5 Grampians Wildflower Hotspots You MUST Check Out!

The Grampians wildflowers are one of the many highlights of south eastern Australia during spring.

This iconic national park bursts into colour, with over 1,000 species of wildflowers calling the region home!

The season typically kicks off in late August and runs through mid-November, with each area offering something a little different.

But no matter which section of the park you visit – northern, central, or southern Grampians – you’ll find something beautiful in bloom!

After exploring this park several times over the years, these are my 5 favourite wildflower hotspots. Check them out!

And don’t forget to leave a comment with YOUR favourite places to see these flowers in the Grampians.

5 Wildflower hotspots in Grampians National Park

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali peoples.

1) Boroka Lookout

Arguably the best-known view in the Grampians, the iconic Boroka lookout sits high above Halls Gap. The views on a clear day can leave anyone breathless!

The flowers on the high plateau cover the rocky ledges and draw the eye away from that gob-smacking view. Like the magnificent endemic Thryptomene (Thryptomene calycina) in full floral flight!

2) Heatherlie Quarry

Thryptomene is also a staple at historic Heatherlie Quarry, but it takes second place to the orchids along the walking trail from the car park.

It’s hard to imagine this now deserted site in the middle of the bush as the thriving commercial centre it once was.

But exploring the site with the help of interpretative signs reveals its historical connection to many of Melbourne’s buildings.

With vegetation well on the way to re-claiming the bare rock faces left by many years of quarrying, the site is only a couple of good seasons from disappearing into the surrounding bushland.

3) Silverband Falls

Silverband Falls is a beautiful spot that’s still recovering from the damage of fierce bushfires followed by catastrophic floods.

I’ve visited a few times following the flood and it’s amazing how the vegetation has regenerated!

And while the gully may never return to its previous state, the wildflowers are making a welcome comeback!

4) Victoria Valley

This valley runs between the Serra Range to the east and the Victoria Range to the west – it’s a wild and remote country around the Glenelg River.

The strong colours – the red of the earth, the blue of the sky, and the green of the plain – are barely noticeable when blanketed with white.

The ti-tree in full bloom passes for snow, in this almost-outback off the beaten track part of the Grampians National Park!

Don’t miss it if you want to see a carpet of flowers, a knife edge of rocky mountains and a scattering of wildlife.

5) Mount Abrupt

Mt Abrupt’s impressive peak rises over 800 metres above sea level. It’s the penultimate mountain, before the Serra Range sinks into the plain at the Grampians’ southern end.

The view from its peak is one of the best in the Grampians… and the wildflowers en route to the summit offer a welcome opportunity to stop for a rest photo break!

When is the best time to see the Grampians’ wildflowers?

The best time to see the wildflowers in the Grampians is from late August to mid-November.

Spring brings out heaps of colourful wildflowers, and the whole area comes alive with over 1,000 species endemic to the area, such as:

• Smooth Parrot Pea

• Blue-Tinsel Lily.

• Common Heath, which attracts honeyeater birds.

• Ornate Finger Orchid

• Hornet Orchid.

• The endangered Golden Moth Orchid.

Top Tips

Do NOT pick the wildflowers, it’s illegal. And remember that flowers aren’t the only natural phenomenon to come out in spring… snakes too! Watch your step!

Stick to the trails, off-trail wandering can damage fragile plants and disturb ecosystems. Also, some areas are sacred to Aboriginal people, so respect the signs!

Did you know?

The Traditional Owners know this area as Gariwerd, which has been a central part of their culture for over 20,000 years.

The Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali peoples have lived on this land for thousands of years and you can find ancient rock art sites that tell stories of Dreamtime.

Bunjil, the creator spirit, is particularly significant here, and many of the rock shelters are sacred spaces connected to these spiritual narratives.

FAQs

The bottom line

The Grampians offer a dazzling array of flowering plants, and the best time to see them is during spring.

Boroka Lookout offers not just stunning views but also a chance to see Victoria’s flora, like the Grampians Thryptomene.

For history and orchids, Heatherlie Quarry’s walking trail is a gem, while Silverband Falls shows off nature’s resilience after the fires.

If you’re after something more remote, head to Victoria Valley where the ti-tree blooms mimic snow.

And for an adventurous hike, Mount Abrupt’s wildflowers provide the perfect excuse to pause on your way to the summit!

Share more hotspots for wildflower spotting in the Grampians down in the comments!