Wildflower Holiday Guide - Western Australia

Couple in field of wildflowers
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Western Australia’s
Wildflowers
Mention wildflowers and most people think of Western Australia – and it’s no wonder.
With up to 12,000 species found within its borders and many unique to the state,
Western Australia’s wildflower season draws visitors from all over the world.
The wildflower season ranks as one of Western Australia’s most
fascinating and precious natural treasures. For several months of
each year, wildflowers are scattered across 2.5 million square
kilometres of terrain. As diverse and colourful as the locals, the
uniqueness and natural beauty of the wildflowers attract
thousands of tourists and scientists every year.
Rain and sunshine greatly influence the timing of the wildflower
season, causing it to span over several months and regions. In the
north of the state, wildflowers will appear in July with early rains
hastening their arrival. As late as November a blaze of wildflower
colour will take over the south, where the warmer weather
produces a totally different collage of species.
While the north is home to many species of coastal and inland
wildflowers, it is best known for its everlastings.
Fields of these lollipop-shaped flowers in yellow, pink and white
are found in various inland areas, often along road verges.
The 186,000ha Kalbarri National Park teems with wildflowers
and visitors can expect to see kangaroo paws, Banksias, eucalypts
and Grevilleas.
Australia’s Coral Coast is home to the pristine Shark Bay World
Heritage Area. As well as rugged outback terrain and pure white
beaches, visitors can also see a large variety of wildflowers, some
of which are unique to the area. Wattles, Hakeas, Dampiera,
purple peas and Shark Bay daisies are common.
The Pilbara, in Australia’s North West, produces yellow native
hibiscus, bluebells, sticky cassia, mulla mulla, native fuschias and
many more.
To the east is Australia’s Golden Outback with its fields of
everlastings as well as Acacia, Hakea and Sturt’s desert pea.
Wildflower Holiday Guide 2009 | wildflowerswa.com