Spring has certainly sprung over the last week. The sun has suddenly popped itself out from behind the clouds, and things are looking up. The best bit is, for those that don’t know, Western Australia actually hosts the biggest collection of wildflowers in the world! That’s right, in the whole WORLD. Our state offers over 12,000 blooming flora varietals that completely come to life during the months of September and October. For wildflower enthusiasts, this guide can help you plan your next trip with orchid farms, tulip fields, and Australian natives on a famous bush walk up for grabs.
Kings Park & Perth Botanic Gardens
Kicking things off strong, the pride and joy of Perth – Kings Park is a fantastic starting point for those looking to experience some of the best wildflowers in just a few hours. The team here have meticulously manicured a 3km loop featuring over 3,000 varieties of flora that are 100% unique to WA. When you arrive, just look for the sign titled ‘3km Law Walk’ or ask one of the groundskeepers. For those with a bit more time up their sleeves, you can also do the 7km bush trail. If you are thinking the 7km walk is more up your alley, pack a lunch and snacks because there are a heap of vantage points along the walk to drop a rug and enjoy the views. Kings Park takes wildflowers very seriously, so seriously that if you can get down in September, there is an entire festival dedicated to them. Find out all the details here.
Bold Park Botanic Gardens
With some beautiful vantage points, Bold Park is perched high with views of the ocean and is aptly named the ‘sanctuary by the sea’. Here you can’t go past Zamia Trail Loop, which is just over 5km and takes advantage of Reabold Hill – probably one of the best lookouts in Perth. In terms of wildflowers, you won’t be disappointed in this department either with WA natives on show. Hot tip – drop past the visitors centre for a map and a chat with one of the friendly volunteers (they know the tracks like the back of their hands).
Araluen Botanic Park
If you are all about the tulips, Araluen Botanic Park is your answer. Between August and October each year, there is a festival dedicated to them. Coined the ‘kaleidoscope of colour’, this festival features 150,000 tulips of different colours and varieties. Just on the outskirts of Roleystone, Araluen Botanic Park is one you must add to your list and is a perfect day trip out of Perth. It’s got it all, from walks to waterfalls, creeks and extremely knowledgeable guides who are more than happy to map you out a custom walk depending on the wildflowers you are looking for!
Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track is also rated one of the worlds long-distance walking trails, covering a casual 1000kms from the hills of Kalamunda all the way to Albany in our deep south. Naturally, this track attracts walkers from all over the state for not only the trail but also the wildflowers along the way. Close to Perth, the marri forests of Mundaring have some of the most incredible displays of native wildflowers on the base of huge towering trees. We really recommend grabbing the guidebook for this one, as those looking to continue for longer than a few hours will need to map out the camping grounds etc.
Walyunga National Park – Swan Valley Region
Ok, so, if you are a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know we love the Swan Valley for a variety of reasons, such as wine tastings, gin distilleries and top-notch restaurants. So why not combine these with some light exercise next time by heading to Walyanga National Park? Located close to the Avon Valley, this national park features woodlands, low lying flora and walking trails that range from 3km to 15km. This is our pick for the perfect day trip – exercise in the AM, food and wine in the PM.
Wireless Hill – Melville
This one is our pick for a quieter, less known wildflower walk close to the CBD and is the perfect escape if life is getting a little hectic. Wireless Hill in Melville is just a short hop, skip and jump from Perth CBD and boasts some of the best eucalyptus in town. The council has invested some serious money into making the ‘Wildflower Trail’ extra special for visitors with a reliable walking track and clear signage. This one can be easily completed in only a half-day but is such an underrated option for the flora enthusiasts out there!
John Forrest National Park
Bring home the list this month is John Forrest National Park – a national park that takes its wildflowers very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that they have named a walking track after their famous flora. The ‘National Park Falls walk’ will offer the best of both worlds, where you’ll be able to witness some of Perth’s top flora before hitting a very impressive waterfall. We recommend visiting early in September as the water is still running and is the perfect backdrop for lunch by the riverbed.
So if you are a wildflower enthusiast or simply looking to dip your toe in, Perth has so much to offer. We really are lucky to have such a huge variety up for grabs and with COVID reducing tourists now is a great time to get out and also support local business along the way. If you and your friends are looking at organising a wildflower trip, we can help plan your transport to and from the tracks. Just drop us a line and we can chat.