Wildflowers

An astounding 60 per cent of WA's wildflowers are found nowhere else on earth. The Amazing South Coast displays a rich diversity of many of those species, making it something of a nature gallery for rare and unusual floral species.

Between late August and December each year the region blooms with spectacular wildflower displays, ranging from rare orchids and carnivorous plants, to vivid ground covers and delicate mountain bells.

The Amazing South Coast region boasts over half of Western Australia's 13,000 plant species, with some so rare that they are only found in a few places in the world. This includes the endangered Granite Spider Orchid and the Queen of Sheba.

Finding wildflowers on the Amazing South Coast is accessible to everyone whether you are searching for the rare and exotic or just looking to enjoy being outdoors while looking for these seasonal blooms.

Remember to follow these simple rules and you are sure to enjoy your time spotting wildflowers in Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker:

1. Contact the Amazing South Coast visitor centre on 6820 3700 for the latest information on Wildflower blooms and to pick up a copy of the wildflower guide. 
2. The guide can also be downloaded here, or visit The WA Wildflower Guide for information on a local  self-drive trail to help you plan your trip.
   
3. Once you're onsite and ready to start searching, begin by walking slowly and keeping your eyes peeled.
4. Make sure you take your camera! We love to see what's blooming across the Amazing South Coast so don't forget to share your best images with us using the hashtag #theamazingsouthcoast  
5. Stick to paths to avoid damaging basal leaves that have not yet developed into an orchid.
6. Remember that you must not pick wildflowers or remove seeds or pods.  There are penalties for people caught picking wildflowers.
7. Please observer signs in Dieback-prone areas. For more information on Dieback visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Site.

To help you enjoy Spring on the Amazing South Coast we have complied some of our favourite places around the region to spot wildflowers.

Finding Wildflowers in Albany 

Visit the Albany Heritage park and take hunt for flowering trees and shrubs along the trains of  Mt. Adelaide and Mt. Clarence. Maps of the trails can be found on the National Anzac Centre Website

The Regional Wildflower Garden  at Discovery Bay has species from across the region in its purpose built wildflower garden.  Entry to the graden is included in the cost of entry to Albany's Historic Whaling  Station and as part of the Amazing South Coast Pass.

To the West of Albany take a stroll along the Bibulmun Track from Cosy Corner and see what you can spot or head to West Cape Howe National Park, Western  Australia's most southerly point.

To the East of Albany a visit to Gull Rock National Park and Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve may reward you with some of our rarer wildflowers.

Finding Wildflowers in Bremer Bay

The Fitzgerald River National Park is one the regions largest biodiversity hotspots with nearly 20% of Western Australia's floral species found inside the parks boundaries. 

Finding Wildflowers In Denmark

To the West of Denmark is William Bay National Park, home of greens pool, Elephant rocks and wildflowers, take one of the bush trails and see what is blooming. 

Starting at the Denmark river mouth the Wilson Inlet Heritage Walk is a 12km walk easy walk along the Denmark River and Wilson Inlet, with stunning views this is a wonderful way to spend half a day.  After working up an appetite why not stop in Denmark for lunch at one of the many Cafes or Wineries. 

To the North of Denmark sits Mount Lindsay National Park, dominated by a granite out crop some of the plant species found here are found nowhere else in the world.

Finding Wildflowers in the Porongurups & Stirling Ranges

Some of the best shows of flowers in the region can be found in the Porongurups & Stirling Ranges.  To the East of Albany the Porongurups are home to some spectacular wild flower walks.

Castle Rock & the Granite Skywalk is a challenging 4.4km walk with spectacular views.  For those who are feeling less energetic there is the 1km  Walitj Meil Walk Trail.

With over 1500 species of plant with over 100 that are unique to the area the Stirling Range National Park is a must do for wild flower lovers.  You don't have to venture  too far off the track to find orchids and wildflowers.  Orchids grow along the side of the road and along fire breaks.   

One of the best ways to see Orchids and Wildflowers on the Amazing South Coast is to join a tour.   To join a wildflower tour in the Porongurups check out our friends at Down Under Discoveries and in the Stirling Range tours are run by the team at Stirling Range Retreat. 

Albany Bottle Brush - Blooms between September and October, found in woodlands and swamps.

Scarlet Banksia - Blooms May to January, found in woodland and heath, grows in sandy soils.

Queen of Sheba - Flowers June to September found in woodland and heath.

Pink Enamel orchid - Flowers October to December in woodland and heath.

A Hakea - Flowers July to August, grows on gravel, dolerite clay.

Gillam Bell - Flowers August to November, found on stony, peaty sand.