4 spectacular wildflower road trips in Western Australia

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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A smorgasbord of colour is on display right now, and a road trip is the best way to see it.

Western Australia is home to some truly spectacular landscapes, which become even more breathtaking during wildflower season. More than 12,000 species bloom across the state in the second half of the year – 60 per cent of them found nowhere else on Earth. The floral display begins in the north and gradually moves south, transforming the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour.

Below, four vibrant road trips that showcase a tapestry of seasonal wildflowers and quiet, heritage-rich country towns. 

Wildflower Way

Best time to visit: August–September.

Pink wildflowers in Morawa Western Australia
A blanket of pink wildflowers in Morawa. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)

One of the most vibrant wildflower trails in Australia is the 309-kilometre Wildflower Way, which takes you from Dalwallinu through to Geraldton, passing through small towns including Morawa, Mullewa and Perenjori. Across three days, the trail will reveal a mesmerising floral display of everlastings, rare wreath flowers, golden wattles, orchids, scenic granite outcrops, peaceful farming towns, historic rail sites, quirky sculptures and beautifully preserved churches. There are 21 sign‑posted, interpretive sites to guide and offer fascinating insights into the land’s biodiversity, geology and culture.

Granite Loop Wildflower Trail

Best time to visit: September–November

Pink wildflowers in western australia
Toodyay is a popular first stop. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)

This whimsical 7‑day road trip loops around approximately 843 kilometres of seasonal wildflowers, geological sites and charming heritage towns. On display are vibrant everlastings, donkey and snail orchids and tinsel lilies, all painting the landscape in a dazzling patchwork of colour. But wildflowers aren’t the only spectacular natural wonders along the way – Beringbooding Rock, with its Indigenous rock art, and Elachbutting Rock, often called Wave Rock’s lesser-known sibling, are also highlights on the route.

Esperance Wildflower Trail

Best time to visit: September–November

White wildflowers next to the beach in Esperance
White wildflowers blooming at Rossiter Bay, located in Cape Le Grand National Park. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)

This spectacular coastal wildflower trail is more of a flexible scenic route offering a showstopping combination of vibrant wildflowers, pristine beaches and native bushland.  A popular driving route stretches across about 200–300 kilometres with key stops including Cape Le Grand National Park, Pink Lake (Lake Hillier), West Cape Howe National Park, and Fitzgerald River National Park, which display Australian bluebells, lambertia, Dryandra, and fringe lilies. 

South West Wildflower Trail

Best time to visit: August–November

Pincushion Hakea flower in bloom
Pincushion Hakea in bloom. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)

The South West Wildflower Trail winds through scenic national parks, coastal cliffs and rich farmland. A common route from Perth takes you through diverse landscapes with key stops including Dwellingup, Collie, Donnybrook, Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark, Albany and Stirling Range National Park. Among towering Jarrah trees and dramatic coastlines, you’ll spot blankets of pea flowers, kangaroo paw, donkey orchids and eschenaultia. Keep your eyes peeled for emus, echidnas and kangaroos along the way. 

To know before you go

Before you head out on your road trip, there are certain rules you should follow:

  • Always keep to marked trails when viewing to avoid damaging small flowers and delicate wildflower environments.
  • Don’t take anything but photos when out and about viewing – picking wildflowers is illegal and can land you a $2000 fine.
  • Do not enter private property to view.
  • Many wildflower routes go through remote areas, so ensuring you’re stocked up on food, water and fuel is a must.
  • Stay out of farming crops and pastures.
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.