Take the road less travelled through the Great Southern Treasures this winter, and step beyond the highway into a quieter rhythm. Here, the road stretches wide beneath open skies. Bushland lakes shimmer in stillness. Mountain ranges rise ancient and watchful. And the southern coastline breathes, wild and untamed.
Journey this treasured land as you explore heritage walks, wander through the forest to spot wildflowers, and enjoy the rich and diverse heritage of this agricultural heartland.
You’ll travel through Boodja (Country) that has been held and cared for across tens-of-thousands of years by the Kaneang, Goreng, Wudjari, Wilman, and Menang peoples of the Noongar Nation. Their enduring connection to land, water, and seasons continuing to shape the spirit of this place into the bold and beautiful place it is.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Perth → Woodanilling → Katanning
Distance ~263 km
Leave the city behind as the landscape softens into rolling farmland and endless sky.
Let yourself be charmed by Woodanilling and wander the Woodanilling Heritage Walk. This interactive and interpretive path traces the town’s past through faded photographs and remembered stories. Each step reveals something small, yet meaningful: a face, a place, a moment that lingers through time.
Let the journey continue to unfold along open country roads, where farmland stretches wide beneath golden light. As the day stretches on, continue to Lake Ewlyamartup in Katanning, whose water reflects the sky in brilliant patterns. Hear the birdsong carried across the lake and soak in the quiet beauty of the landscape as you reconnect with mind and body.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Katanning → Broomehill → Gnowangerup
Distance ~61 km
Start the day early and head to Twonkwillingup – Police Pools. Walk the gentle trail beneath the trees, feeling the wind rustle through the bushland. Long before its colonial name, this was – and remains – an important meeting place for Noongar people. Take a moment to admire the birdlife and wildlife along the way.
From there, meander quiet roads toward Broomehill, following the tracks of yesteryear. Trace a section of the Heritage Trail in Broomehill, offering a peek into the past of this town’s wonderful history. These paths hold a history of endurance and the proof that anything is possible.
By the time you reach Gnowangerup, the world feels wider. Settle in for the night surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Stirling Ranges, with a stay at either Mount Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park or Stirling Range Retreat for a cosy nature moment. Both offer local wildflower tours – a gentle way to step deeper into the landscape and a perfect addition to any late winter plans.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Stirling Range & Surroundings
Rise early, while the light is still soft, and make your way into the foothills of the Stirling Range. This South West mountain range stands quietly, with presence over the land, made even more special as the wildflowers begin to bloom. Let your feet take you on a hunt for the seasonal buds such as the Mountain Bells, Queen of Sheba orchids, Banksias, Grevilleas, Hakeas and Melaleucas. With more than 1,500 plant species including many found nowhere else, it’s one of Western Australia’s most rewarding wildflower destinations.
Trails lead you upward and inward at the same time. Bluff Knoll, Toolbrunup, Mount Trio, Talyuberlup, Mount Hassell, Mount Magog. Each one offering a different path, a different perspective, and a different way of seeing the land unfold beneath you. Take your time but come prepared – carry what you need, tell someone where you’re headed, and leave only footprints behind.
As the season turns, wildflowers start off scattered at first, then flourish. Orchids, everlastings, each a small flare of colour tucked between rock and grass. Birdsong follows, filling the air with movement and life. You don’t just pass through this landscape. You notice it and move with it.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Gnowangerup → Cranbrook
Distance ~70 km
After a few days among the Stirling Range National Park, the road gently leads you onwards to the town of Cranbrook.
Situated between open plains and the long shadows of the mountains, this quiet town reveals itself slowly. What it offers isn’t loud or obvious; A landscape where wildflowers emerge in delicate bursts, surprising you when you least expect it.
The world opens in every direction at Sukey Hill Lookout. From your vantage point you’ll notice pink, white, and orange salt lakes shimmering to the north and east, while farmland stretches westward.
Then its time to follow the roads to Bob’s Lake Bird Hide. Birding is a fantastic past-time that is perfect even for novices. Sit beside still water that stretches out endlessly, the reeds swaying gently in the breeze as you try to catch a glimpse of one of the many avian species that call this place home.
Or try the Salt River Road Wildflower Walk which begins just beyond the “Gateway to the Stirlings” sign. A simple loop, easy to follow, yet full of small wonders. Orchids and seasonal flowers line the path, especially come August.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Cranbrook → Frankland River
After your exploration of Cranbrook, jump behind the wheel and let the road take you to Frankland River. Only a few turns through ancient granite outcrops and across rolling farmland, leads you into luscious valleys.
Make sure to explore Lake Poorrarecup. The water here stretches wide and is bordered by native bushland alive with a chorus of birds. Take the opportunity to catalogue the seasonal blooms at the Frankland River Wildflower Walk. Located not far from the end of Herbert Street, this special trail is marked with stories of the land and leads you through perennials of all colours. Look closely and you may find orchids tucked among the grass, including the delicate Leopard Sun Orchid.
End the day among the vines at one of the many cellar doors tucked into Frankland River. Places like Ferngrove, Alkoomi and Lange Estate, are marvels of the landscape, with flavours that come together in quiet harmony. Let these tastes unfold as you revisit the wildflowers from the last few days.
Great Southern Treasures – Heritage Walks & Wildflowers
Frankland River → Perth
Distance ~331 km
As you leave Frankland River behind, the colours of the past few days may fade, but the memories won’t. Hints of pink, yellow, and white linger in your mind, like wildflowers pressed gently between the pages of a book.
Soon the vineyards give way to open farmland once more, and the road stretches out ahead for your return to Perth. Dust clings to your shoes, a quiet reminder of the walks you’ve been on.
Turn on the radio, settle in for a scenic drive, and start preparing to come back again during Spring, when the wildflowers really come to life. Plan the trip around the region’s Bloom Festival, a melting pot of arts, crafts, displays, exhibitions, flora-themed activities, creative workshops, food events, markets, Noongar cultural events, open gardens, wine and dine events, family fun days, movie nights, live music, heritage trails, guided flower walks, tours, and hikes.
Winter is a different kind of wonder in the Treasures.
