The spectacular variety of National Parks and Conservation Reserves within Wildflower Country ensures that visitors are guaranteed an unmatched opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. The largest range of unique flowering plants offers a chance to view rare flora and fauna.
COALSEAM CONSERVATION PARK
Located approx. 30km north-east of Mingenew or 60km south of Mullewa, the Coalseam Conservation Park is a spectacular spot today visit or take the camper and stay for a few nights. The 100-year-old site was the first mined coal deposit in WA, so getting its name, and exposed bands of coal seams can still be seen, revealing millions of years of geological history. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for preserved fossils throughout the area.
However, what really makes this place unique and special is the annual parade of wildflowers, which come to life due to the park’s diverse habitat range and location. Set between sandplains and arid country, beds of wildflowers and everlastings will keep you company as you explore the park. Camping at the historical Miners Campground for both caravans and tents is available. During wildflower season there is a three-night limit. From your camp area, walk to the Johnson Shaft Viewing Platform via the Irwin River, to see the disused coal shaft. Signage will tell you the history of the mine area, which was first used in 1917.
DANDARAGAN
Lesueur National Park
One of the most important flora conservation reserves in Western Australia, Lesueur National Park erupts into colour in late winter and spring as the park’s diverse flora comes out in flower, making it a paradise for wildflowers enthusiasts.
Badgingarra National Park
High breakaway country overlooking low undulating sandplains. The park is renowned for its incredible diversity of endemic wildflowers.
Drover`s Cave National Park, Jurien Bay
It is a national park in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, 201 kilometres (125 mi) northwest of Perth. The area is composed of limestone and numerous caves are known to exist within the park boundaries.
Hill River Nature Reserve, Jurien Bay – Undulating Kwongan heathland and sand plain (4WD access only)
Northern Beekeeper’s Nature Reserve
Southern Beekeeper’s Nature Reserve
Coomallo Nature Reserve
Wanagarren Nature Reserve
MORAWA
Karara Rangeland Park
Just on the outskirts of Morawa is 6 old pastoral that have combined to become a destination for 4WD enthusiasts, wildflower exploring and camping with no one else in sight.
Koolanooka Springs
A free camp and bushwalking spot south-east of Morawa. Famous for its yellow pom-poms and ruby red rocks.
MOORA
Candy’s Bush Reserve – Moora
Features informal walk trails, plentiful wildflowers and orchids.
Stack Cooper Reserve – Moora
Located between Stack Street and Cooper Street. Enjoy a short walk through the reserve which features interpretational signage on the local flora and fauna.
Jingemia Cave – Watheroo National Park
Watheroo National Park was created in 1955 and has an area covering 44,473ha. You can discover the diverse range of resilient native plants that grow there as well as regularly spot kangaroos and native birds. The park lies on a sandy plain and is home to the extraordinary Bush Cauliflower and Scarlet Feather Flower. Nearby Jingemia Cave is a shady picnic site to be enjoyed all year round.
CORROW
Alexander Morrison National Park
Located 50km west of Coorow on the central west coast sandplain, and known for spectacular wildflowers during spring. Consists of low scrub & heath on undulating sandplain hills, interspersed with rocky outcrops and small streams cut across the landscape. The best time to visit the park in winter to early summer. Wildflowers are excellent in the season with tall eucalypts growing along streambeds. Mallee thickets are also quite common through the park as are heathland birds and mammals.
Ranger in Charge, Watheroo N.P. (after 12 noon) ph: (08) 9952 5051 or Coorow office (08) 9952 0100
GREEN HEAD & LEEMAN
Lesueur National Park
Alexander Morrison National Park
ENEABBA
Tathra National Park
As you travel east from Eneabba along the Carnamah Eneabba Road you will drive through Tathra National Park, the Nyungar word for a beautiful place. These reserves are a treasure chest of flora and fauna: wildflowers, kangaroos, emus, echidnas and extraordinary birdlife, even a pair of breeding eagles!
Park and take time to wander in among some of the marked tracks to really see some of the lovely vegetation. Remember the great saying though… “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints”.
CARNAMAH
Tathra National Park & Conservation Area
Located on the Carnamah- Eneabba Road.
THREE SPRINGS
Dookanooka National Park
Explore this large area of natural bushland including native flora and fauna located 18kms southwest of Three Springs. Please do not drive around this reserve, leave your vehicle where you first enter and enjoy the natural beauty of this area on foot. Please no camping.
MINGENEW
Coalseam Conservation Park
Whilst Coalseam is rich with geological features and steeped in pioneering history, it’s the views that will leave you in awe. Carpets of some of the most unique wildflowers in Australia cover most of the park’s vast area, which is intersected by an ancient river where you can literally take a walk and find fossils dating way back in time. Coalseam is a great spot for a full day trip before winding your way back to Mingenew Springs Caravan Park for a night under the stars.
PERENJORI
Charles Darwin Reserve (60km east)
About 60km to the east of Perenjori you will find Australia’s only internationally recognised biodiversity ‘hotspot’ – Charles Darwin Reserve. Established in 2003, it provides habitat for over 230 animals and over 680 plant species have been recorded to date. Camping is available June – September at Samphire Campground. Bookings are essential and managed by Bush Heritage Australia – email: info@bushheritage.org.au
Rothsay Heritage Trail and John Forrest Lookout
For a full day round trip of sightseeing: Work your way east of Perenjori from Caron Dam to Camel Soak and Mongers Lake Lookout, which takes you through the pastoral and mining country to the John Forrest Lookout offering impressive 360-degree views of farms, stations and mine sites. Caron Dam is a popular picnic and overnight camping site with a natural catchment area and interpretive signage.
Check out our Walks and Trails for more information on exploring these areas.