival. More than 600 botanically identified native flower specimens will be on display, or visitors can head further afield by taking part in guided flower walks or four-wheel-drive tag-along tours.
Bloom Festival
September 21 to October 20, 2019
A month of fabulous and varied events celebrating spring across the upper Great Southern region of Western Australia. Bloom Festival hosts a program of more than 60 events, incorporating wildflower displays, exhibitions, informative workshops, guided walks and food events.
