Following the Wildflowers in WA: Seasonal Hotspots

Wildflowers abloom in Mount Augustus National Park, Gascoyne. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Over 12,000 wildflower species bloom each year across Western Australia (WA). The spring display starts up north where it’s warmer, commencing in June and July in the Pilbara before heading south through the northern part of the Goldfields-Esperance region and Coral Coast. By September, the flowers are blooming in Perth and further south to Margaret River in November, when the season ends.

This colourful season is the perfect time to discover WA’s distinctive natural beauty on a day trip from Perth or a family holiday further afield. Follow the wildflowers in WA with this month-by-month guide to seasonal hotspots.

Karijini National Park’s magnificent wildflower display, Pilbara. Image credit: iStock

June: The North West region

The Pilbara

Sturt’s desert pea, mulla mulla, hibiscus and the Ashburton pea are some of the first wildflowers in the Pilbara to bloom, signalling the start of WA’s wildflower season. Many are endemic to the region and have adapted to survive in this arid climate.

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park’s dramatic red gorges and crystal-clear pools are a stunning backdrop for its seasonal wildflowers. Look out for the purple dampiera, pink-flowered goodenia, and the yellow blossoms of the Fitzroy wattle. Hike the park's extensive trail network, from viewing platforms overlooking the gorges to more challenging descents into chasms for rare species like the Hamersley lepidium

Millstream-Chichester National Park

Millstream-Chichester National Park is ideal for wildflower viewing—camp within the park or stay at nearby lodgings. See river red gums, coolibah, silver cajeput, desert bloodwood trees and the candlestick cassia’s yellow flowers, among many others. Explore the park’s trails and scenic hikes with wildflowers, ranging from 20-minute strolls to three-hour treks.

Stop at the Millstream Homestead for a glimpse into the lives of pastoralists. Nearby trails highlight the traditional use of plants for food and medicine by local Indigenous communities. Have a picnic at the spring-fed Python Pool or Deep Reach.

Skywalk views of Kalbarri in Australia’s Coral Coast. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

July: The North West & Midwest regions

Jurien Bay

Seeing wildflowers in WA is easy at Lesueur National Park, only 18 kilometres from Jurien Bay, with brightly coloured orchids, Gastrolobium, acacias, hibbertias and melaleucas. The Lesueur Scenic Drive has many places to stop for photos or just admire the display. It’s also one of the easiest places for people with limited mobility to experience the wildflower season.

Kalbarri National Park

Hundreds of wildflower species, including wattles, hakeas and white plume grevilleas, bloom at this time of year in Kalbarri National Park. The Kalbarri Skywalk extends over the cliffs with panoramic views of the Murchison River’s gorges. Take a guided tour with experts to uncover hidden spots where wildflowers, including rare orchids, bloom at their best. Beyond wildflowers, Kalbarri offers adventure activities like abseiling and seasonal rafting.

A kaleidoscope of colour blossoming in Coalseam Conservation Park, Mingenew. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

August: The Midwest and South West regions & Wheatbelt

Geraldton

A one-hour flight from Perth with Nexus takes you to Geraldton, which has many natural and cultural experiences in August. The Chapman River Regional Park features scenic tracks, native wildlife and over 300 species of native plants including wildflowers such as dampiera and spider flowers. An hour inland, Coalseam Conservation Park is a geological and wildflower hotspot where everlastings in various shades blanket the ground. Follow the Yamaji Drive Trail, which covers 14 sites of significance to the Indigenous communities of Geraldton, Greenough and Mullewa.

Wave Rock Trail

The Wave Rock Trail showcases changing landscapes and seasonal wildflowers. From Perth, the route passes country towns, sprouting wheat fields and thousands of wildflowers across the landscape. Stop at Wave Rock, near Hyden, an impressive ancient granite formation. Hike the walking circuit around the rock and Hippo’s Yawn, where various wildflowers, including rare orchids, flourish.

Avon Valley

Take the moderately challenging Numbat Trail through the Avon Valley National Park. The 12-kilometre loop through forested areas and open landscapes offers panoramic valley views. Admire the many wildflower species and stop at the boardwalks to take in the spectacle. The sanctuary is also home to native birds, reptiles, kangaroos and emus and you may even spot a numbat during your visit!

Pink everlastings take centre stage in King’s Park and Botanic Garden, Perth. Image credit: Adobe Stock

August to September: Perth metropolitan region

Perth City Wildflower Trail

The best time to visit Perth for wildflower spotting is during August and September. If you’re travelling from the north, take a direct flight to Perth with Airnorth.

Explore the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Kings Park, where thousands of unique plant species thrive. Take the Discovery Walk and Bushland Nature Trail for wildflowers, such as everlastings, the black kangaroo paw and Eucalyptus kruseana, or opt for a free guided tour to learn about the park’s biodiversity. Enjoy the on-site cafes, manicured gardens and kids’ play areas.

Perth Hills

The Perth Hills boasts a range of bush walks, including the Bibbulmun Track, Wandoo Heights Wildflower Trail and Eagle View Walk. Look for spring blooms like dryandras, myrtles, pimelea and blue leschenaultia and admire the magnificent eucalyptus trees.

The Swan Valley

The Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, is also a wildflower hotspot. Bells Rapids features two trails lined with seasonal flora. The 2.5-kilometre River Walk is an easy stroll by the river while views on the three-kilometre Goat Walk overlook the flowering bushland. Watch out for kangaroos and native birds while you enjoy a picnic or sample regional cuisine at a nearby cafe.

Twilight Cove’s blue waters and white sand create a stunning backdrop during wildflower season in Western Australia. Image credit: Adobe Stock

September to October: Goldfields-Esperance, the South West & Great Southern regions

Stirling Range National Park

Stirling Range National Park is known for rare species like the Queen of Sheba orchid and the Stirling Range bottlebrush. Walking trails and lookout points let you see banksias, orchids and mountain bells up close, attracting honeyeaters and wrens. A 42-kilometre scenic drive winds through the landscape, perfect for photos and short strolls. Don’t miss Bluff Knoll, a place of significance for the Minang and Goreng people—read their fascinating cultural stories on the interpretive signs at Eastern Lookout.

Porongurup National Park

Porongurup National Park is known for its giant Karri trees, granite rocks and seasonal wildflowers. Walking trails lead through Marri, Jarrah and Karri forests with exceptional views of the Stirling Range, vineyards and expansive farmland. Yellow acacias, purple hovea and pink trigger plants bloom among the rocks. Look out for wildlife such as wallabies, southern brown bandicoots and antechinus amid the forest canopy.

Walpole

The forests around Walpole showcase native orchids and wildflower species. Drive the Giant Tingle Tree Scenic Route for lookouts and spot wildflowers on short walks, such as the Giant Tingle Tree and Circular Pool. Admire the view over the tingle tree canopy from the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Explore D’Entrecasteaux National Park, accessible from Northcliffe or Mandalay Beach, for its rare orchids, and take the easy cliff-top walk at Point D’Entrecasteaux for unbeatable coastal wildflower views!

Fitzgerald River National Park

Over 60 percent of Fitzgerald River National Park’s plant species aren’t found elsewhere! Spot a wide variety of animal and plant life at this UNESCO biosphere reserve, from vivid wildflowers to the elusive Western ground parrot. Visit between June and October, and you may also see southern right whales nursing their calves.

Torndirrup National Park

During wildflower season, Torndirrup National Park near Albany is filled with raw beauty, idyllic beaches, hiking trails and bursts of colour. For panoramic vistas and the rare granite banksias, take the 500-metre circular walk at Stony Hill or spot fan flowers among the coastal shrubs on trails near the Natural Bridge. The park also offers rock climbing, swimming or fishing.

Vibrant kangaroo paws emerge across Western Australia during wildflower season. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

November: Goldfields-Esperance & the South West region

Margaret River Region

As the wildflower season ends, take a Qantas flight from Perth to Busselton. From there, explore the 135-kilometre Cape to Cape Track with breathtaking scenery, orchids, wild geraniums and vanilla lilies. While the full hike takes five to eight days, shorter day walks are also possible. A guided tour helps you discover more about the area’s natural and cultural significance and local ecosystems.

Cape Le Grand National Park

Cape Le Grand National Park, 50 kilometres from Esperance offers more than white sandy beaches for swimming and fishing. During wildflower season, the heathlands become a kaleidoscopic spectrum of native flora, including the Western Australian Christmas Tree. Kangaroo paws and grass trees create a striking contrast against the granite peaks while banksias provide nectar for honeyeaters.

Native flora flourishing in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Discover the season’s wildflowers in WA from Perth

Base yourself in Perth city centre or explore the state to enjoy WA’s wonderful wildflowers from June to November. This nifty list of airport travel tips for domestic and regional travel can help make your journey through Perth Airport smoother and stress-free for the whole family. Book your airport parking online for cost-effective rates and take advantage of these value deals on snacks, meals and more before your wildflower adventure begins!

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.