Western Australia is home to thousands of species of wildflowers, more than 50% of which can be found in Australia’s Coral Coast. Many of these blooms cannot be found anywhere else on earth, making the region one of the best places to see Western Australia’s wildflowers.
From late July to early October, Australia’s Coral Coast bursts into colour as the season spans the region delivering carpets of everlastings and unique species of wildflowers across outback plains and rugged landscapes.
The region is of significant scientific interest when it comes to wildflowers. There are several biodiversity hotspots including Coalseam Conservation Park, Lesueur National Park, Cape Range National Park and Kalbarri National Park. Of these sites, several species are endemic and several rare species can only be found in those areas.
In the south of the region, Lesueur National Park, two hours north of Perth, is one of the most diverse and rich floral areas in the world. Home to approximately 10% of Western Australia’s known flora, 111 species are endemic to the region, of which 10 are rare and 9 are only found in the park.
Lesueur National Park boasts an exceptionally diverse range of flora, with more than 900 species comprising over 10% of the State`s known flora. With an 18-kilometre sealed drive trail traversing the Park, 4 walk trails ranging from class one to class four, and trails ranging from a short 2.5-kilometre loop to a 26-kilometre overnight trail with camping facilities, there are viewing opportunities for all.
Located 1 ¾ hours inland Mingenew Hill offers breathtaking rural views, while a few minutes’ drive from the town, nearby Depot Hill is known for its beautiful wildflower walking trails. Coalseam Conservation Park is best known for its colourful carpets of pink, gold, cream and white everlasting flowers that burst into bloom each season surrounded by a dramatic terrain of rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops and red soil. Located an easy 1-hour drive east of Geraldton, the towns of Pindar and Mullewa are renowned for the rare and unique Wreath Leschenaultia flower that blooms along the side of gravel roads.
Heading further north, Kalbarri National Park houses 800 species of native flora, including the endemic Kalbarri Spider Orchid. Shark Bay, further north again, has the state’s longest wildflower season with over 700 species of flowering plants from May to October. The outback town of Carnarvon has some of the state’s more unusual looking wildflowers, with the Green Bird Flower, shaped just like a hummingbird and found in and around the town and also in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth.
The season can be experienced on a self-drive holiday using Australia’s Coral Coast’s suggested itineraries, with recommended locations starting under 2 hours north of Perth. In the region, there are several tourism operators delivering a variety of guided tours offering expertise on local wildflowers. For more information on Wildflower season, visit Australia’s Coral Coast – https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/see-do/wildflowers
