Wildflowers Archives

Mollerin Rock

Mollerin Rock is a free camping and picnic area, 50km north of Koorda in North East Wheatbelt. It’s one of the attractions along Wheatbelt Way self-drive.

Mollerin Rock camp

Facilities are basic and include a long drop toilet with a tap for washing hands, 1 gazebo with a picnic table. There is plenty of space to accommodate various types of vehicles and set ups. The place is easily accessible to 2WD. The campground is at the base of Mollerin Rock, which is quite low in height and easy to walk on and around.

The views are wonderful from the top, especially at sunset. The best thing about Mollerin Rock is campfire at night during cooler months (between April and September) and wildflowers, mostly everlastings, during early spring.

We stayed at Mollerin Rock campground at the end of September. The wildflowers were past their prime time and many finished already but we still enjoyed the campfire and starry nights.

Attractions nearby:

Koorda Rose

Koorda is roughly 50km south of Mollerin Rock.

I planned a trip to Koorda to see the unique to the Wheatbelt region Koorda Rose (Darwinia purpurea). It is a very pretty bright red flowering plant, common in Koorda. It is found in abundance in Koorda Native Flora reserve, 15km north-east of town, on the Mulji Road.

Koorda Native Flora reserve also offers a free picnic and camping ground. The area is relatively big and open and suitable for all kinds of set ups and vehicles. There is a picnic table with shade, campfire ring and toilet. While we didn’t stay there, it looked like a nice camping spot for cooler months.

Koorda Motor and Military Museum

Another place we (our sons, in particular) enjoyed visiting was Koorda Motor and Military Museum. Although it is small and is open by appointment, it does have a few interesting things on display and is worth a visit.

Boys at Koorda Motor and Military Museum, 50km south of Mollerin Rock

Redcliffe

We love natural attractions and always visit them whenever we have a chance as we travel. Redcliffe was one such attraction. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this place comes from the contrast between the white salt lakes and the red granite outcrops. Redcliffe is located 5km off Koorda, at the end of Rifle Range road.

Moningarin Tank

Roughly half way between Koorda and Mollerin Rock, Moningarin Tank is a picturesque place to visit. Lots of wildflowers are blooming there during the spring.

Calytrix depressa (above left), Dianella revoluta (above middle), Dodonea inequifolia (above right).

Podolepis canescens (above left), Rhodanthe manglesii (above middle), Schoenia cassiniana (above right).

Carpets of everlastings (above left), Verticordia chrysanthella (above middle), Waitzia acuminata orange immortelle (above right).

Harrisdale Swamp

Harrisdale Swamp is a Bush Forever nature reserve, south of Perth, within the City of Armadale. The reserve is relatively large and is part of Jandakot Regional Park. It is rich in flora and fauna, which is the main reason for visiting this place. Anyone with a keen interest in wildlife, wildflower photography (more on this below) will find great delight at this reserve.

It has some interesting history, dating back to World War II, when the area was used for growing potatoes to feed soldiers. More on this here. Fortunately, it was declared a reserve in 1991 due to its high conservation values.

There are walking trails within the reserve. Some of them are impassable in winter during heavy rains. There are no facilities within the reserve.

Birdlife is abundant there. When the wildflower season is over, I will be paying more attention to the various birds within the reserve. I already spotted numerous Blue wrens and heard Golden whistlers but I need to go back and hopefully take pictures of them.

Orchids at Harrisdale Swamp (blooming in August)

I was visiting Harrisdale Swamp weekly this year. After sufficient rain I was delighted to discover and photograph 11 types of orchids growing there. There are more types of orchids growing there, but some of them were not flowering, like Red Beaks. Many native wildflowers, other than orchids grow there too.

Pterostylis crispula Slender snail orchid (left above), Pterostylis sanguinea Dark banded greenhood (above middle), Diuris corymbosa Common donkey orchid (above right).

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Leporella fimbriata Hare orchid (above left), Pterostylis recurva Jug orchid (above middle), Cyrtostylis huegelii Midge orchid (above right).

Prasophyllum parvifolium Autumn leek orchid (above left), Pterostylis vittata Banded greenhood orchid (above middle), Pterostylis ectypha Thick sepaled Snail Orchid (above right).

Caladenia flava Cowslip orchid at Harrisdale Swamp

Pheladenia deformis Blue Fairy orchid at Harrisdale Swamp

Caladenia flava Cowslip orchid (above left), Pheladenia deformis Blue Fairy orchid (above right).

Various wildflowers

Philotheca spicata Pepper and Salt at Harrisdale Swamp

Philotheca spicata Pepper and Salt (above left), Bossiaea eriocarpa (above middle), Brachyloma preissii (above right).

Conostylis prolifera (above left), Drosera pallida (above middle), Running Postman Kennedia prostrata (above right).

Fungi

In winter, after a good rain, you can see plenty of fungi in the bush.

Camel Soak

Camel Soak was a pleasant surprise. We were considering staying at Karara Rangeland Park during our Wildflower Country trip in September 2022, which included Coalseam Conservation Park, Depot Hill and Wreath Flowers near Pindar. Then we discovered this free camp ground just outside of Karara Ranglelands. It is a picnic, as well as a free camping spot with clean long drop toilet (and a sink with pump soap to wash hands), picnic tables and fire pits. There are plenty of spaces to choose from. During the wildflowers season, it is particularly picturesque, as the wildflowers are everywhere. In fact, as we set up our camp, we found that we were surrounded by gorgeous yellow everlastings. It was such a pleasure to wake up to such a beauty.

Camel Soak is also an interesting historical site. It has a man made granite watering hole, where men and their camels obtained the water while building the Rabbit Proof Fence in the early 1900. I suppose, this is where the name is coming from.

Although we only stayed one night, we could easily have stayed longer, if we had the luxury of time. It is such a wonderful spot to go for walks and also for bird watching and admiring wildflowers.

Where is Camel Soak?

Camel Soak is 47km east of Perenjori, just off the Perenjori-Rothsay Road in the Mid West region of Western Australia and is easily accessible via a 2WD. It is roughly 360km north of Perth. It is considered part of WA’s Wildflower Country.

Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

Hiking and wildflowers

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.

purple flower at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

yellow orchid at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

donkey orchid at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

Boronia species (above left), Cowslip orchid Caladenia flava (above top right), Diuris longifolia Purple Pansy Orchid (above bottom right).

White interesting shape plant at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

White trigger plant at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

Blue orchid flower in buds at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

Stylidium androsaceum Book Triggerplant (above top left), Stylidium schoenoides Cow Kicks Triggerplant (above bottom left), Thelymitra macrophylla Scented Sun Orchid (above right).

Drosera erythrorhiza Red Ink Sundew (above left), Drosera macrantha Bridal Rainbow (above middle), Scaevola calliptera (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.

Secluded picnic site at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

Picnic site sign at Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk

York and Beverley

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 York and B everley 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

Broo king 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.

Late August orchids

These were the flowers blooming late August 2023:

Blue Fairy Orchid Pheladenia deformis (above left), Cowslip Orchid Caladenia flava (above middle), Fringed Mantis Orchid Caladenia falcata (above right).

Sugar Candy Orchid Caladenia hirta (above left), Slender Snail Orchid Pterostylis crispula (above right).

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!

Yornaning Dam

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.

Custard Orchid Thelymitra villosa (above left), Green Spider Orchid Caladenia falcata (above middle), Prasophyllum cyphochilum Pouched Leek Orchid (above right).

Calytrix breviseta (above left), Fringed Lily (above middle), Orthrosanthus multiflorus Morning Iris (above right).

Facilities at Yornaning Dam

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.

Foxes Lair and Narrogin

Foxes Lair is a bushland reserve, on the edge of Narrogin town in the Wheatbelt area. It is well known to wildflower enthusiasts and lovers of bird and wildlife. We visited it as part of our trip to Dryandra Woodland, searching for wildflowers, late September. It was a wonderful addition to our camping trip, as we took our time to take it slow and enjoy the outdoors.

Valley Loop Trail

What to do in Foxes Lair

Foxes Lair is a great place to enjoy nature, go hiking, cycling or picnicing. There are 5 walking trails within the reserve, all quite easy. In addition, there is also a cycle trail and 3 picnic grounds within the reserve. Facilities include shelter and picnic tables but no toilets (you can find public toilets a short drive away in Narrogin).

Boy sitting on a stone with a fox picture

Marri picnic ground

Wildflowers at Foxes Lair

These are the flowers spotted late September along Valley Loop trail.

Cowslip Orchid Caladenia Flava (above left), Holly-leaved Mirbelia Mirbelia dilatata (above middle), Glischrocaryon aureum Common Popflower (above right).

Lechenaultia biloba (above left), Podolepis gracilis Slender Podolepis (above middle), Rhodanthe citrina (above right).

Stackhousia monogyna Creamy candles (above left), Stylidium ecorne Foot Triggerplant (above middle), Stark White Spider Orchid Caladenia longicauda eminens (above right).

White Banjine Pimelea ciliata (above left), Stypandra glauca Blind Grass (above middle), Stylidium caricifolium (above right).

Narrogin

While you visit Foxes Lair nature reserve, it is worthwhile to drop at nearby Narrogin visitor centre. We were pleasantly surprised with this nice little information centre, run by friendly volunteers. The centre is well stocked with lots of information on the surrounding parks, reserves and other attractions.

Furthermore, Dryandra Country Visitor Centre in Narrogin has an interesting interactive display – diorama of Narrogin back in 1960s. Apparently, it is still work in progress, so next time you visit it, there might be a bigger and more detailed display on offer.

Diorama of Narrogin

Apart from the visitor centre, Narrogin is quite a nice town by itself. It is relatively large, which means you can easily stock up on food and fuel. Also, there are also a number of pretty and interesting parks within the town.

Memorial park in Narrogin

So, next time you are passing by, we recommend you stop by at Narrogin! And, of course, Foxes Lair is a must if you are searching for wildflowers.

Dryandra Woodland

Dryandra Woodland, being only 164km from Perth, is a perfect place for a short getaway. First, it is the diversity of flora and fauna that is so amazing. It is a rather large and significant nature conservation area. Second, the park has a number of walking trails with interpretative signs, providing opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about the place and its history. Third, there is an opportunity to see wild native animals in their environment. The best thing? You can camp at Dryandra Woodland, which means you have more time to explore this wonderful place.

Camping at Dryandra Woodland

Camping in the woods is always lovely, especially in colder months when you can have a campfire. There are 2 bush camp grounds within Dryandra Woodland National Park, managed by Parks and Wildlife Service – Congelin campground and Gnaala Mia campground. They are both similar in terms of the facilities provided – large camping spots, spaced well apart, each with a picnic table and fire ring (with wood provided), well maintained long drop toilets, bbq and kitchen shelter. You cannot book a site, but we didn’t find it was an issue to find a spot, although, the campgrounds are quite popular.

Congelin campground

We stayed at Congelin campground in September 2023 and paid $11 per person per night ($3 per child).

We were happy for an opportunity to still have fire on the last day of September.

Gnaala Mia campground

Over the long June weekend in 2024 we visited Dryandra Woodland again. This time we stayed at Gnaala Mia campground. It has two loops with 27 bays suitable for caravans and 8 bays for tents. Unlike Congelin campground, the sites at Gnaala Mia do not have grass.

Dryandra Woodland flora and fauna

Most importantly, it is the feel of the woodland with its smells, sounds and sights that was very appealing for us. The highlights were cowslip and spider orchids among other wildflowers only steps away from the tent – a pure delight for wildflower enthusiasts. This was late September 2023.

Blue China Orchid Cyanicula gemmata (above left), Common Dragon Orchid Caladenia barbarossa (above middle), Cowslip orchid Caladenia flava subspecies sylvestris (above right).

Banksia squarrosa Pingle (above left), Conostylis setigera Bristly Cottonhead (above middle), Gastrolobium parviflorum (above right).

Patersonia occidentalis Purple Flag (above top left), Purple Tassels Sowerbaea laxiflora (above bottom left and right).

Many-flowered Fringe Lily Thysanotus multiflorus (above left), Goodenia trinervis (above top right), Rhodanthe citrina (above bottom right).

There is a great variety of trigger plants at Dryandra Woodland:

White trigger plant small petals touching

Above, from left to right: Stylidium ecorne, Stylidium petiolare Horn Triggerplant, Stylidium uniflorum orange, Stylidium uniflorum.

Black Carnaby’s cockatoos and a variety of parrots were among the many birds we spotted. And of course, the main treat was seeing the nocturnal woodland marsupials. We had a couple of different visitors come to our campfire. They were too busy to stop for a good picture or proper species identification 😊.

Barna Mia nocturnal tour

Barna Mia nocturnal tours are very popular and need to be booked in advance. We missed out on the opportunity when we visited Dryandra first time in 2023, so decided to book weeks ahead for the June long weekend the following year (2024). The tour was very informative and educational, great for adults and kids alike. The animals were cooperative and came out to say hello, except for Mala (Rufous Hare Wallaby). We saw Bilby, Woylie and Boodie – all are endangered native animals.

Boodie (above left), Woylie (above middle), Woylie and Bilby (above right).

Brushtail Possum also joined the party (he is not endangered but was allowed to be there 😊). It would be good to have a better lighting, but you can only use red light with nocturnal animals to protect their well-being.

Brushtail Possum (above left), Woylie (above right).

Old Mill Dam

Old Mill Dam is a nice picnic area, close to Dryandra Village in Dryandra Woodland. There are 2 easy walks of various lengths, starting from the Dam to enjoy the woodlands with the opportunity to spot wildlife. Facilities include picnic tables, bbs, toilet. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.

Additional info

Dryandra Woodland is roughly a 2 hour drive south east from Perth and 22km north west of Narrogin. It is within Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. The entry to Dryandra Woodland Park is free. Unfortunately, no dogs. The cost of both Congelin and Gnaala Mia campgrounds is $15 per person ($5 per child) per night in 2024.

Driving at night through Dryandra Woodland

Korung National Park

Korung National Park, is in Western Australia, 26 kilometres south-east of Perth. It was formerly known as Pickering Brook National Park. There are 2 designated hiking and mountain bike trails (Carmel walk and Lion’s Lookout) in the park. Both have an abundance of wildflowers in spring. We visited Lion’s Lookout.

Lion’s Lookout walk

Lion’s Lookout Walk within Korung National Park, just off Welshpool Road in Lesmurdie is a great hiking trail to do in winter and spring. With wide but bumpy track going up and down, and at times being challenging, it was fun for our kids. They were running up and down the slopes, while the adults were struggling to go down on some steep sections.

Man and two children going uphill in the bush

Lion’s Lookout is a loop trail, 4km long. The highest point of the track offers great views over Bickley Reservoir and Perth city.

Wildflowers at Korung National Park

There are plenty of widlflowers along the way. We find looking at wildflowers so fascinating, that went to the trouble of learning their names, so we know what we are photographing.

Banksia armata (above left). Blue Squill Chamaescilla corymbosa (above top right). Drumstick Isopogon sphaerocephalus (above bottom right).

Hairy Jug Flowerr Adenanthos barbiger (above right). Honeypot Dryandra Banksia nivea (above top right). Leschenaultia Biloba (above bottom right).

Milkmaid Burchardia congesta (above left). Pincushion Coneflower Isopogon (above top right). Scaevola glandulifera (above bottom right).

Pimelea ciliata – White Banjine (above left). Swamp spider orchid (above top right). Tetratheca species (above bottom right).

Calytrix glutinosa (above left). Stypandra glauca – Blind Grass (above centre). Philotheca spicata Pepper and Salt (above left).

Facilites at Korung National Park (Lion’s Lookout)

After the walk (or before) you can enjoy a picnic on the grass or at the picnic tables provided near carpark while enjoying the views of the city. There are picnic tables, shelter, bbq and rubbish bins (but no toilets) there.

Additional information

The entry to the park is free. Unfortunatley, no dogs are allowed.

Armadale Settlers Common

Armadale Setters Common is located in Bedfordale, Western Australia. It is a large bushland reserve that is known for a variety of wildflowers in spring, boasting 318 plant species. It is also home to diverse fauna.

There are a number of hiking trails in Armadale Settlers Common, offering a range of experiences, from easy walks to picnicking, wildlife observation and photography. We visited this place late August, searching for wildflowers. Surely enough, we found quite a selection of them.

Settlers Common East

This is the smaller part of the reserve, which has great picnic facilities with benches, picnic tables and shelters. Observation Circle has gravel trails, offering bushland hiking experience. Next to it, is paved path for pram and wheelchair access.

There is also the greater Settlers Common on the other side of Carradine Road with longer trails (all gravel). We haven’t covered that place, hence we can’t write much about it. So all the pictures were taken in Settlers Common East.

Lechenaultia Biloba (above left). Blue Squill – Chamaescilla corymbosa (above right).

Common Donkey Orchid – Diuris brumalis (above left). Hakea lissocarapha – Honey Bush (above right).

Kennedia coccinea – Coral Vine (above left). Kennedia prostrata – Running Postman (above right).

Lemon-scented Darwinia (above left). Milkmaids Burchardia congesta (above right).

Morning Iris – Orthrosanthus laxus (above left). Swan River Myrtle – Hypocalymma robustum (above right).

Hairy Jug Flower – Adenanthos barbiger (above left). Red Ink Sundew – Drosera erythrorhiza (above top right). Wilson’s Grevillea – above bottom right.

Location and additional info

In conclusion, there is some practical information. Armadale Settlers Common is about 40 minutes drive from Perth. You can access it from Canns Road or Carradine Road, Bedfordale. There is no entry fee and dogs are allowed in this place.

Mollerin Rock camp

Attractions nearby:

Koorda Rose

Koorda Motor and Military Museum

Redcliffe

Moningarin Tank

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Orchids at Harrisdale Swamp (blooming in August)

Various wildflowers

Fungi

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Where is Camel Soak?

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Hiking and wildflowers

Harvey Wildflower Ridge Walk location and extra info

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Brooking Street Reserve near Beverley

Late August orchids

End of September orchids

Drosera

Wambyn Nature Reserve near York

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What’s on offer at Yornaning Dam

Facilities at Yornaning Dam

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What to do in Foxes Lair

Wildflowers at Foxes Lair

Narrogin

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Camping at Dryandra Woodland

Congelin campground

Gnaala Mia campground

Dryandra Woodland flora and fauna

Barna Mia nocturnal tour

Old Mill Dam

Additional info

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Lion’s Lookout walk

Wildflowers at Korung National Park

Facilites at Korung National Park (Lion’s Lookout)

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Settlers Common East

Location and additional info

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