An astounding 60 per cent of Western Australia’s wildflowers are found nowhere else on earth. Albany and the South Coast displays a rich diversity of many of those species, making it something of a nature gallery for rare and unusual floral species.
Each year, the region blooms with spectacular wildflower displays between late August and December, ranging from rare orchids and carnivorous plants to vivid ground covers and delicate mountain bells. The annual Bloom Festival takes places across the region every September-October, with a range of guided tours and special events throughout the month. The 2024 Bloom Festival program can be viewed here.
The South Coast region boasts over half of Western Australia's 13,000 plant species, with some so rare that they are only found in a few places in the world. This includes the endangered Granite Spider Orchid and the Queen of Sheba.
Finding wildflowers in Albany and the surrounding area is accessible to everyone, whether you are searching for the rare and exotic or just looking to enjoy being outdoors while looking for these seasonal blooms.
Remember to follow these simple guidelines and you are sure to enjoy your time spotting wildflowers in Albany.
Visit the Albany Visitor Centre or call us on 6820 3700 for maps and trail information and pick up a copy of our 10 Greats Walks brochure.
Alternatively, guided wildflower walks are available during September and October at Mt Trio Bush Camp.
Wildflower Hot Spots Around Albany
Ellen Cove Boardwalk
Spectacular views of King George Sound and Middleton Bay. Coastal heath & open scrub dominated by peppermint woodland interspersed with jarrah forest and coastal banksia species.
Mount Adelaide & Mount Clarence
Each mount has a 3km circuit. Jarrah and Banksia woodland interspersed by granite outcrops harbouring a range of herbaceous species.
Mount Melville Nature Trails
Jarrah and Banksia woodland interspersed by granite outcrops harbouring a range of herbaceous species.
Albany Windfarm
Coastal Heath, predominantly peppermint forest and Albany Woolly bush, with colourful sprays of hibbertia, pimelea and hakea. There are short walking tracks amongst the turbines, or the coastal trail is part of the Bibbulmun track.
Torndirrup National Park
Home to a diverse floral habitat, the heath lands put on a colourful display of wildflowers in spring, including Albany Woolly bush & the pungent Sticky Tailflower. Peppermint woodlands grow throughout the park.
Walks within the park include:
Stony Hill Heritage Trail (currently closed for upgrades), an easy 400m loop around the highest point in the park.
Peak Head Trail (currently closed for upgrades), approximately 2hrs return walk through rugged coastal heathland.
Isthmus Hill and Bald Head Trail (currently closed until further notice), a strenuous walk with great rewards. If you don’t have time for the entire walk, the first half of the trail offers banksias, wildflowers, orchids, and fabulous views.
Other Walks Around Albany
Uredale Point Heritage Trail (currently closed for repairs)
A moderate walk which begins at the Whalers Cove car park on Quaranup Road.
Luke Penn Kalgan River Walk
A gentle walk along banks of the Kalgan River, great for wildflowers and birds. Access is via gravel road from East Bank Rd, or sealed road access from South Coast Highway.
Gull Rock National Park & the Mount Martin Botanical Reserve
The Gull Rock National Park is home to an extensive range of wildflowers, orchids and the Banksia Coccinea.
The Mount Martin walk trail, starting from the Ledge Beach carpark, offers walking loops of various lengths and an incredible array of wildflowers, including the Banksia Coccinea and the Dryandra Formosa.
Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track is a long distance walking trail stretching 1005km from Albany to Kalamunda. There are a number of day walk sections, easily accessible from Albany, which offer spectacular views and wildflower opportunities.
For more information on the Bibbulmun Track click here https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/the-track/along-the-track/denmark-albany/
Muttonbird Beach carpark to Albany Windfarm, 13km one way
Frenchman Bay Rd (corner of Bayview Dr) to Sandpatch Campsite, 5km one way
Cosy Corner to Shelley Beach Lookout, 7km one way
Lowlands Beach to West Cape Howe hut, 5km one way
Porongurup National Park
The Porongurup National Park has over 750 plant species including 55 different species of orchid and a unique stand of Karri forest, also an abundance of birds & wildlife. Wildflower walks include:
Castle Rock & The Granite Skywalk, a challenging 4km return hike offering spectacular views.
Waliti Meil Walk Trail, a 1km walk starting from the Castle Rock car park.
Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve
Located between the Porongurup and Stirling Range National Parks, Twin Creeks has a spectacular diversity of plants which are accessible via several short walk trails.
Stirling Range National Park
With over 1500 species of plants with over 100 that are unique to the area, the Stirling Range National Park is a must-do for wildflower lovers. You don't have to venture too far off the track to find orchids and wildflowers, and orchids grow along the side of the road and along with fire breaks.
Guided Wildflower Orchid Walks are available from Mt Trio Bush Camp
https://mttrio.com.au/#wildflowers