Here’s where to catch the wildflowers in Perth this spring

From mid-August to November, Perth and its surrounding areas burst into colourful wildflowers. With over 12,000 species in WA, the state can boast one of the world’s largest wildflower collections.

Although WA’s Coral Coast and Golden Outback are well known for their wildflower blooms, there is plenty to experience in and around the capital itself. Here’s where to catch the wildflowers in and around Perth this season. 

Kings Park

Home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, Kings Park in Perth boasts a number of walks that feature wildflowers, including the red and green kangaroo paw. Take either the Law Walk, the Botanic Garden Discovery Walk or the Bushland Nature Trail to get your fix on Perth’s wildflowers.

The Botanic Garden Discovery Walk is a nice choice, with over 3,000 species of flowering plants. Choose between either the short walk or the long walk. The short walk is around 20 minutes one way (40 minutes return) and the long walk covers the entire area and takes around one hour and 20 minutes return. If you do the longer walk, you’ll see the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain and Water Garden, as well as the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.

Perth Hills

The Perth Hills region boasts many opportunities to spot wildflowers. In fact, there are too many to mention! However, the 3.5-kilometre loop trail in Beelu National Park is always a winner. The walk meanders through a woodland wonderland of jarrah forests and grass trees, so it’s nice in any season. But wildflower season really takes the cake here with plenty of pretty colours.

Chase waterfalls and wildflowers at the same time at Lesmurdie Falls National Park in the hills east of Perth. A trail starts at the top of Lesmurdie Falls with a short walk to a viewing platform. Alternatively, head to John Forrest National Park for wildflowers mixed with a cascading waterfall.

One area known for prolific wildflowers is Helena National Park. Take the 2.5-kilometre Mount Dale Walking Trail for panoramic views of the Darling Ranges. In wildflower season, you’ll spot kangaroo paw, hakeas, grevilleas, orchids and wattles. 

Rottnest Island

Head to Rottnest Island to see the Blue Rottnest Daisy, a wildflower found only on the island. Home to around 140 species of wildflowers, the easiest way to experience them on Rottnest Island (take the ferry from Perth) is along the 45-kilometre series of walking trails called Wadjemup Bidi.

Of course, take your camera in case you spot a photogenic quokka!

Swan Valley

Like a bit of a tipple? Head to the Swan Valley (30 minutes from Perth) to get your bloom fix, as this is where wildflowers and wine tastings go hand in hand. 

Whiteman Park is a fantastic place to head for a number of bushwalks that boast wildflowers near Perth. Three bushwalk trails here range from 2.5 – 4.3 kilometres in length. All walks are well-signed and feature interpretive notes. The most prolific flowering occurs on the 4.3-kilometre Wununga Trail, which starts near the Village Junction Railway Station. Although, if your heart is set on spotting groves of golden wreath wattles, take the 3-kilometre return Goo Loorto Trail.

If you’re a little sick of walking, drive the Gidgegannup Wildflower Trail and of course, while you’re in the Swan Valley, it wouldn’t hurt to stop in a winery for a long lunch.

Avon Valley

There must be something about the valleys surrounding Perth as Avon Valley is another hotspot for wildflowers.  

In the Beverley region of the beautiful Avon Valley, head to the Brooking St Reserve Trails. Conveniently located within walking distance from the main street, here you’ll find the hybrid pink fairy and cowslip orchid. While you’re in the region, drive 20 kilometres west of Beverley town to the Dale River Reserve Trail where you’ll find two easy walks under one kilometre in length.

The York region of the Avon Valley (around 100km west of Perth) is also knowns for its trails of wildflowers. Try the Golf Links Walks, Gwambygine Park and Mokine Reserve.

Freemantle

If you’re spending time in Perth, you probably had plans to head to Fremantle anyway so why not tick the wildflowers off while you’re there? There are a number of reserves, parks and wetlands that boast colourful blooms in the wildflower season in this popular region of Perth.

Try Samson Park, the largest bush reserve in the city of Fremantle, which features nature trails, picnic areas, a playground and BBQs. 

Alternatively, head to Jandakot Regional Park in nearby Cockburn for enjoyable bushwalks in a natural setting. Like the rest of Perth, wildflowers are at their peak from August to November with September being prime viewing.  

Mandurah and Peel

Mandurah and Peel (around 80km south of Perth) offer up an exquisite range of unique wildflowers. And while you’re there, you can go in search of the Giants of Mandurah,  a series of whimsical, larger-than-life wooden sculptures standing from around five metres tall.

Several easy walks can be be found at Yalgorup National Park, including the two-hour Lake Pollard Trail which is well known for its black swans, usually spotted in large numbers between October and March. There’s also the Heathlands Walk Trail and the Lakeside Loop Walk Trail, both of which take around two hours.

Serpentine National Park is also fantastic for spotting wildflowers in Spring and is also a popular day trip for Perth dwellers. These are best experienced on any number of the walking trails within the park but perhaps the Serpentine Falls Walk Trail is the most popular, as there is an opportunity to mosy on top and view the cascade from a platform. Alternatively, there’s the 6-kilometre return Baldwins Bluff Trail or the easy 1.9 kilometre Stacey’s Loop Trail

Rockingham

Perhaps best known for its coastal scenes, Rockinham is an easy spot to view wildflowers close to Perth. Head to either Don Shepherd Nature Reserve or the Baldivis Nature Reserve Trail. The latter is two kilometres in length along a sandy, mulched trail. An information panel at the start of the walk provides information on the wildflowers you are likely to spot on this walk. 

Where to stay in Perth with your RV

• Discovery Parks Coogee Beach in Cockburn offers direct access to the beautiful waters of Cockburn Sound, the only shark-netted area on the WA coast. It’s conveniently located around 11 minutes to Fremantle and 30 minutes from Perth.
• If you want to stay in the thick of Perth, try Perth Central Caravan Park. Only seven kilometres from the centre of Perth, it’s ideally located for those wanting to explore the city itself and is the closest caravan park to the CBD.
• Although you can’t take your RV over to Rottnest Island, if you want to spend the night, book into Rottnest Island Discovery Parks. I recommend splurging on one of the beautiful glamping tents. 
• 30 kilometres north of Perth you’ll find Burns Beach Sunsets Village in an epic location right on the beach within the Marmion Marine Park. On good visibility days, you can even see Rottnest Island in the distance.
• For those who can’t go past a Big4, try the Midland Tourist Park on the edge of the beautiful Swan Valley just 20 minutes from Perth. This park won the “Traveller’s Choice” award on Tripadvisor for 2022.