Wildflower Hot Spots in the Albany RegionWildflowers are one of the best kept secrets of the region. Of the 10,000 plant species, which naturally occur in Western Australia, over half are found throughout the south-west and are easily discovered on walking trails, or when meandering around the region. Although there is always something in flower, the main wildflower season extends from August until December, with the peak flowering period usually between September and November.
Stirling Range
The craggy peaks which stretch for 65 kilometres seem to rise abruptly from nowhere and stand out in contrast to the relatively flat farmland. It was English Captain Mathew Flinders who provided the first recorded sighting of the mountain range in 1802. The range was subsequently named in 1835 in honour of the first Western Australian Governor Captain James Stirling.
The Chester Pass Road runs through the centre of the park and provides easy access to the mountains, although the overall scenery can be enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle, in reality you will only experience the flora and fauna at its best by taking advantage of the many walks. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora, with 1,500 species. More species occur in the Stirling Range than in the entire British Isles and 87 plant species found in the Stirling Range occur nowhere else on earth.
The Porongurup Ranges and National Park
Located approximately 40 kilometres north of Albany. The range is 12 kilometres long and up to 670 metres high. The Porongurup National Park covers over 2,500 hectares. There are over 750 plant species including 55 different species of orchid found in the range together with an abundance of different bird and wildlife.
The Porongurup Shop and Tea Rooms along Porongurup Road have mud maps with lists of best areas to explore for wildflower spotting in the Porongurup area for $2.00.
Close to the City Centre
Ellen Cove Board Walk - This is a two-way walking/cycle path between Middleton Beach car park and the end of Princess Royal Drive. Wheelchair accessible, it is 3km each way. Banksia coccinea can be seen along this walk as well as numerous other species.
Mount Adelaide Nature Trail - From the Forts car park there is a moderately strenuous 2.5km loop and there is some good colour on the trail at present.
Mount Clarence Heritage Trail - There are various tracks around Mt Clarence from the main carpark which are well worth the walk to look for wildflowers.
Mount Melville Trails - From the big green water tank half way up the road to Mt Melville, there is a connection to the ‘summit track’ which takes in spectacular views across Princess royal Harbour and Albany town and there are some lovely patches of wildflowers.
Middleton Beach – Emu Point walk/cycle path - Starting from either end a sealed surface follows the coastline for 3kms. This walk is easy and wheelchair friendly. About half way along on the seaward side there are some great stands of Banksia coccinea.
Day Trips:
You can stay 7 days and see most of this, see the Albany Region Day Planner (click here).
Torndirrup National Park - A drive of approx 17km from town along the Frenchman Bay Road will put you within easy reach of a variety of attractions and wildflowers. The park’s heathlands put on a colourful display of wildflowers in spring. A woodland of peppermints occurs throughout the park. South of Vancouver peninsula is medium height karri forest with swamp yate. Interesting wildflower walks include:
Stoney Hill Heritage Trail - From the look-out carpark a medium 400m easy circuit winds around the top of the hill, giving spectacular 360 degree views
Flinders Peninsula – Isthmus Hill to Bald Head - From the Isthmus Hill car park, a strenous 16km return, 6-8 hrs walk is well worth the effort. No water available and not recommended in strong, gusty winds. DO NOT attempt to return via the beaches, due to hazardous and dangerous descents!
Possession Point Heritage Trail, Vancouver Peninsula - Turn in to Quaranup Road, approx 18km along Frenchman Bay Road. A moderate 4km, 2hr walk commences from the Whaling Cove car park to follow the northern section of the peninsula.
East of Albany:
Kalgan River (Luke Pen walk trail) - Approx 16km from the city centre, along Nanarup Road, turn left just over the bridge and follow the gravel road to the end of east bank Rd. Along the lower section of the walk one can see Hovea trisperma (common hovea), Adenanthos obovatus (basket flower), Patersonia accidentalis (purple flags), Lysinema ciliatum (curry flower), Leucopogeon pulchelus (beard heath), Dryandra carduacea (pringle), Hovea pungens (devil’s pins), Acacia extensa (wiry wattle), Dryandra sessilis (parrot bush), Hovea elliptica (tree hovea) and numerous other varieties are flowering daily!
Mount Martin Regional Botanic Park - Along the Nanarup Road, past the Kalgan River, turn right into Gull Rock Rd. On either side of the road there are many stands of the spectacular Banksia coccinea (Albany or Scarlet Banksia). There are various walks around the botanic park where numerous varieties of wildflowers can be found. In addition to those mentioned above, a recent walk by the author revealed Diuris longifolia (common donkey orchid), Anigozanthos bicolour (little kangaroo paw) and some late flowering Eriochilus scaber (pink bunny orchid).
Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve - Positioned between the granite massifs of Mt Gardener and Mt Many Peaks, Two People Bay Nature Reserve, situated 35 kms from Albany offers a diversity of flora and fauna which can be enjoyed and experienced by road or along the scenic heritage trail
West of Albany:
Bibbulmun Track - From the car park at the Albany Wind Farm one can walk in either direction along the ridge, and be rewarded with spectacular coastal views and many varieties of wildflowers.
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