Each spring, Australia’s South West transforms into a living wildflower garden, with more than 8,000 native species bursting into bloom, many of them found nowhere else on earth. From late August through to November, the region comes alive with colour; orchids and everlastings in early spring, followed by banksias, peas and coastal blooms as the season unfolds.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best places to see wildflowers across the South West, from coastal tracks to towering forests. We’ll also highlight the festivals and community events that celebrate the season, share a few essential tips for enjoying wildflowers responsibly, and help you plan your own wildflower getaway.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Where to see Wildflowers in Australia’s South West
Bunbury Geographe
Wellington National Park
Best known for its majestic jarrah forest, Wellington National Park also comes alive in spring with bursts of yellow peas, white clematis, buttercups and milk maids brightening the understory. Join a guided walk with Forest Explorers to uncover these blooms with expert commentary on the plants and wildlife that call this forest home.
Manea Park
Located just minutes from Bunbury, Manea Park is a limestone wonderland and a hotspot for orchids. Along the walk trails you might find kangaroo paws, donkey and jug orchids, delicate mignonette orchids, and the brilliantly coloured dampiera. Keep your eyes low to the ground, many of these blooms are tiny treasures easily overlooked.
Margaret River Region
Boranup Forest
Towering karri trees set the stage for a rich variety of wildflowers in Boranup Forest. Look out for the vivid purple karri hovea, pink fairy orchids, and native climbers like clematis weaving their way through the forest canopy. The combination of tall trees and wildflowers makes this one of the most photogenic wildflower stops in the South West.
Cape to Cape Track
Stretching for 135km along the coast, the Cape to Cape Track offers one of the most diverse wildflower experiences in the region. Depending on the season, you might spot yellow cone bush, old man’s beard, coastal pimelea, purple fairy fan flowers and vanilla orchids, while native wisteria often cascades across the landscape in bursts of purple that add a splash of drama to the ocean views. For those who’d like a guided experience, operators such as Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, Margaret River Discovery Co., and South West Eco Discoveries offer tailored tours that combine wildflower spotting with local insights.
Southern Forests & Valleys
D’Entrecasteaux National Park
On the southern coastline, D’Entrecasteaux National Park is home to orchids that are as striking as the scenery. Look for blue beard and south coast spider orchids, along with vibrant hibbertias and bearded heaths. If you’re lucky, you may come across the rare zebra or cherry spider orchids, which are prized finds for wildflower enthusiasts.
Karri Forest Explorer Drive Trail
One of the most scenic drives in the region, the Kari Forest Explorer is a 86km loop which winds through towering karri forests and open bushland. In spring, the roadside verges and forest floors bloom with tassel bush, soap bush, white clematis, and tree hovea, creating bursts of colour at every turn. The diversity here means there’s always something new to spot, and while you’re on the trail, take time to explore Beedelup Falls, where a short walk through the forest leads to a spectacular cascade framed by lush greenery and seasonal wildflowers.
Great Southern
Porongurup National Park
With more than 700 native plant species packed into a small area, Porongurup National Park is one of the South West’s richest wildflower hotspots. Among the marri, jarrah and karri forests you’ll discover purple enamel orchids, cowslip orchids, scarlet flame peas and candlestick banksias. In September and October, the granite slopes and forest clearings come alive with colour, best explored while hiking the park’s trails, such as the walk to the iconic Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, where wildflowers line the path and panoramic views reward your climb.
Torndirrup National Park
Perched on the wild coastline near Albany, Torndirrup National Park offers a striking mix of wildflowers against a backdrop of cliffs and ocean. In spring, woolly bush, sticky tailflower, scaevola nitida and the pink blooms of pimelia rosea brighten the coastal heath. The best way to experience this resilience and beauty is on foot – explore trails like the Gap and Natural Bridge walk or the Bald Head hike, where dramatic coastal scenery is paired with bursts of wildflower colour.
Wildflower Events and Experiences
While discovering wildflowers on a trail is magical, joining a community event or festival adds another layer of meaning. These celebrations bring together locals, visitors, and experts to share the beauty and cultural significance of the South West’s incredible blooms.
Every spring, the Great Southern Treasures Bloom Festival invites visitors to stop and truly appreciate the season. Running from late September to late October, the festival spans multiple towns and communities, with guided wildflower walks, open gardens, art exhibitions, long table lunches, and family-friendly events. It’s the perfect way to explore the Great Southern’s wildflower country while also experiencing the charm of its small towns. Find out more here.
In the Southern Forests & Valleys, Walk on the Wildside is a highlight event in Boyup Brook. This immersive experience offers guided wildflower walks, photography workshops, local art displays, and opportunities to learn more about the unique flora of the region. Whether you’re a keen orchid-spotter or simply enjoy a relaxed stroll through nature, it’s a great way to celebrate spring while connecting with the local community. Explore the event here.
Held each August, the Nannup Flower & Garden Festival is a much-loved community event that celebrates gardens, creativity, and spring colour. Alongside floral displays and open gardens, visitors can enjoy workshops, talks, market stalls and live entertainment, making it a wonderful way to experience the small-town charm of Nannup in full bloom. Discover more here.
Wildflower Essentials
Look, Don’t Touch
As tempting as it may be to take a bunch home for the kitchen bench, wildflowers are best left where they grow. Picking without a permit is illegal, and removing flowers from national parks or reserves can result in hefty fines. Admire them, photograph them, but let them thrive for the next visitor.
Stay on the Trail
Flowers, like people, don’t appreciate being trampled on. Please stick to marked paths to protect the plants (and yourself!) and ensure the landscapes remain beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Respect the Country and Local Landholders
Wildflowers have a habit of popping up wherever they please, along roadsides, in paddocks, or across private land. While they may look inviting, please do not enter private property without permission.
Leave No Trace
When you leave, it should be as if you were never there… gone like the wind. Take all rubbish with you, avoid damaging plants or their habitat, and leave the wildflowers exactly as you found them.
Plan your Wildflower Getaway
Car packed, camera charged, now all you need is the perfect place to stay. Explore our accommodation page for a wide range of options, from cosy cottages and farmstays to boutique hotels and forest retreats.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Australia’s South West this wildflower season!
