5 of the Best Places Near Perth to See WA's Wildflowers

It’s easy to walk on the wild side in WA – and you don’t even need to pop heels and mascara on (actually, you really shouldn’t). The state’s jewel-like wildflowers carpet the southern half of the vast state in colour pops bearing quirky names such as donkey orchids, kangaroo paws and pompom head everlastings. Here are the top five places near(ish) Perth to find yourself some bush beauties.

What is wildflower season?

Wildflower season in Western Australia signals springtime and the arrival of nature’s haute couture. There are big, bold blooms, but most are small and delicate, with fine fringing, intricate patterns and minute details best observed up close. WA is home to 12,000 species of flowering natives, 70 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world. Incredibly, more are being discovered every year – these treasures hide themselves well.

Purple-pink flowers carpet the WA outback during wildflower season — Wildflower season in Western Australia signals springtime and the arrival of nature’s haute couture.

Where can you see wildflowers in season?

Once wildflower fever hits, all ages pull on their trainers, grab their cameras and hit the centre of the city – no joke (more on that soon). Petal pushers also tour the surrounding Perth Hills and journey north, east and south of the metropolis.

Yellow wildflowers in WA — WA is home to 12,000 species of flowering natives, 70 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world.

When is the best time to see them?

The mass bloom starts around the hotter, drier mid-point of WA late in June. It then flows southward as the weather warms, hitting its peak in September and petering out towards November. In northern parts of the state, vast tracts of land are carpeted in pinks, whites and yellows, whereas southern areas have speckles of colour peering shyly from the scrub. Finding the rare and elusive – plenty of the graceful orchid species fall into this category – becomes an infectious game. Here’s how to play.

Soft purple and white wildflowers in bloom in WA — Flowering season runs usually between mid June to the end of October.

Perth: the world’s biggest inner-city park lives here

It doesn’t get much easier than taking a free CBD bus (departing St Georges Terrace) a few minutes up a hill to arrive in wildflower cornucopia. Kings Park , on the fringe of Perth’s geographical core, trumps New York City’s Central Park when it comes to the competition for biggest inner-city park on the planet.

Each September the Kings Park Festival throws a wildflower party within its Botanic Garden, which distils thousands of species into one compact zone. Think grevillea, boronia, Geraldton wax and kangaroo paw, all in different colour combinations (the black and green paw is particularly stunning). Wildflowers are planted months ahead, blooming in time for visitors to stroll between beds that are split into WA’s different regions, showing what grows where.

Festival time means extra free guided walks where you’ll learn about floral survivalist methods, traditional Aboriginal uses and how scentless flowers trick insects into pollenating them. Volunteers also run walks year-round (departing daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm). The blooms usually last well into October, making a post-festival visit just as worthy. Rare species such as spider orchids and donkey orchids are most likely seen on the park’s bushland trails.

Pink wildflowers in bloom in WA — Once wildflower fever hits, all ages pull on their trainers, grab their cameras and hit the centre of the city.

Perth Hills: blooms and roos

John Forrest National Park is home to sweet things like the heart-leaf flame pea, the triggerplant and the feather flower (you’ll know when you see them). Drive 45 minutes from Perth’s CBD into the park hub and leave your car by the tavern (the pub is frozen in the ’80s, making it strangely endearing).

Give the unflappable western grey kangaroos a nod then set out on any of the walking paths and you’ll spot wildflowers within about 50 metres. The further you go, the more you’ll see, particularly close to the ground – a careful search will reap rewards.

A more energetic option is to follow the 15-kilometre Eagle View loop trail and discover a bevvy of bush beauties.

Margaret River: roadsides and bush tracks

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park runs along most of the Margaret River coastline and the Cape to Cape Track, which snakes through it, is lined with wildflowers. Hike along a section of the 135-kilometre route and breathe in deeply – you’ll smell them first. There are bolshy, bushy clusters and tiny blossoms, while floral succulents spread over the earth closer to the beaches.

We recommend the stretch between Smiths Beach and Injidup Beach (Injidup is taken from a Nyoongar word for the red pea flower). Walking alone is fine, but you’ll get more from the experience if you join a small, guided tour. The excellent Cape to Cape Explorer Tours ’ 2.5-hour ‘Wild about Margaret River ’ trek includes easily-digestible insight into the region’s diverse ecology. Or blend the exploration with lovely things like wine, cheese, high thread counts and massages through Walk into Luxury . Another option is the region’s only 4WD wildflower tour, which combines some of the track with a winery tasting – a rather brilliant combo by The Margaret River Discovery Co .

Alternatively, head to just about any winery off the main drag of Caves Road and you’ll notice wildflowers lurking on the roadsides. See a handy hotspot map, here .

Flora flowers season bloom wa native plants — Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park runs along most of the Margaret River coastline and the Cape to Cape Track, which snakes through it, is lined with wildflowers.

Lesueur National Park: scrub spangled with wildflowers

Head three hours’ drive north of Perth and 20 minutes north east of the fishing town of Jurien Bay to find yourself in sandy, scrubby outback country dotted with more than 900 wildflower species – many endangered. Lesueur National Park stretches across 27,000 hectares, but a sealed, 18-kilometre loop road drive makes exploring a cinch. Stop regularly and get out to inspect things like magenta starflowers, propeller banksia, prickly Moses wattle (so named for its spiky leaves) and blue tinsel lily.

There’s also a Lesueur Walk Trail , which leads to the summit of Mount Lesueur for wide-ranging views. On the way, make sure you peer through the grass trees to find the intricate species below. Your best bet may be to join a four-hour Mt Leuseur Tour departing Jurien Bay or Perth (bookings essential). It includes the scenic drive and a number of bush walks where flowers will be pointed out (sometimes easier than hunting them yourself). Everything here is best seen from July to October.

The Great Southern: just everywhere

If you’re visiting WA towards the end of spring, drive four hours south of Perth to the cool climate Great Southern and base yourself at either Albany , winery-rimmed Denmark or wilderness hotspot, Walpole (don’t miss the Valley of the Giants while you’re there). The Bibbulmun Track runs along all three centres (it’s a massive 1000-kilometre long-distance trail starting in Perth) and wildflowers can be found along it from September to November. As with much of the state, the blooms are tiny and need to be sought out – the more you look, the more you find. It’s a great way to slow down and achieve mindfulness amid the quiet of nature. If you want to go on a serious hike, you can get dropped off or picked up by local transport operators Naturally Walpole Track and Trail Transfers .

Wildflowers in bloom in Albany WA — Base yourself at either Albany, Denmark or wilderness hotspot, Walpole to see the wildflowers south of Perth.

Alternately, Stirling Range National Park near Albany is home to some 1500 species of plants – including those rare orchids – with numerous walk trails, or, if you’re staying at the Mt Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park, you can join a good-value, 1.5-hour guided walk. Energetic types can take the gorgeous 12.5-kilometre Bald Head Walking Trail in Torndirrup National Park , keeping an eye out for colour pops – and migrating whales – along the route (tip: stop in at The Gap’s clifftop overhang viewing platform on the drive back to Albany).

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

Five of the best places to get into WA’s wildflower season