Western Australian Wildflowers: Ultimate Guide + FREE Map With Hotspots

Western Australian wildflowers are truly unique. There are 12,000 species in this region alone, 60% of which are found nowhere else on Earth!

We’ve lived in Western Australia most of our lives, so we’ve been lucky to see the spectacular wildflowers bloom for years and have lots of tips to share.

The best time to see the wildflowers blooming is usually in early to mid-September, but this depends on the timing of the rainy season. Early rains could mean peak wildflower season in as early as mid-August.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it during this small window of time. Different wildflower species bloom at different times, so you’ll always have something to see.

This guide has all our tips for travelling Western Australia during wildflower season. Including the best time to see them, hotspots, wildflower festivals, and even a free map!

Best time to see the wildflowers in Western Australia

The best time to see Western Australian wildflowers is usually between June to November, September being the peak season (generally).

That said, there are a few factors influencing the wildflower season:

• Overall temperatures and rainfall. Rainfall timing and temperature changes can make the wildflowers bloom earlier or later. Earlier rains usually lead to peak wildflower season in August instead of September.

• Specific location. The season begins in June-July in the north and moves southwards, peaking in the wildflower country between August and September. By September-October, the southern regions are in full bloom.

So, this means that the peak season of last year may be different than this year’s.

The good news is that Western Australia is absolutely massive, so you can either go up or down the state to chase the wildflowers blooming!

Free map with the best wildflower hotspots

Save this interactive map created by the Western Australia Visitor Centre! It has all the wildflower hotspots in the region so you can easily plan your trip.

Just click on the star to add the map to your Google Maps account:

Note: In the next section, you’ll know when is the best time to visit these hotspots, as well as travel tips.

Best places to see wildflowers in Western Australia

The best places to see wildflowers in WA are usually national parks (and there are over 100!).

And each area has its own special wildflower show. Whether you’ve seen them before or it’s your first time, these places will amaze you with Western Australia’s incredible native plants.

Kalbarri

• Peak blooming period: July-August to October

• Best spots: Kalbarri National Park, Eagle Gorge, Bigurda Trail

Kalbarri is the best place in WA to see the wildflowers, particularly in Kalbarri National Park. Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend are pretty special spots to see them.

It’s a 6-hour drive from Perth, so we recommend turning it into a road trip from Perth to Kalbarri! Following that itinerary will take you through some sections of Wildflower country, too.

Now, the peak of wildflower season in Kalbarri is also the best time to visit this area, as temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities.

But it’s also during the school holidays, so make sure to book any accommodation and tours as soon as you can.

🤩 This half-day tour takes you exploring to all the wildflower hotspots in Kalbarri. It’s only available from August to October: Kalbarri Wildflowers Tour

Jurien Bay and surroundings

• Peak blooming period: August to October

• Best spots: Lesueur National Park, Nambung National Park

Jurien Bay is a beautiful coastal town 2.5 hours north of Perth. It’s famous for its beautiful marine park (with resident sea lions!), among other things.

It’s also a 20-minute drive from Lesueur National Park, which offers one of the best wildflower displays in the entire region.

A variety of wildflowers to marvel upon in Western Australia!

Take the 18km scenic drive (no 4WD needed) to explore this stunning area, stop from time to time to take some pictures, and keep your eyes peeled for the variety of wildlife that resides there!

Another option is Nambung National Park, a 40-minute drive south of Jurien Bay. It has the famous Pinnacles Desert, so imagine the contrast between the yellow sand and the colourful wildflowers… It’s absolutely mindblowing.

🤩 Book this full-day tour between September and October to see the wildflowers in The Pinnacles: Pinnacles Desert, New Norcia & Wildflowers Tour

Perth and surroundings

• Peak blooming period: September to November

• Best spots: Kings Park, Perth Hills, John Forrest National Park, Serpentine Falls, Avon Valley

You don’t have to travel for hours to enjoy the wildflower season! Just hop on a bus and go straight to Kings Park.

It’s in the heart of the city and it’s home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden – one of the best places to see wildflowers in Western Australia.

The Perth Hills are another great place to see wildflowers, in townships like Mundaring, Kalamunda and Armadale.

You can also take fun day trips from Perth to places like Serpentine Falls, Toodyay, Avon Valley, and Wongan Hills to see the flowers in bloom.

There are lots of wildflower trails and routes you can drive yourself on around Perth and nearby areas. You’ll always have somewhere new to discover!

Wildflower Country

• Peak blooming period: August to October

• Best spots: Coalseam Conservation Park, Coorow, Mullewa, Mingenew, Morawa

Wildflower Country is a group of 11 areas, 2-hours north of Perth: Carnamah, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Greater Geraldton, Mullewa, Moora, Morawa, Mingenew, Perenjori, and Three Springs.

It’s pretty much everything in this region:

These towns literally burst into colour during the wildflower season. You’ll also see some unique species, like the stunning wreath flowers.

Coalseam Conservation Park is one of the biggest wildflower hotspots in the region, and it’s here – just a short 40-minute drive from Mullewa.

Wildlflower country has heaps of walking trails to see the wildflower displays, and 2 self-drive routes – Wildflower Way and Midlands Route, each taking you through different areas of the region.

Exmouth

• Peak blooming period: June to September

• Best spots: Shothole Canyon, Mandu Mandu Gorge, Yardie Creek

Here’s where the wildflower season starts, all the way north in Exmouth. This coastal town is a 13-hour drive or 2-hour flight from Perth. If you have the time, it’s the road trip of a lifetime!

Cape Range National Park is the best place to see the wildflowers in Exmouth, particularly in:

• Shothole Canyon (if you have a 4WD)

• Mandu Mandu Gorge

• Yardie Creek

The contrast between the Indian Ocean, the rugged landscape of the park, and the colourful wildflowers is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

🤩 This full-day trekking tour is the best way to see the wildflowers in Exmouth up close! Book it during the season: Cape Range National Park Full-Day Trekking Adventure

Wheatbelt and Goldfields

• Peak blooming period: August to October

• Best spots: Hyden, York, Wongan Hills, Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie

The Wheatbelt region is a large agricultural area east of Perth, famous for its wildflower displays. The best spots to see these flowers include Hyden, York, and Wongan Hills.

The Goldfields are further inland, northeast of the Wheatbelt. The region is known for its rich history of gold mining, but it’s also a hotspot for wildflowers! The main towns to see them are Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie.

🤩 See the wildflowers in Wheatbelt’s York and Hyden, and check out Wave Rock in this full-day tour: Wave Rock, York, Wildflowers, and Aboriginal Cultural Day Tour from Perth

Margaret River Region

• Peak blooming period: September to November

• Best spots: Boranup Forest, Cape to Cape track, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

The Margaret River Region is pretty much everything from Busselton (a 2.5-hour drive south from Perth) to Augusta.

It’s famous for its world-class wineries, top-notch surfing, ancient caves, and beautiful forests and trails, perfect for wildflower spotting!

The Boranup Forest takes the cake, though. Its towering karri trees provide a stark contrast with the colourful wildflowers. Drive along and enjoy the views!

Another great spot is anywhere in the Cape to Cape Track. It’s a 135km track between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. You don’t have to walk all of it, but it’s worth hiking some sections!

The coastal scenery is stunning, and the diversity of flowers you’ll see along the way is unparalleled. Plus, you might spot some migrating whales if you’re there in the right season.

A hidden gem is the Whicher Range, though. It’s a bit off the beaten path but so worth it for the wildflower enthusiasts. The range is home to some unique species that aren’t found anywhere else.

The South West

• Peak blooming period: September to November

• Best spots: Esperance, Albany, Fitzgerald River National Park

Outside the Margaret River region, the Southwest is teeming with spots where the wildflower display is just spectacular.

Esperance is one of the best spots, particularly Cape Le Grand National Park. This park is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and friendly kangaroos. But it also offers a stunning display of wildflowers!

Fitzgerald River National Park is another excellent spot, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s one of the most botanically significant places in Australia, and it’s at a short driving distance from the incredible Bremer Bay.

In addition to marveling at the wildflowers, you have the opportunity to relish the beaches and observe whales in Albany and Esperance.

Finally, there are also two awesome spots at driving distance from Albany – Porongurup National Park and Stirling Range National Park. The first is famous for its lush forests while the second is known for its rugged peaks. You can’t go wrong with either one.

Note: You can visit most of these places (and some in the Wheatbelt region) if you do a road trip from Perth to Esperance and return via Margaret River. It’s the trip of a lifetime!

WA Wildflower Festivals and Events

Western Australia’s wildflower season is celebrated with various festivals and events that highlight the incredible biodiversity and beauty of the region’s flora.

Here are the most popular ones. Keep an eye out for them if you’re planning a trip to catch the wildflower season:

Kings Park Festival, in Perth

Held in September, the Kings Park Festival is one of the most well-known wildflower events in WA.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden host a month-long celebration with guided walks, workshops, and stunning displays of wildflowers. It’s an excellent opportunity to see a wide array of WA’s native wildflowers without leaving the city.

Mullewa Outback Bloom Wildflower Festival

This festival is set in Wildflower Country and showcases the extraordinary diversity and beauty of Western Australia’s wildflowers.

The best part is that, apart from seeing the thousands of bloom arrays, the festival is an opportunity to dive into the local culture through art exhibitions, Indigenous performances, and community markets.

Get more information and details on the specific dates of the festival on Mullewa’s website.

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show

This is similar to Mullewa’s Festival but in the Southwest, in Ravensthorpe.

It’s held annually in this town to celebrate the region’s variety of wildflowers, with over 1,000 species, many of which are endemic – they cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

Apart from exhibiting the vast array of wildflowers, educators provide insights into the conservation efforts and ecological significance of the native flora through guided tours and expert talks.

For more information and specific dates of the show, check their website.

Esperance Wildflower Festival

This festival showcases the incredible diversity of wildflowers that flourish in the region, all against the backdrop of Esperance, known for its pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes.

With over 100 species of native plants, many of which are endemic to the area, the festival offers a feast for the eyes while teaching visitors about the importance of conservation and the ecological roles these plants play.

Get the details, dates, and more on the festival’s website.

Do’s and don’ts of wildflower watching

As much as we enjoy the beauty of wildflowers, we must remember it’s our responsibility to protect and preserve them for the future.

Make sure to follow these tips to ensure you won’t harm the wildflower population:

• Don’t pick wildflowers. It’s not allowed to pick wildflowers in Western Australia. You face a fine of $2,000 if caught.

• Clean your shoes and equipment beforehand. You may be carrying Phytophthora Dieback, a devastating pathogen that rottens the root of wildflower plants and it’s extremely hard to eradicate.

• Leave no trace. Leave the outdoors better than you found them! Dispose of waste properly and respect wildlife.

Top 5 wildflower tours in Western Australia

Booking a wildflower tour is the easiest way to fully immerse yourself in one of the world’s most unique and diverse floral displays.

Apart from visiting the popular hotspots, most of these tours take you to hidden gems only locals would know, all while learning everything there is to know from your guide.

They are ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers of all levels, and anyone interested in these beautiful plants.

With that in mind, here are the very best wildflower tours:

1) Kalbarri Wildflowers Tour

⏳ DURATION: 4 hours 📍 LOCATION: Kalbarri | ✅ Book it here!

This is a specially curated wildflower tour, where your expert guide will take you to the most stunning spots to witness the region’s floral wonders.

We love that it’s in the morning and ends at noon. This ensures you have the entire afternoon free so you can keep exploring Kalbarri.

The tour is available exclusively during the peak blooming season, though, from August to October. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Kalbarri during these months!

2) Cape Range National Park Full-Day Trekking Adventure

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 8 hours | ✅ Book it here!

This full-day hiking tour will take you through the stunning landscapes of Cape Range National Park, capped off with a refreshing snorkelling session in the park’s crystal-clear waters.

The tour is available throughout the year, but is especially magical during the wildflower season, where the park’s diverse flora bursts into life.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you along the trails, sharing insights about the local ecosystem and pointing out the best spots to admire the floral displays.

It’s the ultimate experience for hiking enthusiasts and those eager to witness Australia’s wildflowers in their most natural setting!

“Views and scenery, great guide, well organised good knowledge and experience. Catered to all our needs. Had a great day”

-Ken S

3) Wave Rock, York, Wildflowers, and Aboriginal Cultural Day Tour from Perth

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 12 hours | ✅ Book it here!

This full-day tour takes you exploring around the Wheatbelt Region. It starts and ends in Perth, so it’s very convenient!

You’ll start in York, continue along the ancient Mulka’s Cave, and finish in Hyden to witness the jaw-dropping rock formations of Wave Rock and Hippo’s Yawn.

And during the wildflower season, your guide will make plenty of stops to admire the colourful flowers scattered across the landscape.

It’s the perfect tour for anyone wanting to see the Wheatbelt’s wildflower season without the hassle of driving and planning the journey.

“Really enjoyed our trip. Driver/tour guide was really informative and knowledgable. Had lots of opportunities to see wildflowers and enjoyed the exhibits at Hyden, and Wave Rock itself was incredible. Well worth the very long day trip.”

-Helen H

4) Pinnacles Desert New Norcia & Wildflowers

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: Full Day | ✅ Book it here!

If you want to squeeze the most out of a day while you’re in Perth, this tour is the way to go.

You’ll visit The Pinnacles Desert, with towering limestone formations that rise out of the sand. And check out New Norcia, which is like having a slice of European architecture and history right in WA.

In between these two highlights, you’ll be treated to some of the region’s tastiest local produce.

And if you time your visit during the wildflower season, you won’t be disappointed. The area comes alive with colour!

This tour is perfect for those short on time in Perth but hungry to experience the Pinnacles desert and the natural beauty of wildflower season all in one go.

“The tour was amazing! Our guide was really nice!”

-Klook User

5) The Wildflower Wanderer

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ DURATION: 7 days | ✅ Book it here!

This is THE tour for wildflower enthusiasts.

It’s a 7-day extravaganza that takes you to the most spectacular wildflower displays of the Coral Coast – Kalbarri and Geraldton.

You’ll spend a few days in each town, taking in all the beauty and checking some items off your bucket list. Upon returning to Perth, your knowledgeable guide will close the tour in Kings Park for more stunning displays and panoramic city views.

This tour is ideal for those who are serious about their wildflowers and keen on ticking off some major attractions along the way, without any of the driving or the hassle.

“Exceeded our expectations. Comprehensive, well-organized and executed.“

-Jay

Top Tips

Western Australia is a massive state, but thankfully there are a few ways you can travel from one spot to the other.

Most cities and towns have airports, so you can hop on a plane and be wherever you want in a jiffy. We love booking our flights with Trip.com because it finds the cheapest flights and the price graph is better than Google Flights’ in our opinion.

We strongly recommend you rent a car, though. Either in the airport you land on, or in Perth and make a road trip out of your wildflower trip.

It’s just easier to get around, plus you won’t have to worry about following a schedule.

Our favourite car rental is Discover Cars. You can rent pretty much any vehicle, including 4WDs and luxury cars, plus the filters make it extremely easy to choose.

Another solid option is RentalCars but they don’t have as much variety as Discover Cars.

Did you know?

Western Australia has a set of unique conditions, including its soil and climate variations, that make for the best breeding ground for wildflowers.

60% of the species are not found anywhere else, such as:

• Kangaroo Paw – One of the most famous, with its distinctive paw-shaped flowers. The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is particularly iconic to the region.

• Qualup Bell – Recognizable for its stunning bell-shaped flowers, typically a blend of green and pink.

• Wreath Flowers – This flower forms a natural wreath on the ground, with colourful petals including blue, red, and pink.

• South West Spider Orchid – This endangered species of flower is known for its intricate designs and resemblance to spiders.

• Western Australian Christmas Tree – Notable for its bright orange flowers that bloom around Christmas time, this is the world’s largest parasitic plant.

These are just some of the thousands of wildflower species that contribute to the region’s reputation as a hotspot for botanical diversity.

FAQs

The bottom line

Western Australian wildflowers are a sight to behold, and can be seen during springtime in several spots of the state.

Kings Park in Perth is an excellent starting point, offering not just accessibility but also a massive array of species including the iconic Kangaroo Paw.

For a more adventurous journey, visit the Fitzgerald River National Park – it has an extraordinary diversity of flora, including the royal Hakea and the delicate Qualup Bell.

Heading north, the wildflower trails of Coalseam Conservation Park are a must-visit, with everlastings stretching as far as the eye can see. And don’t miss Kalbarri – the sights will truly take your breath away.