Best Places To See Wildflowers In Australia

It’s spring, so you know what that means… it’s wildflower season in Australia!

From the end of winter through to the beginning of the new year, down under blossoms with spectacular floral displays. Keen to see the country’s incredible biodiversity in full bloom? Below we’re sharing our guide on the best places to see wildflowers in Australia.

Wildflower Country, Western Australia

When it comes to wildflower displays, Western Australia is fortunate enough to have the most incredible, awe-inspiring one in the country.

Every state in Australia is blessed with floral flourishes from an array of native flora, but WA puts on one of the largest shows of wildflowers on Earth, with more than 12,000 species contributing to the wistfully ephemeral annual spectacle.

Wildflowers in Coalseam Conservation Park in WA. — WA puts on one of the largest shows of wildflowers on Earth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Of these, an impressive 60 per cent are completely unique to the state and cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet.

When to see them: From August to October

Yellow Wildflowers in canna in Western Australia — WA has more than 12,000 species of wildflowers. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Grampians National Park, Victoria

The Grampians (Gariwerd) has been described as the garden of Victoria as it houses more than one-third of Victoria’s flora. The state’s floral emblem, pink common heath, is found in abundance here.

The season of wildflowers, or Petyan, is one of the region’s six distinct weather periods outlined by the region’s traditional owners.

When to see them: From August to November

Pink wildflowers in Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia — The Grampians houses more than one-third of Victoria’s flora.

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

The Larapinta Trail takes trekkers 223-kilometre over at least 12 days, through Central Australia’s West MacDonnell Ranges, home to nearly 600 species of rare flora.

Heading along this trail will give you an up-close-and-personal look at the beauty of the Northern Territory’s wildflowers. Delicate purples and bright yellow curry wattles are among splashes of colour often contrasting with the red desert along the route.

When to see them: May or from August to September

Wattles blooming along the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory — Bright yellow curry wattles are among splashes of colour often contrasting with the red desert along the Larapinta Trail. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia

Spring is a spectacular time in the Flinders Ranges, with so many wildflowers enhancing the amazing landscape. Thanks to the rain from winter, wildflowers and native plants envelop the landscape with bursts of colour.

Mount Remarkable National Park in Southern Flinders is only a few hours from Adelaide, and spots like Alligator Gorge will be full of wildflowers as spring progresses as well.

When to see them: From September to November

Purple and pink flowers on the Oodnadatta Track in the Flinders Ranges. — Wildflowers and native plants envelop the landscape with bursts of colour. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales

Kosciuszko National Park is roughly a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney or 2.5 hours from Canberra and is home to some of the best winter activities in the country in the Snowy Mountains. But, winter isn’t the only time to enjoy the beauty here.

In spring, pops of purple, yellow and pink cover the alpine fields. Hundreds of species grow here, including 21 that are unique to the area.

One of the nicest ways to see them is along the Kosciuszko Walk, which travels for 13 kilometres from Thredbo to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Or you can drive the Alpine Way from Canberra to Thredbo, then wind through prime wildflower territory on the Kosciuszko Summit Walk or cycle past high-altitude florals on the Thredbo Valley Track.

When to see them: From August to early October

Wildflowers in Snowy Mountains National Park — In spring, pops of purple, yellow and pink cover the alpine fields. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Sunflower Farms, Queensland

Sunflowers grow in various spots around Queensland, and when they choose to bloom is largely up to the elements.

Your best chance of seeing them in full bloom is to head to the Toowoomba and Warwick regions. Some hot spots are Allora, Nobby, Clifton, Freestone and Felton. But hey, to be on the safe side, check in with the Toowoomba and Warwick tourism offices before you jump in the car.

When to see them: From January to March (weather dependent)

Family in sunflower field in Warraba in Queensland. — Get your sunflower fix in the Sunshine State. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This article was originally written by Emily Murphy with updates by Rachael Thompson.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Where to see the best wildflowers in Australia this spring