Wildflower Trails
Wildflower season on Wadjemup officially starts around September although some will begin blooming as early as July until the early summer months, creating a sweeping eruption of colour over the island. Along the 45km Wadjemup Bidi, you'll see native species of plants and wildflowers including the Wadjemup Daisy - only found on Rottnest Island. Find out more about the stunning wildflowers of Rottnest Island and follow this itinerary.
- Main settlement: Even if your visit to the island during wildflower season is brief, one thing’s certain: you don’t have to wander far to view a variety of blooms. Stroll around the settlement and marvel at the different hues that surround you. See: Coastal groundsel, shark’s tooth wattle, Rottnest Island tea tree, fan flower.
- Southern side: No visit during wildflower season is complete without casting your eyes upon the purple daisies that illuminate the land. The Ngank Yira Bidi travels through Oliver Hill and Henrietta Rocks allowing ample opportunities to pause and observe. Sections of the stunning Wardan Nara Bidi also cover Oliver Hill and Parker Point, where the Wadjemup daisy is a decorative highlight. Embrace these hikes under the guidance of The Hike Collective, or take to the trails at your own pace. See: Wadjemup daisy, Rottnest Island tea tree
- Northern coastline: Colour combinations around Longreach Bay and Geordie Bay include baby blues and brilliant reds. Come here for celebrated floral finds that complement the diverse seascape. The Gabbi Karniny Bidi winds around these beautiful bays, offering a welcome opportunity to appreciate the surrounding seasonal blooms. See: Cockies tongues, fan flower
- West End: The rugged coastline and rolling swell of this remote area of the island is a stark contrast to the delicate florals that flourish here. Wander the Ngank Wen Bidi section of the Wadjemup Bidi and the boardwalk around Cape Vlamingh for kaleidoscopic display. See: Tar bush, coastal groundsel, nitre bush, coastal pigface.
Wadjemup Bidi
The Wadjemup Bidi is a series of walk trails that will take you across spectacular coastal headlands, past stunning inland lakes and encounter both natural and man-made attractions along the way. The 45 kilometres trail is made up of 5 sections, each boasting culturally and environmentally significant landmarks to interpret and experience. These connected walk trails allow you to traverse the island either in separate stages, or if you’re keen for an epic adventure, as a whole. The entire trail is 45 km, so you’ll need to spread your hike over a few days if you want to do the whole thing. There are five sections, so you can also just choose to do one or two walks during your time on the island.
"Bidi" in Noongar means "trail" or "track". The Whadjuk Noongar are the Traditional Owners of Rottnest Island. The intricate network of trails aid to control and manage visitor impact, by connecting Rottnest Island's beautiful natural features to its cultural history in an environmentally sustainable manner. The Wadjemup Bidi project aims to raise awareness of both the environmental and cultural values of Rottnest Island. The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) is committed to ensuring the integrity of the Noongar language is maintained.
- Gabbi Karniny Bidi: Lakes system, migratory birdlife, ocean views and stunning beaches.
- Karlinyah Bidi: Spectacular coastline, native wildlife and beautiful beaches.
- Ngank Wen Bidi: Rugged and unspoilt coastline and vantage point for spotting marine life.
- Warden Nara Bidi: Salmon Bay, WWII gun and tunnels and Wadjemup Lighthouse.
- Ngank Yira Bidi: Coastal views, Bickley Battery and train ride back to the settlement.
