October – November
As the rains begin to subside, the South West region (Noongar Boodja) welcomes Kambarang. Longer and warmer days gift a bountiful beauty, whether you’re by the mountains, rivers, or coast.
Ablaze with wildflowers; native kangaroo paws, orchids, and wattle paint the landscape like a canvas. While the most striking display of all comes from the Moodjar or Australian Christmas Tree. Bright orange-yellow flowers erupt like glowing orbs among the bush, signaling the real heat is on it’s way.
Sleepy animals start to awaken from their slumber. Snakes are abundant, returning after a winter brumation. While birds grow protective of their chicks, as they begin to venture out of their cosy, safe nests. Everywhere you look young marsupials and whales abound. It is the season of birth after all!
Read on to find out the top tips for navigating Kambarang season in the South West.
Spotlight On… Wildflower Season
Bunbury Geographe
Wildflowers tend to bloom early in the season in Bunbury Geographe, with plenty of options for easy hikes. Wellington National Park in Collie is often dotted with Orchids, Wattle, Yellow Peas, Little Pink Fairies, and Banksia, with Forest Explorers running dedicated group tours.
Crooked Brook Forest in Dardanup is a popular spot during Kambarang to find Yellow Candles, Blue Squill, Buttercups, Pink Myrtle, Milk Maids, False Boronia and Cottonheads. Also keep an eye out for Blue Leschenaultia, White Heath, Kangaroo Paws, Coral Vine, Blue Sun Orchids, Trigger Plants, and Purple Flags.
Closer to Bunbury, Manea Park in College Grove boasts the picture-perfect 2.2km Pultenaea Loop trail that is both easily accessible and often flooded with a variety of wildflowers during the season. These include Blue Sun Orchids, Kangaroo Paws, Mignonette Orchids, Dampiera, Cow Kicks, Milk Maids, Kick Bush, White Spider, Donkey, Blue Enamel, Jug and Cowslip orchids, Curry Flower, Buttercup Bush, Trigger plants, and Salt and Pepper Bush.
Southern Forests and Valleys
The Karri Forest Explorer Drive winds through the grand timberlines of the Pemberton region, and showcases not only the majestic old-growth trees, but a spectacular array of Karri Spider Orchids, Donkey Orchids, Leek Orchids, and Pterostylis Orchids.
Traditional land of the Bibbulman people, One Tree Bridge is a haven for wildflowers, which thrive among the luscious green backdrop of Manjimup. Keep a keen eye for Karri Cowslips, Pink Fairy Orchids, Zebra Orchids, Cherry Spiders, Broad-lipped Spider Orchids, Donkey Orchids, Flying Duck Orchids, Hammer Orchids, Pimeleas, and Cutleaf Hibbertia.
Got a 4WD to tackle the dunes of Yeagarup? The patch of forest between the dunes and the coast is a good spot to hunt out Zebra Orchids, Blue Sun Orchids, Donkey Orchids, Karri Cowslips, Pink Fairy Orchids, Coral Vine, Parrot Bush, Native Wisteria, Common Brown Pea, and Bearded Heaths. Or hop on a guided tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours, for some local knowledge.
Margaret River Region
Across the rugged headlands of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, you’ll find flowering Yellow Cone Bush, jasmine-like Old Man’s Beard, and the odd stick-bug-esque Forest Mantis Orchid, Coastal Pimele, and Purple Fairy Fans during Kambarang season.
Ambergate Reserve houses a brilliant number of Spider, Donkey, Enamel, Jug, Rattle Beak, Pink Fairy, White Bunny, Hare, Flying Duck and Blue Lady orchids, as well as Verticordias, Swan River Myrtle, Trigger Plants, Coral Vine, and Grass Trees.
Boranup Forest boasts dappled sunlight, calm surroundings, and floods of Deep Blue Karri Hovea, trailing Clematis, Yellow Cone Bush and Patersonia, Forest Mantis, as well as Cowslip, Common Donkey, and Pink Fairy Orchids. Make sure to take your time to discover the caves nearby!
Great Southern
Soaring above the skyline, the Stirling Range National Park is a mysterious place, especially during Kambarang, which might be why it’s also home to some of the most incredible wildflowers in the South West. Discover the elegant mountain bells, distinctive Stirling Range Banksia, and even the rare magenta Queen of Sheba orchids.
A short drive away, the Porongurup National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Australia, with more than 700 native 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.
ACTIVITIES
Nature & Wildlife
In Kambarang, the whales officially return to South West waters, often spotted relaxing in the calm, turquoise bays of Busselton, Geographe, and Dunsborough. A quick pit-stop, this is one of the last places to see them before they embark on their long trip back to Antarctica for a summer feed.
Spot Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, and the occasional Blue Whale curl around the coast, often showing off by breaching, spy-hopping, and blowing air skywards.
Get the unique chance to watch such intimate mother and calf activity up close by jumping onboard a Naturaliste Charters or All Sea Charters guided tour, which run frequently throughout the season from Dunsborough.
Adventure
Sun high in the sky, mild to moderate temperatures, and cool nights (with few bugs)? You couldn’t you ask for more perfect road trip weather than that of Kambarang!
October and November are the ideal times to hit the dirt, gravel, dunes, bitumen, or sand along the 1000km of unbelievable coastline in the South West. If you’re looking for an itinerary to suit, why not check out The South West Edge – an epic 12 day trip from Perth to Hyden, that crosses through every region to give you a little taste of everything there is to love.
Mini-roadtrips also exist, with two-day, forest adventure, and scenic south coast itineraries.
Wine, Food & Produce
Another spotlight of Kambarang is the incoming fresh berry growth.
Warm conditions allow fruit to flourish, with farms around the region seeing abundant swathes of strawberries, cherries, blueberries and avocados.
A handful of places allow you to visit to pick your own fresh produce, while punnets of vibrant fruit can also be bought from road side stalls, fruit barns, and a variety of Farmers Markets.
Try the Eden Gate Blueberry Farm in Albany, Bunbury Farmers Market, Manjimup Farmers Market, Origins in Busselton, or Albany Farmers Market.
Wellness
Kambarang is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Embark on a journey of self-reflection as you walk the famed 123km Cape to Cape track, alongside operators like Cape to Cape Explorers, letting the salt spray and seabreezes wash over you.
Find inner quiet on private guided walks through the Fitzgerald biosphere and Stirling Range National Park with Edgewalkers.
Or learn about Country from it’s custodians, with a guided bushwalking tour through Bindjareb Country with Boola Bidi Dreaming or Menang Country with Kurrah Mia.
EVENTS
Bloom Festival
Great Southern Treasures
Purple flowers as far as the eye can see, bouquets of sweet aromas in the air, and glorious sunshine beaming down on Country.
Bloom Festival celebrates the renewal of spring and the season of Kambarang, focusing on the Great Southern Treasure’s exotic wildflowers, dreamy landscapes, and natural beauty. Encompassing over 50 events, the event provides unique experiences for visitors from all around the country.
The Festival spans from Kojonup to Pingrup, and all the way down to Bremer Bay on the coast. Events include, arts, crafts, displays, exhibitions, fauna & flora-themed activities, creative workshops, food events, markets, Noongar culture events, open gardens, wine and dine events, heritage trails, and guided tours.
Pair’d Festival
Margaret River Region
Expect the unexpected at Pair’d Margaret River Region this November 14-17 as we uncork Western Australia’s new wine and food festival right in the heart of rugged coastlines and imposing forests.
Curated through the lens of a sommelier, Pair’d blends brilliant people with world-class wine, exquisite produce, immersive soundscapes and ancient culture.
With the natural beauty of the Margaret River Region providing the ultimate backdrop, Pair’d offers a variety of experiences, from Beach clubs to Night Hawker events, and yes… plenty and plenty of wine tastings!
For more events during Kambarang visit our Events page.
ACCOMODATION
Edge Luxury Villas
Margaret River Region
An adults-only retreat nestled in wine country. Think luxury, privacy, slow mornings with coffee, relaxing nights with the milky way as your backdrop, and ultimate indulgences at your fingertips. No better time than Kambarang to enjoy it’s beauty.
The View Albany
Great Southern
Laidback luxury perched above turquoise waters and white sands. A take-your-breath-away 5 star stay in the heart of Albany. Boasting endless views and modern luxuries like a deep soaking tub, plush lounges, an exquisite kitchen, dreamy soft beds, a pet friendly space, and even a cubby house for the kids.
Treenbrook Cottages Pemberton
Southern Forests & Valleys
Family friendly accommodation with picturesque forest views, and just steps away from stunning walking trails. Featuring handcrafted and local materials, these mudbrick colonial houses are ideal for getting some solitude!
Lake Brockman Tourist Park
Bunbury Geographe
Just 10-minutes from Harvey and surrounded by bush, Lake Brockman Tourist Park is the ultimate getaway. Take your pick from powered and unpowered campsites, cabins, and family and glamping tents.
