Searching for wildflowers in the Great Southern? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of our favourite spots! Be sure to use #greatsouthernwine for your chance to be featured on our social media channels!
Torndirrup National Park
Torndirrup National Park is situated on the Torndirrup Peninsula just south of Albany. The park is famous for its granite cliffs and features including the magnificent Gap and Natural Bridge. However in spring the area’s magnificent wildflowers burst into life! The park has several trails that offer a feast for the eyes ranging from the tough Bald Head Walking Trail to the easier Point Possession loop trail. These walks are lined with wildflowers and flowering trees and are absolutely gorgeous in spring. these walk trails are gorgeous in spring. the nearby Albany Wind Farm is another great spot for wildflowers – you can also feast your eyes on spectacular coastal views that include 18 windmills.
After you are done exploring, head to the Great Southern Distillery. With views overlooking the water, the Albany-based distillery is home to Limeburners Whisky. You can smell the fresh whisky production in the air as you enjoy a tasting at the bar.
Stirling Range National Park
The Stirling Range National Park is around an hour’s drive from Albany and is home to 1,500 species of plants, 100 of which you can’t find anywhere else on earth! The best time to see wildflowers is between September and October, but if you are looking for the magnificent Queen of Sheba orchid you’ll need to head out there in August. There are numerous walk trails and you’ll even see orchids growing on the side of the highway if you’re lucky.
If you’re staying at the Mt Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park, you can join a 90 minute guided walk ($25 for campers). The Stirling Range Retreat also offers a three hour tour with morning tea that explores the retreat and the Stirling Range National Park. Alternatively, you can set off and discover wildflowers on your own. We recommend the Toolbrunup Summit Trail and the Bluff Knoll Trail for some incredible views and spectacular wildflowers!
Duke’s Vineyard is the perfect place to reward yourself. The unique Cellar Door designed by owner Hilde Ranson, provides a glorious tasting area harmonious with the surroundings, making best use of the breathtaking sights nature has to offer.
Porongurup National Park
Porongurup National Park has one of the richest plant varieties in Australia with more than 700 native and 10 endemic species within the park. Common wildflowers include purple enamel orchids, cowslip orchids, blue lady orchids, scarlet flame peas, candlestick banksias and native wisteria –to name just a few.
There is a five hour wildflower tour run by Down Under Discoveries on weekends from September to November that takes you to the best spots to see wildflowers in the park. Best part is that the tours are run with a wildflower enthusiast so you can get all the information first hand.
If you’d like to explore on your own, we recommend Nancy Peak Loop and the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk trail.
Head to the Abbey Creek cellar door after exploring the national park. The cellar door is quite unique in that it was made from a repurposed milking shed (which also served as a sheering shed).
Twin Creeks Conversation Reserve
The rich soils of the Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve host a rich diversity of fauna and flora. The reserve covers part of an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot and includes jaw-dropping fields of wildflowers – some of which flower all year long! There are numerous trails as well as a sheltered BBQ pavilion that make it the perfect place to explore and enjoy a picnic surrounded by blooms.
Before heading to this reserve, stop by Castle Rock to pick up a bottle of their delicious wines for your picnic!cc
William Bay National Park
This park is best known for its beautiful beaches and famous, Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. Something worth noting is that wildflowers can be found here any time of the year with the peak of flowering in spring, but you’ll still find some species even in the hottest weather. There is a short trail that connects Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks that is lined with wildflowers, so look down as well as up at those ocean views! You can easily spend a whole day here enjoying the beautiful beaches, views and wildflowers.
Note that William Bay National Park is currently closed with re-opening scheduled for the end of August 2020.
After a day at the William Bay National Park, head to Elephants Rock Cider and relax with a refreshing pint of cider. Their ciders are crisp, sweet and refreshing! They also serve food and delicious toffee for those with a sweet tooth!
Mondurup Reserve
Mondurup Reserve in Mount Barker is home to a rich collection of native orchids. This extremely popular spot attracts orchid enthusiasts from all over the state to see the 41 species of orchids identified in this small reserve. You can find butterfly spider, purple pansy, cowslip, leopard, blue sun and rattle beak orchids amongst the identified species. Leschenaultia is also abundant here.
By now you’ve worked up an appetite and Ironwood Estate is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the delicious wines of the Great Southern.
Giant Tingle Tree Walk
Just seven kilometres from Walpole yet deep in the heart of outstandingly beautiful tingle and karri forest, the Giant Tingle Tree is the site of a huge fire-hollowed red tingle tree. The tree itself is stunning, but the short one kilometre walk trail around it is also a great place to find wildflowers! Explore the forest along the circular Giant Tree Walk, spot wildflowers and enjoy a picnic amongst the beautiful trees. This trail is perfect for those with young children or those who prefer shorter trails.
Bartholomews Meadery is the perfect place to head to afterwards, especially with family. They specialise in the ancient craft of making mead, the oldest alcoholic drink on earth. You can opt for a tasting and enjoy some delicious ice cream, all using local ingredients!