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Bungendore Park is a bushland reserve with diverse flora and fauna and is a great place for hiking. The park is part of Wungong Regional Park. It is located near Armadale, approximately 30km south east of Perth. There are 2 entrances to this nearly 500 hectar park: from Dryandra Drive off Albany Highway and from Admiral Road near Southern Hills Christian College. There are 5 hiking trails within the park, varying in length and difficulty and it is one of only a few parks where dogs are allowed. I chose the shortest walk, which is 2,3km Whistler Walk. It is an easy and very pleasant walk for those who are in nature appreciation.
Flora and fauna
Mixed Jarrah-Marri forest is very much alive with numerous sounds. Cicadas are particularly active at this time of the year (early December). And of course, there are sounds of whistlers, which are easier heard than seen. There are not many flowers blooming at the beginning of summer and they are mostly fringed lilies and some eucalyptus trees.
But Christmas spiders are out (below).
These tiny cute creatures are less than 1cm. There are also other names for a Christmas spider and its official name is Austracantha minax. Christmas spider is most active during months of December and January, hence it is common name.
December is also the time when Christmas Tree (above), officially known as Nuytsia floribunda, is blooming. It is lovingly called Christmas tree because it flowers in time for Christmas preparations and decorations. Its bright orange flowers are an absolute delight and such a beautiful decoration of the bush by nature. Bees love it too!
Other info
Yes, you can take your dog to the park! And it is free.
Located just off Waroona, in the Peel Region it is a popular picnic and recreational swimming area, especially on hot days. We found it a very busy place during October school holidays. And that was no surprise – being away from the beach, the only closest place for Waroona locals to swim was in the weir. Not only that – it is quite picturesque with its green rolling hills at the background and good facilities.
You can enjoy safe swimming, kayaking, paddling or just relaxing on the grass. There are picnic tables, bbqs, shelter, toilets. There is also a short bush walk to observe birdlife.
Location and other info
Drakes Brook Weir is located just outside of Waroona town, roughly 1,5hours drive south from Perth.
Dogs are not permitted on the sand and grass area.
Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park is quite a popular attraction. First, it is home to thrombolites – living organisms that are believed to be one of the earliest life forms on earth. These micro-organisms form calcium rich structures that over the years become thrombolites. Thrombolies are only found in a few places in the world and the ones at Lake Clifton are the largest in the southern hemisphere. They are around 2000 years old.
Thrombolites look quite impressive due to their interesting rounded shape. Visiting this place with children can be fun. You can play a game with them, suggesting to say what object each of the thrombolite can resemble. We had mostly pancakes, pies and meatballs (you could guess, that someone was hungry 😊).
What else is there at Lake Clifton?
Lake Clifton is a photographer’s delight. The best time to take nice scenery pictures is during the sunset when you see changing colours from the sky across the water and down to the thrombolites.
There is also a pleasant and easy 5km Lakeside loop walk, running parallel to Lake Cliffton. The vegetation there is quite thick on the sides of the track and in season you can spot some pretty wildflowers.
Microtis media Common Mignonette orchid (above).
There are picnic facilities, bbq and toilets near the carpark. There is no entry fee to Yalgorup National Park. Unfortunately, you cannot bring dogs there. If you would like to camp near Lake Clifton, we recommend staying at Martins Tank campground. It is a great bush camp and it is only half an hour drive south.
Martins Tank campground is located within Yalgorup National Park in the Peel region. It is 5km inland from Preston Beach. The campground has an unusual layout. Rather than being in a circle, it is spread long.
The sites vary considerably. Sites designated for tents look nice and secluded, however, they require a short walk from the parking area. Caravan sites, on the other hand, are more exposed, closer to the main track and smaller in size, but you can reverse in. So, we opted for a caravan site, as it was more convenient for us when taking things in and out of the vehicle. Each site has an individual bench and tables (except for group sites), which is very useful. There are 3 drop toilet blocks in the campground and one shared communal firepit and camp kitchen. Although if you are in a caravan site on the opposite side from the entrance, it’s a long walk. However, if you are close by, you can use all the amenities without taking your own kitchen. There is even a charging station for your devices.
Overall, it is a pleasant bush camp, nestled in the forest with a short walk to Martin’s Lake. Unfortunately, you can’t swim or launch a boat in the lake, likewise in all other lakes in the Yalgorup National Park but the beach is not far away. Lake is quite beautiful though, especially in the morning and during sunset.
Activities
Martins Tank campground is conveniently located in the heart of the Peel region. If you are into hiking and nature appreciation, you can explore the lakes of Yalgorup National Park and also visit Island Point Reserve on the shore of the Harvey Estuary. For beach lovers, Preston Beach, 5km away, offers excellent 4WD opportunities but also has a 2WD access. And if you are seeking a bit of entertainment, Mandurah is a vibrant city with a lot to offer and is less than an hour drive.
If you are happy just to stay in the campground and relax, there are nice and easy walks around with the wildflowers in season.
Dogs are not allowed as it is part of the national park. The cost to camp is $15 per person per night ($5 per child) but the entry to national park is free. It’s quite a popular camp with a friendly volunteer camp host on site (during school holidays). Bookings are essential and can be done via Parkstay. Martins Tank is 1,5 drive south from Perth and half an hour drive from famous Thrombolites of Lake Clifton.
Island Point also provides picnic facilities with barbeques, picnic tables and toilets. You can launch a small boat or a kayak, or go crabbing. Above all you can simply enjoying easy hiking through wetlands while observing amazing flora and fauna.
Island Point Reserve location
The reserve is at the end of Island Point Road, just off Old Coast Road, south of Mandurah. It is roughly 1,5 hours drive from Perth.
Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk is a must for wildflower enthusiasts. The walk is 1,4km loop and is quite easy with a few manageable slopes. As you climb higher, you will enjoy beautiful views of the ridge and nearby Harvey Dam. The trail is open all year round but is best enjoyed in spring when masses of wildflowers are blooming. These pictures were taken early October.
Boronia species (above left), Cowslip orchid Caladenia flava (above top right), Diuris longifolia Purple Pansy Orchid (above bottom right).
Stylidium androsaceum Book Triggerplant (above top left), Stylidium schoenoides Cow Kicks Triggerplant (above bottom left), Thelymitra macrophylla Scented Sun Orchid (above right).
Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk location and extra info
Harvey Wildflower Rige Walk is located just outside of Harvey, in the South West, under 2 hours drive south from Perth. It is on Honeymoon Road, off South Western Highway.
There are secluded picnic facilities with gorgeous views but no toilets. Dogs are not allowed.
York and Beverley in Avon subregion within Wheatbelt are charming places to visit by themselves, but if you are looking for wildflowers, they are absolutely amazing. Both Yorkand Beverley visitor centres are very helpful, providing useful information, maps and resources to spot wildflowers, including orchids.
Sun Scented Orchids blooming at Brooking Street Reserve in Beverley
Brooking Street Reserve near Beverley
Brooking Street Reserve in Beverley is a small bushland reserve, walking distance from the main street of the town Beverley. However, it boasts 12 species of native orchids (most of them blooming from July to October). The walking trails are clearly marked, which makes it quite easy to spot the orchids. We feel so lucky to have seen 7 orchid species out of those 12 that grow there, just in one visit.
Pink Fairy Cowslip Hybrid Orchid (above left), Common Donkey Orchid Diuris species (above right).
End of September orchids
Fringed Mantis Orchid was still blooming one month later but none of the other orchids we’ve seen late August. However, we found 2 new different species.
Fringed Mantis Orchid Caladenia falcata (above left), Microtis media Common Mignonette orchid (above right).
Scented sun orchids Thelymitra macrophylla (above left and right).
Drosera
There are not only orchids but a few other interesting wildflowers at Brooking Street Reserve. Pimpernel Sundew (Drosera glanduligera) is a tiny but quite spectacular and amazing carnivorous plant. I nearly missed it, mistaking it for a weed . It was flowering during our both visits to Brooking street reserve.
Wambyn Nature Reserve near York
Wambyn Nature Reserve is located 12km west of York, along Great Southern Highway. It is another great place to visit if you are searching for orchids. The pictures below were taken end of August 2023.
Caladenia longicauda Common White Spider Orchid (above left). This is a large spider orchid. Fringed Mantis Orchid Caladenia falcata (above top right), Sugar Candy Orchid Caladenia hirta (above top right).
Common Donkey Orchid Diuris species (above left), Bridal Rainbow Drosera macrantha (above right).
There are so many more reserves around York and Beverley! We’ll definitely be visiting them over the next few years and adding the updates to this post. Watch this space!
Kwolyin camp, near Bruce Rock in the Wheatbelt region – what a gem! We’ve stayed 3 nights there over the September long weekend and really enjoyed our stay. Facilities are amazing here and include 3 flushing toilets, kitchen with sink and gas stove, bbq, shelter, picnic tables, bins and some fire pits.
The campground is within the nature reserve, so there are plenty of wildflowers in season. At the end of September Waitzia Accuminata were nearly finished but there were still plenty of yellow Glyschrocaryon aureuam and blue Brunonia Australis, as well as blue Goodenia.
There are 3 walk trails of various length around the camp and over the Coarin Rock to enjoy. The best thing about Kwolyin camp is that it is free and you can stay up to 72 hours. Thank you, Shire of Bruce Rock for providing and maintaining so well these amazing facilities for us to enjoy!
Attractions near Kwolyin camp
There are plenty of activities and attractions sites around Kwolyin camp. It all depends how far you are prepared to travel and how much you want to spend in each place.
Kokerbin Rock
Kokerbin Rock is the 3rd largest monolith in Australia. While it is only 122 meters high, it is definitely worth a visit. 2km return hike to the summit is relatively easy. There is also a 2.8km Kokerbin Circuit Trail that circles half of the rock. With these two trails to enjoy, you can easily spend half a day there if you take the time to appreciate all that this place has to offer. Kokerbin Rock is within nature reserve, which means there are wildflowers in season, as well as many birds, butterflies and native animals.
Kokerbin Rock itself is very picturesque with many interesting rock formations, caves and boulders. Some rocks are hollow inside and big enough for you to walk into them, which makes them free standing caves.
The views from the summit are amazing. You can see long stretches of farming fields, more rock formations and towns of the Wheatbelt in the distance.
Facilities at Kokerbin Rock are quite good. It is actually a former campground (which was moved to nearby Kwolyin camp). Newly upgraded, there are toilets, shelter, picnic tables, bbq, rubbish bins and an information display. We enjoyed our lunch of freshly cooked eggs and bacon there.
Kokerbin Rock is 40km north west of Bruce Rock and 9km away from Kwolyin camp. There is no entry fee to the reserve. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed within the reserve.
Quairading Pink Lake
There are 2 unusual things about this pink lake. First, the road (sealed) goes directly through the lake, so you literally drive through it. Second, one side of the lake gets pink at certain times of the day and year, while the other side always stays blue. When we saw this lake at the end of September, only the edges of one side of the lake were pink. Assumingly, because the water there is shallow and thus warmer. This blogger offers a good explanation of this phenomenon.
Quairading Pink Lake is on Bruce Rock-Quairading Road, 11km east of Quairading.
Shackleton
This little town is known for having the smallest bank in Australia. The bank is within 3 by 4 meter building. It closed the operation in 1997. Shackleton, a small town of just around 100 people is on the Bruce Rock-Quairading Road between towns of Bruce Rock and Quairading. It is 9km from Kwolyin camp. We found it was worth a stop.
Bruce Rock
Bruce Rock is a rock, as well as the name of the town. While the rock is not as impressive and popular as nearby Kokerbin Rock, it is nevertheless a rock. With a lonely tree on top 😊. You can’t climb the rock, as it is a fenced area but you can have a picnic there, as facilities are provided (but no toilets). Bruce rock is a short drive from the town with the same name. It is about 40km east from Kwolyin camp. If you need to fill up fuel or buy food, it might be the place to visit.
Corrigin
We found Corrigin much nicer than Bruce Rock. Corrigin has a Dog Cemetry, 5km from the town, which is an attraction by itself (although, it could be a sad experience for some). Inside the town there are a few nice parks for kids to play or to have a picnic.
There is also Corrigin wildflower drive, which starts opposite the Corrigin Dog Cemetry. It is a 4km long drive trail with a variety of wildflowers blooming from August to November. We found it quite bright and colourful when we visited this place late September.
Petrophile brevifolia (above left), Dasymalla terminalis Native Foxglove (above top right), Glischrocaryon aureum Common Popflower (above bottom right).
Corrigin is 56km south of Kwolyin camp and is 235km east of Perth.
Babakin
Babakin is a very small town in the Wheatbelt region, between Bruce Rock and Corrigin. It is a quiet place with population of just 56 people. The reason it is known is because it is home to WA’s rarest plant – underground orchid Symonanthus bancroftii (also known as Rhizanthella gardneri). While it was not the right season to find this plant (and probably, almost impossible anyway, unless you are an expert), we stopped by to learn more.
Behind the town hall, we encountered a visitor – blue tongue lizard.
If you are into photography…
There are plenty of opportunities to utilise your skills and satisfy your passion as a photographer.
Farm fields in the Wheatbelt region look nice – green or yellow, from low or from high up.
There are various salt lakes, big and small, which could be dry during warmer months. They also look quite picturesque.
Rocks… There is no shortage of them in the Wheatbelt.
Kwolyin camp is located 40km north west of Bruce Rock, along Bruce Rock-Quairading Road. It is also 9km from Kokerbin Rock. Kwolyin camp is in the Central East Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.
There is no charge to stay at Kwolyin camp but you can only stay not more than for hours.
Boyagin nature reserve in the Wheatbelt area is an example of how the natural bushland looked like before the land was cleared for farming. It is a great place to observe wildlife and native wildflowers. Actually, you can drive through the reserve. Although the track gets steep and uneven at some places, so you would need a 4WD for that.
The heart of the reserve is Boyagin Rock, that rises 50 m above the land. There is a 1,1km moderately challenging and steep walk to the top of the rock. In spring and winter it is a nice place to enjoy the wildflowers.
Fringed Mantis Orchid Caladenia falcata (above left), Cowslip Orchid Caladenia Flava (above middle), Patersonia Occidentalis Purple Flag (above right).
Facilites at Boyagin nature reserve
Near the Boyagin Rock carpark there is a picnic area with tables, gas bbq, toilets and an excellent information display. The posters depict rich information about the reserve and its history. You can also learn there how the Rock plays an important role for Noongar people. We didn’t actually climb the rock as we ran out of time driving through the reserve itself.
Additional information:
Byoagin Rock is 175km south east of Perth and 26km north west of Pingelly. Camping and dogs are not allowed at the reserve.
Yornaning Dam, 24km north of Narrogin in the Wheatbelt, turned out to be a nice surprise for us. The dam was originally built to provide water for steam locomotives on the railway line between Perth and Albany and fresh water for Narrogin. Nowadays the dam is used for recreational swimming and as a picnic spot. We stopped at Yornaning Dam on our way home after camping at Dryandra Woodland. Being it close to home, we decided to spend a bit of time at this place.
What’s on offer at Yornaning Dam
First,there are a couple of easy walk and cycling trails around the dam, which are quite picturesque.
If you are into photography, this is a great place to spend some time. Second, the dam also attracts many native birds and animals. Third, the area around Yornaning Dam is actually a reserve, which means you will find great flora and fauna. Late winter and spring is particulaly a good time for viewing wildflowers, including a few types of orchids.
Yornaing Dam has excellent facilities, which include picnic tables, bbq, toilets and children’s playground. The view on the dam is awesome, especially if it is a nice slightly cloudy day or, perhaps, at sunset. While we had our lunch at the dam, we saw a number of people camping there. Apparently, according to the Cuballing shire website, if you are self-sufficient, you can camp there for free, for a maximum of 3 nights. Dogs are welcome on the leash.
To sum up, Yornaning Dam is a great place to visit. We’ll probably be back one day camping there.
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. It was flowering during our both visits to Brooking street reserve. 
