Mention wildflowers and most people think of Western Australia - and it is 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 mysterious terrain. As diverse and colourful as the locals, the uniqueness and natural beauty of the wildflowers attract thousands of tourists and scientists every year.
Rains and sunshine greatly influence the timing of the wildflower season, causing it to span 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 Golden Outback and Coral Coast is home to many species of coastal and inland wildflowers they are also known for 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 teams with wildflowers and visitors can also expect to see kangaroo paws, banksias, eucalypts and grevilleas.
The Coral Coast is also home to the pristine Shark Bay World Heritage Area and the Cape Range National Park. As well as rugged outback terrain and pure white beaches, visitors to the area 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 region further north produces yellow native hibiscus, bluebells, sticky cassia, mulla mulla, native fuschias and many more. To the east is the Kalgoorlie-Goldfields region with its fields of everlastings as well as acacia, hakea and Sturt's desert pea.
The southern regions are home to wide range of rare and unique flora. Dainty flowers such as orchids, milkmaids, honeypots, green kangaroo paws and mountain bells give colour to green fields. More than 150 species of orchids are known to inhabit the area, along with grass trees like the kingia australis, scented plants like the brown boronia and more than 165 species of eucalypts. The region also boasts 80 species of carnivorous plants such as the Albany pitcher plant and mistletoes including the amazing Western Australian Christmas tree. Areas such as Esperance, Pemberton, Denmark, Northcliffe, Albany and Margaret River are popular wildflower regions and most celebrate the season with wildflower events.
While a tour of regional areas is a popular way of experiencing wildflowers, visitors to Perth in September need only go as far as Kings Park in the heart of the city to view a stunning selection. The Kings Park Wildflower Festival is an annual event which showcases the best of Western Australia's wildflower varieties and draws more than 50,000 visitors. The Park's 400-hectare Botanic Garden has more than 1,700 native species and more are grown in display glasshouses and an endangered flora garden.
With warm daily temperatures around 20 - 25 degrees celsius, springtime is a perfect time to enjoy the incredible unique beauty of nature in Western Australia.
Visit the Wildflowers WA webiste for further information.
For more information about a holiday in Western Australia contact the Western Australian Visitor Centre on 1300 361 351.