WA's Wildflower Country: 7-Day Road Trip 

Leg 1: Perth to Pinnacles (2 hours)

The Pinnacles

Rise early to hit the road and catch sunrise at the Pinnacles. You'll see the hundreds of limestone structures - some of which stand 3.5 meters high – that formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago to create the Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park. 

The eerie, mars-like location is the home of many native animals and birdlife. If you’re a budding photographer or partial to a gram photo op, sunrise really and truly is the best time to visit for the incredible shadows and morning light!

Full Day: Kalbarri

Kalbarri

Home to the exquisite Kalbarri National Park and dramatic Coastal Cliffs, the laidback coastal town of Kalbarri is a great place to visit for a little wildflower eye candy. 

Birgurda Trail

Begin the day with the 8-kilometre Birgurda Trial that traces the breathtaking Coastal Cliff stretch between Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge. The moderately easy walk atop the multi-coloured layers of sandstone and limestone hugs the Indian Ocean, and features steep chasms, rocky inlets and mesmerising rock formations. You’ll see bursts of colour as wildflowers bloom and if you might even spot the migrating whales. Enjoy lunch at The Gorges Cafe.

Kalbarri National Park & Wildflower Tour 

Jump on a wildflower tour in Kalbarri National Park with D'Guy Journeys. You'll come for the inside scoop on Guy’s local knowledge of the region and wildflowers and you’ll stay for the humour. D'Guy Journeys also offer Stargazing Tours at the Kalbarri Skywalk for those starry night sky enthusiasts. Traversing an impressive 186,000 hectares, the Kalbarri National Park resides at the lower reaches of the Murchison River – WA’s second longest river which flows for about 820 kilometres. A myriad of unique wildflowers bloom among the National Park’s gorges and coastal cliffs. You’ll also be sure to see pops of colour when visiting the Insta-famous Nature’s Window lookout and Z-Bend Gorge.

All roads within the park are sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles. Western access to the park is from the town of Kalbarri, via Ajana-Kalbarri Road and eastern access is off the North West Coastal Highway, via Ajana-Kalbarri Road.

Stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort

Kalbarri Skywalk | Kalbarri

Leg 1: Kalbarri to Mullewa (2.5 hours)

Today you'll travel through WA's stunning mid-west wildflower country, away from the coastal cliffs of Kalbarri to the charming inland town of Perenjori. 

Wildflower Country

Wildflower Country runs from Moora in the south to Dalwallinu in the east, and from Mullewa in the north to Green Head and Geraldton in the West. WA's Wildflower Country is the collective name given to inland farming towns located a few hours north of Perth, including Carnamah, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Mullewa, Moora, Morawa, Mingenew, Perenjori and Three Springs. Not only do these small towns boast incredible displays of wildflowers, there’s also a lot of history and heritage woven into their roots.

Mullewa

About 100 kilometres east of Geraldton, Mullewa is known for its mesmerising carpets of everlastings and home to the annual Wildflower Show in September. The floral richness of the region is due to the town straddling both geological and climatic transition zones, which creates diversity across varying soil types and rainfall and temperature zones. About 30 minutes east of town, near Pindar, you'll find wreath flowers (Wreath Leschenaultia) blooming along the roadside - one of the few places in the world where the wreath flower (Wreath Leschenaultia) grows. Enjoy lunch or a snack at Helen Ansell Studio Gallery in Mullewa.

Leg 2: Mullewa - Perenjori (1.5 hours)

Perenjori

Situated 350 kilometres from Perth and 39 kilometres south east of Morawa, with a population of 617 people, Perenjori is one of the nine towns that combine to create WA's Wildflower Country. The name comes from the Aboriginal word "Perangary", meaning water hole and it's also part of the "Wildflower Way Tourist Drive" that runs from Dalwallinu to Geraldton. Bird lovers should keep their eyes and ears peeled as the farming town surrounded by all things sheep and wheat is famous for its impressive collection of native birds. Parrots, cockatoos and water birds are common in the area, as well as honeyeaters, thornbills, babblers and fairy-wrens.

Another notable Perenjori attraction is the Church of St Joseph which is one of a momentous collection of church buildings, designed and built by Monsignor John Hawes throughout the Midwest and Murchison. He is also behind the St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton and numerous other buildings in the UK, USA and Bahamas.

Stay: Perenjori Hotel

Located on the corner of Hesford and Fowler Streets, the Perenjori Hotel provides a central place to base yourself when touring the Wildflower Country. The Hotel, full of history and character, was built in 1919, from the dismantled materials of a building in Greenbushes. Many rooms open onto the charming second story balcony and guests can relax with a drink, taking in the views of the main street.

Leg 1: Perenjori to John Forrest Lookout (45 minutes)

John Forrest Lookout

Before heading south to Dalwallinu, journey through pastoral and mining country with a visit to the John Forrest Lookout, part of the Perenjori-Rothsay Heritage Trail. This 180-kilometre round trip includes the Perenjori Museum, Rothsay townsite, the Rabbit-Proof Fence road to Camel Soak, and Monger's Lake Lookout, an Aboriginal heritage site.

At John Forrest Lookout, a steep 750-meter climb rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding farmland and station country. Enjoy sweeping fields of everlastings in vibrant hues of gold, pink, and white, and spot the occasional cornflower. The lookout, named in honor of Australian explorer Sir John Forrest, is 45 minutes east of Perenjori along Perenjori-Rothsay Road.

Leg 2: John Forrest Lookout to Dalwallinu (1.5 hours)

Camel Soak

A short drive John Forrest Lookout, Camel Soak is a historic waterhole once used by camels and workers constructing the Rabbit-Proof Fence in the early 1900s. This peaceful spot, surrounded by granite outcrops, is home to abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and a variety of birds—perfect for birdwatching. Don’t forget your binoculars! The rock formations are also home to a range of orchids, making Camel Soak a beautiful and tranquil picnic destination before continuing south to Dalwallinu.

Dalwallinu

The first Europeans explored the area in 1907, the first settlers arrived two years later and the first crops were planted in 1910. Since then, a heritage of sheep and wheat farming has been woven into the roots of Dalwallinu. The town is known for their magnificent Wattle trees and world-famous tourist route, Wildflower Way. Thursday night is parmi night at Dalwallinu Hotel! And with eight different types begging to be devoured, it would be rude not to! The pub also features a wildflower room which is aptly decorated with flora, where guests can dine and enjoy the colours of the season while indulging in a hearty feed. 

Petrudor Rocks

Located approximately 30 minutes east of Dalwallinu, Petrudor Rocks is an enormous granite outcrop with water holes at the base. It's a wonderful place to stop for a picnic or drink as you watch the sun go down, and a great place to see wildflowers and native fauna in season. The adored pink and white everlastings are among the collection of wildflowers peppered around the reserve. Others include wattles, native grevilleas, kunzea pulchella (native bottlebrush) and other species of bottlebrush. Donkey orchids, spider orchids, blue fairy orchids and leek orchids can also be found at the top of the rocks, and around the perimeter. 

Stay: The Old Convent, Dalwallinu

The story of The Old Convent began in 1923, when one of the pioneering families of the district built the structure as a private residence. Since then, the building operated as a unisex Catholic day school, all girls boarding facility and Catholic Church before it was renovated and refurbished to become tourist accommodation.

Leg 1: Dalwallinu - Wongan Hills (1 hour)

Enjoy the complimentary continental brekkie at The Old Convent, before packing up and heading to Wongan Hills. You'll then make your way to Toodyay for an overnight stay, after a day spent exploring a magical reserve and wine tasting.

Wongan Hills

Wongan Hills is home to the largest area of natural vegetation remaining in the northern wheatbelt. It’s also a place of diverse flora, boasting more than 250 species of flowering plants. The name comes from the Aboriginal word meaning “whispering hills”.

Wildflower Tour with Rod Clark

Tee up a trip with local wildflower enthusiast Rod Clark, who is always happy to take fellow wildflower fanatics into the bush for a free wildflower tour through an area the locals fondly call “paradise”. You’ll spot spider, donkey and cowslip orchids, as well as the lemon-scented sun orchard and blue fairy orchard. Visitors can get in touch through the local Visitor Centre to book a tour. 

Wongan Wildflower Walk

The Wongan Wildflower Walk is a nice easy trail of about 1km on the edge of the townsite. The trail will take you on sandy firebreaks through natural bush showcasing a wide variety of wildflowers and orchids.  Best times are August and September for peak wildflower season. Follow the WWW signs to make your way clockwise around the trail.  The firebreaks are wide making it a family/pet friendly walk.  The natural bushland attracts a variety of wildlife and birds.

Leg 2: Wongan Hills - Toodyay (1 hour) 

Toodyay

The picturesque Avon Valley town is one of the oldest inland settlements in WA. Only 80 kilometres north-east of Perth, Toodyay features charming displays of 19th century history, with the architecture reminiscent of its colonial and convict past. During the years of 1860 and 1910, the town was known as Newcastle. This caused problems as mail was accidentally being delivered to Newcastle in New South Wales. The name was then changed to Toodyay, which comes from “Dudja,” the Noongar word meaning place of mist and fog. 

The Shire is unique as it’s within the three Noongar Boodja boundaries of the Ballardong, Yued and Whadjuk people. Toodyay is also a hidden treasure for those with a taste for history, as it oozes stories of bushrangers, convicts and war heroes. Think the infamous Moondyne Joe for starters! Pink everlastings, blue leschenaultia and a variety of orchids can all be found during the wildflower season at popular locations including Pelham Reserve, Dawn Atwell Reserve, Wongamine Reserve and Majestic Heights.

Enjoy lunch at Toodyay Bakery, home to award winning pies, sausage rolls, and apple pies, this bakery will surely be a highlight of the trip. Order away and make your way upstairs, where views of the town and main street can keep you entertained for hours.

Wongamine Reserve 

The Shire of Toodyay offers an abundance of opportunities to reconnect with nature as it’s home to a number of picturesque reserves. Located 17 kilometres from the town of Toodyay, Wongamine Reserve spans 330 hectares and features a collection of medium difficulty tracks, including a 6.5-kilometre perimeter walk and three smaller trails.

Salmon Gums are among the reserve’s varied vegetation, coupled with the Mottlecah which has the largest Eucalypt flower in the world and an array of orchid species. The most common wildflower in Toodyay is the bright yellow Acacia Acuminata, which is also the unofficial emblem of the shire.

Historically, the reserve served as a watering/stopping place, and for timber and gravel extraction but is now used for conservation purposes. You can park along Bejoording or Forest Road which is a designated flora road set aside to highlight the diversity of the flora in the area.

Wine Tasting: Coorinja Winery

Only 5-minutes from the town centre, nestled in the undulating Toodyay hills, Coorinja Winery is the perfect place for a wine tasting. You’ll walk into the building and engraved onto the roof, walls and wine barrels of the century old wood are names of people from years past. 

Coorinja Winery is one of the state’s oldest wineries, having been in operation since the 1870s. Over 100 years of tradition and expertise has been handed down through five generations of Wood family winemakers, since they began growing grapes in 1919. They specialise in fortified wines and have recently started producing small batch red wines.

The historic Ringa Bridge (which was built in 1888 to enable the development of the agriculture in the area) is also located on the property. Just a short walk from the winery, it’s a gorgeous spot for a picnic, so be sure to take the opportunity to visit. 

Stay & Dinner: The Victoria Hotel

The Victoria Hotel was established in the heart of Toodyay in 1888. It has undergone recent refurbishments with the addition of modern units boasting views of the Avon River – famously known for the white-water Avon Descent. The on-site restaurant is also a great place for a bite, a convenient toddle from the accommodation. 

Leg 1: Toodyay - Northam (20 minutes)

Today, you’ll depart Toodyay for a historical and cultural adventure in Northam, before hitting the road again for York. In WA’s oldest inland town, you’ll visit the bushland gardens and exquisite Mount Brown Lookout for sunset, before spending an evening in luxury at Laurelville Manor.

Northam

Nestled in the heart of the Avon Valley and located just over an hour from Perth, Northam is a destination known for a diverse collection of tourist and heritage attractions including hot air ballooning, wildflowers and horse racing.  Northam also hosts a range of national and world ballooning championships and the start of the annual Avon Descent. Visit the Avon River which flows through the town and is home to ample of bird life, including the white swan. The pedestrian suspension bridge is a great viewing area and a meal at The Farmers Hotel is recommended.

Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture & Environmental Knowledge

Visit the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre which offers an interactive educational experience that highlights and celebrates the rich Aboriginal history and presence in the Nyoongar Ballardong region. Located on the foreshore of the Avon River, the cultural centre is a must for visitors to Northam.

Leg 2: Northam - York (30 minutes)

York

York is considered a Heritage Precinct due to the number of historic buildings scattered throughout the town. It was initially established to grow cereal crops to feed the Swan River Settlement in 1829. York is also WA’s oldest inland town, home to natural beauty, several Heritage Walking Trails and a charming country experience infused with adventure, wildflowers, good food, wine and a budding arts scene. Enjoy dinner at the Imperial Homestead, which was built in 1886 during the Gold Rush. Choose from the fusion of pub classics and modern Australian cuisine on the seasonal menu.

York Bushland Gardens

Established in 2004 for the enjoyment of the community and to showcase Western Australia’s waterwise flora, the York Bushland Gardens is the habitat of many rare and native flora, with a large emphasis on wheatbelt and southwest species. When you visit, you’ll learn the site was once used as a clay put for brickmaking and as a disposal area for a hotel destroyed during the Meckering earthquake in the 1960s. 

Mount Brown Lookout

Pack a picnic and watch the sun go down with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of York and its surrounds at the Mount Brown Lookout. Located within five minutes of town and 342 metres above sea level, the lookout is accessible by foot or vehicle. 

Stay: Laurelville

Spend the evening at the oh, so sophisticated Laurelville Manor to end the trip with a teeny taste of luxury. The Edwardian two storey homestead was initially built in 1896 and features wide bullnosed verandas, elegant turrets and nine beautifully furnished rooms, surrounded by a garden of over 500 rose bushes. Nestled on three acres, the home belonged to the Marwick family for six generations.  

York to Perth (1.5 hours)

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at Laurelville of fresh and poached fruits, gourmet muesli, yogurt, juices and fresh eggs and breads served by Laurelville hosts, Phil and Sandra. Trust us, you won't want to miss this.