There’s no better time to admire Western Australia’s beauty than in spring, when the diverse state is blanketed in colourful wildflowers.

Western Australia blooms with the largest collection of wildflowers on Earth – the state comes alive during the wildflower season with more than 12,000 species, 60 per cent of which are only found in Western Australia. Generally starting in June and flowering until October, the timing of wildflower season differs slightly depending on the region. Whether you’re trekking through a national park or driving through a tiny rural town, keep your eyes peeled for those splashes of colour. Read on for our top wildflower hotspots in the state.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

You can find wildflowers right in Perth if you know where to look! Kings Park and Botanic Garden, just a 15-minute walk or free bus ride from the city centre, boasts more than 1700 native plant species, including a plethora of wildflowers. The park offers free guided walks on which you will be able to see a variety of wildflowers, including rare white or pale-pink milkmaids, pink fairies and donkey orchids. Every September, you can head to the Everlasting Kings Park Festival, which features a variety of activities, including wildflower walks.

Perth Hills

A 45-minute drive from Perth is Perth Hills – an abundant area filled with creativity, food and nature. The region is home to many wildflower trails, including the 4.5-kilometre Wildflower Walk Trail and the more challenging 15-kilometre Eagle View Walk in John Forrest National Park. On these trails, you might see distinctively shaped kangaroo paws, textured and warm-coloured banksias, and bright-blue leschenaultia.

Stirling Range National Park

Travel around 4.5 hours by car from Perth to Stirling Range National Park, an inland area with stunning cliffs and plains to explore. Not only is the park a perfect place to take in breathtaking cliff views and tackle some challenging mountainous heights, but there is also the option of a scenic drive through the park to see the wildflowers – many of which can be seen on the side of the road! With more than 120 plant species unique to the range, and 1500 species in total, there’s plenty to enjoy. Some highlights include the dryandras and banksias, as well as the mountain bells that can grow up to 1.2 metres tall.

Cape To Cape Walk Track

Journey down to the South West region of Western Australia to find even more wildflowers, along with the indulgent wine region, the Margaret River. The Cape to Cape Walk Track is a popular 135-kilometre trail that winds along the stunning coast. The track begins at Cape Leeuwin – just over three hours’ drive south of Perth, with the delightful coastal city of Bunbury found on the way. While here, make sure to stop and check out the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery and the Bunbury Wildlife Park. On your way along the Cape to Cape Walk Track from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, spot and smell fairy orchids, vanilla lilies and pink rice flowers at all the hotspots along the trek – Contos Beach, Boranup Karri Forest and Injidup Beach.

Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is a coastal wonderland around the lower area of the Murchison River. Home to a range of wildflowers in spring, the park is also a good location for rafting, abseiling, sightseeing and picnicking. Here, the views of the wildflowers are spectacular, and are paired with the vast cliffs 100 metres above the ocean and the deep sandstone gorges banded in white and red. Kalbarri is a hotspot of activities and tours – from scenic flights, fishing charters, and canoe tours, to activities for the kids and even pelican feeding.

To discover more of Western Australia’s best wildflower destinations, check out the Spring 2023 edition of Caravanning Australia!

_{Pictured: Lions Lookout, Korung National Park, Western Australia. Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia and @naturebynathan}