Western Australia’s broad climatic range sees more than 12,000 wildflower species colour the state’s landscape for about five months of the year - one of Australia’s longest wildflower seasons.
Vibrant clusters and spectacular blankets adorn the ground, mainly in the Australia's Golden Outback and Australia's Coral Coast regions, with fields of white everlastings in spring time fondly referred to by locals as Western Australia’s “snow season”.
This three-day itinerary will be best appreciated during August and September, when the wildflowers to the north of Perth are at their most spectacular.
Day 1: Perth – Paynes Find
The drive from Perth to Paynes Find – about four and a half hours north east – takes you through a landscape of dynamic colour.
From Perth, head to Guildford in the Swan Valley before setting off along the Great Northern Highway to New Norcia – Australia’s only monastic town. Take time to explore the stylish Spanish architecture, including the Benedictine Monastery that dates back to 1846.
Should a tour of the monastery work up an appetite – no problem because the monks’ mouth watering baked goods and olive oil are available for purchase. Be sure to sample the delectable nut cake, crusty bread and wood-fired almond biscotti.
From here, continue another hour and 15 minutes inland to Dalwallinu. Affectionately known as the “Gateway to the World of Wattles (acacias)”, this is the first town on the Wildflower Way, which stretches north to Mullewa.
The area within a 100 kilometre radius of the town is home to the greatest density and most diverse range of acacia species in the world. Visit in September for Dalwallinu's annual wattle week festival, where you’ll be treated to a street parade and rural market day.
And while you’re here, be sure to save time for a picnic lunch among wildflowers and native fauna at Petrudor Rocks.
Travel another hour and a half along the Great Northern Highway to Paynes Find and look out for wreath flowers (Lechenaultia macrantha) - circular wreath-like shrubs with thousands of red to pink and yellow to white flowers. So exquisite is this plant, that it looks like a man-made arrangement placed carefully on the ground.
Paynes Find provides an authentic taste of Western Australia’s outback and gold mining history. Visit the old tavern, which boasts a cellar hand-hewn from solid rock and once used as a cool store. Many locals believe it was also once used as a mortuary, and love to tell ghost stories.
Spend the night in the historic roadhouse, with its original pressed tin walls and ceilings, which date back to 1912.
Overnight: Paynes Find
Day 2: Paynes Find - Mingenew
From Paynes Find, drive further along the Great Northern Highway before heading west at the Mount Magnet Road turn-off to Yalgoo. It’s about a three hour drive in total and an ideal spot to take a break and stretch your legs, before continuing the journey to Mullewa.
Yalgoo is a tiny settlement filled with heritage buildings and doused in old world charm. Check out the Court House Museum, Dominican Chapel of Saint Hyacinth and Thundarella Station.
Mullewa is about an hour and a half away in the heart of Western Australia’s wildflower country. Species such as hakea, heath brush and spider orchids create a sea of colour over the landscape in spring, making for a gorgeous country drive.
Next stop is Mingenew, an hour south via the ruggedly beautiful Coalseam Conservation Park. Often overwhelming with its display of pink, gold, cream and white everlastings, the park also features magnificent cliffs rich in fossil shells dating back to the Permian Ice Age (the oldest geological era).
Spot Kwongan heath on the sands of the plateau country and wattle scrub on the reddish loams of the Irwin River floodplain. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, or a day out discovering one of nature's most remarkable landmarks.
Upon arriving in Mingenew, head to Mingenew Hill - a tree covered red rock monolith, with breathtaking views of the Irwin Valley from its summit. Then follow one of the town’s walk trails through beautiful blankets of wildflowers (in season), before making your way to the centre of town. Take in colourful murals on town buildings, and have a photograph taken with the giant wheat stalk sculpture in Cecil Newton Park before settling in for the night in the caravan park. Or camp out under a velvet star lit night sky.
Overnight: Mingenew
Day 3: Mingenew – Perth
Take the coastal route all the way back to Perth, where you’ll pass through Dongara, Jurien and Cervantes, and can catch a glimpse of the world renowned Pinnacles. It’s a slightly longer drive than the inland option via Three Springs and Moora, but the extra time is a worthwhile detour.
Mingenew to Dongara is about a 40 minute journey. The town is characterised by beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and warm weather year round – although the nights can be chilly! Why not take a break from the road with a spot of swimming, sailing or windsurfing.
Dongara and neighbouring Port Denison are often referred to as the "Rock Lobster Capital", for the many magnificent crustaceans caught in season. Both towns are also ideal bases from which to tour the magnificent wildflower country in the surrounding area throughout spring.
Two hours south of Dongara is the coastal town of Jurien - also home to a thriving rock lobster industry. It’s a popular holiday and recreation destination thanks to its gorgeous coastline and relative seclusion.
Take a rest here for a chance to interact with seals, or explore the offshore reefs and islands. Jurien Bay Marine Park extends south from Green Head to the southern boundary of Nambung National Park, with areas for fabulous fishing, swimming and diving.
Jurien is also an ideal spot to grab some lunch, with a full range of dining experiences on offer, from a la carte dining and cafe style meals to fast foods, takeaways and counter meals.
It will take an hour to drive from Jurien to Cervantes and the eerie Pinnacles. Along the way, drive through Nambung National Park for an opportunity to see kangaroos and emus in their natural environment, along with a diverse array of wildflowers in season.
The Pinnacles, standing tall and erect like weathered soldiers in a lunar landscape, are one of Western Australia's most significant natural attractions and a spectacle not to be missed.
Cervantes also features some of the Turquoise Coast’s most impressive beaches, and again has a renowned rock lobster industry. Get acquainted with marine life in waters off the coast, and visit the stromatolites in Lake Thetis, before hopping back in the car to complete the three and a half hour journey back to Perth.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind adding an extra couple of hours to your trip, continue along the coast and pass through the fishing town of Lancelin and beach-side Yanchep.
