From as early as June through to the new year, wildflowers spring to life in Western Australia.

WA's wildflower collection is one of the largest on Earth. There are more than 12,000 species and more than half are found absolutely nowhere else. Go blooming wild and discover these natural wonders on a self-drive adventure or tour this spring. Here’s the best ways to wander among wildflowers in the Perth region.

Close to home

Let’s start with the wildflowers closer to home. In spring, the vibrant City of Stirling lights up with wildflowers. Below are our favourite spots to see them for yourself.

Star Swamp Bushland Reserve

Star Swamp is an A-Class Reserve with significant heritage importance. It is home to a diverse variety of plant species which makes it one of the most spectacular reserves to seek out stunning wildflowers. Follow the informative 1.4km Heritage Trail that runs from the Henderson Environmental Centre in the south to Mary Street in the north. The reserve provides countless opportunities for birdwatching (Carnaby cockatoos are often seen feasting on parrot bush along the tracks or roosting in nearby trees) and walking among Banksia and Jarrah woodland. Here you will be sure to spot native wildflowers (Swan River Myrtle, Milk Maids, Donkey Orchids, Chocolate Lilys and many more!). Plus, you may even experience a chance encounter with a quenda, all in the middle of suburbia.

Lake Gwelup

Lake Gwelup has stunning Banksia and Jarrah, Marri woodland surrounded by colourful flora (and of course, the gorgeous lake itself). Enjoy a 2.5km stroll on paved paths around the stunning Lake Gwelup, pausing at the viewing platform and boardwalk on the southern side where you can get even closer to the wildlife. The City of Stirling Natural Areas have been busy with revegetation in some of the bare areas which were once overrun with weeds. Some of the wildflower treasures found here include Milk Maids, Donkey Orchids, Swan River Myrtle, Australian Christmas Tree, Yellow Buttercups and Common Hovea.

Trigg Bushland

In Trigg Bushland, you can witness the transition from coastal species to the more inland bushland species found closer to the coast. Follow the network of walking trails in this peaceful coastal reserve to discover Tuart woodlands and of course, wildflowers. Some flora species found here are Cockies Tongue, One Sided Bottlebush, Desert Quandong, Common Clematis and Grey Cottonheads. The Desert Quandong is a bush tucker plant – the bright red globe-like fruit can be made into jam or eaten raw at the right time.

Cottonwood Reserve

Last, but definitely not least, in the City of Stirling is Cottonwood Reserve. This 10 hectare reserve is a remnant of the once extensive bushland in the area. It boasts the most diverse species of flora, and you can spy it all from the Banksia and Jarrah lined walking trails. Blue Lady Orchids and Cowkick Stylidiums are of abundance here. Some species of flora found here are Blue Squill, Kangaroo Paws, Donkey orchids and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for quendas! The flourishing bushland was identified as an ideal site for the reintroduction of quendas with bungalows installed to provide shelter and promote reproduction.

A little further out

Fill up the tank and head out to one of these jaw-dropping wildflower havens.

Banksia Tourist Park

The tranquil Banksia Tourist Park is located at the base of the Gooseberry Hill National Park, just 7km from the Zig Zag Walk trail which boasts spectacular views of Perth City and an array of wildflowers. Banksia Tourist Park is set among 17 acres of native flora and fauna – so you’ll find plenty of wildflowers on display here and in other nearby locations. Just 12km away is the John Forrest National Park which is one of Perth's oldest conservation areas and home to more than 500 species of spectacular wildflowers.

Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory

Calling all wildflower enthusiasts! The Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory in Gingin is situated within dense bushland that has been untouched for thousands of years. Each wildflower season, this internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot springs to life, showcasing a spectacular display of around 65 species of delicate wildflowers. These species have been photographed and the photos are on display in the Biodiversity Gallery.

The colourful wildflowers can be found around the exterior of the buildings and along the Solar System Walk, The Biodiversity Walk and The Tiwest Bush Walk. The plants on site are a representation of the large number of species found more generally on the coastal sandplains north and south of Perth. The orchids (Spider, Cowslips, Purple Enamels, Red Beaks, Shirts and Greenhoods just to name a few) are not to be missed!

Shire of Beverley

Venture out to one of WA’s oldest settlements for your next wildflower fix. The Shire of Beverley boasts two new walking trails which allow you to wander among wildflowers (and orchids galore) at your own pace. The Brooking Street Reserve is also home to more than 12 orchid species, just in this small reserve. Dale River Reserve is a bird hotspot located along the Dale River where orchids bloom in spring. Couple your Beverley wildflower adventure with an overnight stay in the new cabins at the Beverley Caravan Park – the ideal place to stop and explore the Avon Valley.

Rottnest Island

Wildflower season on Rottnest Island runs from Spring to early summer (hint: the best month is September). The best way to experience the wildflowers on Rotto is by hiking along one of Wadjemup Bidi’s five trails. This 45km trail is broken into several sections that take you along the coast, past vast and beautiful inland lakes and across rugged landscapes. Rottnest Island is home to around 140 native species of wildflowers. Along the 45km Wadjemup Bidi, you'll spot an array of native species of plants and wildflowers including the Blue Rottnest Daisy - only found on Rottnest Island. This unique wildflower has distinctive pale to deep blue flowers which grow in flat or slightly curved clusters that look like a blue starry explosion. Find out more about Rottnest Island's flora here.

Wildflower Tours

GoGo Active

For the active wildflower enthusiasts, GoGo Active offers a guided tour to help you explore some of Perth's best wildflowers during the annual Kings Park Festival when thousands of natives are in full bloom. Travel along a specially chosen route and explore Kings Park's bushland areas and discover wildflower hotspots that few visitors and locals see. The Pedals & Petals tour takes you into Kings Park’s bushland to explore wildflowers along a specially chosen route, carefully curated to avoid hills. Your passionate and experienced guide will share some of the areas historical, cultural, geographical and horticultural secrets with you.

Capture the Light Photographic Tours

Join a small group or arrange a private tour as you head towards areas including Perth Hills, Chittering, Toodyay, \and York, with the best opportunities to find and photograph a wide variety of colourful wildflowers. A tour with Capture the Light Photographic Tours is inclusive of transport, bottled water, a picnic lunch and support from a professional photographer. All levels of photography are catered from beginner to professional, point and press cameras to the latest model (yes, even phones!).

Destination Perth is your guide to everything wildflowers in Perth. Take a wildflower wander through WA this spring.