Flowering landscapes
A swarm of colour across rugged realms.
FLINDERS RANGES, SA
The spectacular landscapes of the Flinders Ranges, 435km north of Adelaide, come alive with wildflowers in spring. Between Quorn in the south, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in the centre and Blinman to the north, hundreds of species bloom in the desert. Notable favourites of the region include the striking red Sturt desert pea, the floral emblem of South Australia, plus bottlebrushes, wattles and white paper daisies. The free mobile app Discover the Flinders Ranges covers narrated driving and walking tours. Try the self-guided option in the Flora of the Central Flinders Ranges app, which includes almost 150 species of wildflower with more than 600 photographs, colour-coded to help with identification. Guided nature tours of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park are available from Adelaide with operators such as Kangaroo Island Odysseys (including itineraries combined with Kangaroo Island) and Earth Adventure.
WESTERN DOWNS, QLD
From Brisbane, it’s 340km northwest to the historic village of Miles in the Western Downs. Drop in to the visitor centre or download a copy of a self-guided, 105km wildflower tour to get off the highways and into the heart of the country. The area is home to grevillea species, including the popular Robyn Gordon, as well as boronia and the rare pink native water lily. The self-drive Miles and Gurulmundi Wildflower Tour introduces visitors to the history of the region, tracing parts of the 5600km-long dingo fence. The tour takes in historic sites, including a brickworks and railway sidings, and features roadside markers that indicate wildflower locations. Meander along the 1.5km Dogwood Creek Walking Track to Chinaman’s Lagoon to view native species.
THE GRAMPIANS, VICTORIA
A three-hour drive northwest of Melbourne, the mountain country of the Grampians is home to more than one-third of Victoria’s flora. The earliest flowers to bloom are found in the northern Grampians, and Heatherlie Quarry and Mount Zero Road are worth a visit to view orchids and flowering shrubs. In the Wartook Valley, springtime sees roads lined with the tiny white or pink flowers of the Grampians heath myrtle. Boroka Lookout can be accessed by road from Halls Gap or, for the energetic, consider the Boronia Peak hike; both options are rewarding for seasonal wildflowers. In the southern part of the Grampians, expect bluebells, pincushions and colourful correa as you drive the Halls Gap – Dunkeld Road or stroll the Picaninny (Bainggug) Walk near Dunkeld. Go West offers escorted experiences; self-guided road itineraries are available from Visit Grampians.
SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW
Prime alpine flower season in the Snowy Mountains is mid-December to mid-January and there are 21 species of alpine plants found only in Kosciuszko National Park. Visitors should expect several types of daisy including everlastings and yellow billy buttons, plus Brachyscome, mountain eyebrights and alpine mint bush. For an easy option with wildflowers dotting the way, stroll the Snow Gums Boardwalk from Charlotte Pass. The hike between Thredbo and Kosciuszko peak features many delicate blooms, while the challenging 22km Main Range Walk from Charlotte Pass to the Snowy River and Blue Lake showcases meadows of wildflowers in early summer. Guided tours are offered by Bang Fitness Adventures or consider multi-day guided hikes with photographer and mountain guide Mike Edmondson.
