A blooming good start to the wildflower season

Wildflower season has begun in Western Australia with the first burst of colour spotted in the Pilbara region, located in the north west of the state.

Providing a vibrant contrast to the dusty red earth and golden spinifex grass, the wildflowers in the Pilbara are unforgettable, as is the magic of Karijini National Park.

Located in the heart of the Pilbara, here you will find breathtaking gorges, crystal clear rock pools, waterfalls, stunning scenery as well as a vast array of wildflowers which are not only beautiful, but are also still used today by the local Aboriginal people for food, medicine and ceremonial purposes.

The Pilbara wildflower trail, however, is just one of the 11 unique wildflower trails throughout the state.

Home to more than 12000 different species of wildflowers, across 2.5 million square kilometres, Western Australia attracts thousands of interstate and overseas visitors between July and November each year to see and study its unique and rare varieties of wildflowers.

So, with so many wildflowers to see across the state how do you choose where to go?

To make it a little bit easier, Tourism Western Australia has produced a new Wildflower Holiday Guide which highlights the best wildflower and holiday experiences across the state.

In the heart of Perth city begin your wildflower journey in Kings Park and Botanic Garden – 406 hectares of natural bushland and walkways overlooking the beautiful Swan River. Alive with colourful plant and bird life, visitors can take a free guided walk at 10am or 2pm each day.

Travelling south of Perth will take you to the Southern Wonders Trail, home to the Stirling Range National Park and 1500 different species of native plants. Also covered on this trail are national parks and forests, beautiful wineries, breathtaking ocean scenery as well as the historic coastal town of Albany.

In the northern part of the state is the Cape Range Trail, located in the Coral Coast region. Fringed by the wonders of Ningaloo Reef on the west and protected by the Exmouth Gulf on the east, Cape Range will allow you to witness the unspoilt beauty of the stunning coastline and take in the bright and colourful array of more than 630 species of native flora.

This year wildflower enthusiasts will also have a new trail to explore in Western Australia with the launch of the spectacular Wave Rock Trail.

Located in Australia’s Golden Outback, the Wave Rock Trail is not only rich in native flora it also showcases West Australian icons including the historical town of York, WA’s first inland settlement, and the famous Wave Rock near Hyden.

To celebrate the start of wildflower season and the launch of the new Wildflower Holiday Guide, Tourism Western Australia is offering you the chance to win a Western Australian Wildflower experience for two people valued at approximately $4,000!

The prize includes return flights from your nearest Australian capital city, a five day Monkey Mia Wildflower tour with AAT Kings and one night pre and post tour accommodation in Perth. To enter simply visit the wildflower website at www.westernaustralia.com/wildflowers

On the website you will find more information on the wildflower trails, available tours, accommodation and car hire. You can also request a copy of the Wildflower Holiday Guide to take with you on your trip.

The Western Australian Visitor Centre is, in addition, a great source of information and can be contacted on phone + 61 8 9481 0190 or email [email protected].

Report by The Mole