From tall, shady trees and gently dappled woodland areas, journey through the sweeping mountain vistas of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges, and on down to the spectacular southern coastline. You’ll marvel at the vibrant contrast of natural colours among the rich and diverse flora along the way. Native birds like the red-tailed and white-tailed black cockatoos, peregrine falcons, emus and blue wrens can be observed in their natural habitat, along with kangaroos and wallabies.
The southern coastal area from Albany to Denmark is rugged and dramatic. Here you’ll enter cool forests of jarrah and marri trees and walk high up amongst the lofty tingle trees that shade the forest floor. Rich colours blend with stunning scenery to create a trail of contrasts and true natural beauty.
Southern Wonders Trail Map Reference Points
1 Sullivan Rock
2 Crossman Reserve
3 Woodanilling/Katanning Road
4 Martup Pool and Boscabel
5 Australian Bush Heritage Reserve
6 Myrtle Benn Sanctuary
7 Farrar Reserve
8 Stirling Range National Park
9 Porongurup National Park
10 Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve
11 Albany and the Torndirrup National Park
12 West Cape Howe National Park
13 William Bay National Park
14 Valley of the Giants
Southern Wonders Trail - Must see and do
- Take in the sights and scenery of Torndirrup National Park
- Enjoy a picnic on the Nornalup Inlet, near Walpole
- Explore the wineries around the Porongurup Range, Mount Barker and Denmark
- Enjoy a wide range of fresh produce including berries and marron
- Go whale watching from June to September
- Learn more facts about whales at Albany’s Whale World
- Step out onto the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
- Visit the Manjimup Timber Park
SPECIAL EVENTS
Albany Wildflower Festival
Wednesday 23 - Saturday 26 September 2009
St Johns Church Hall, York St, Albany
Open: 9.00am to 6.00pm (Wed-Fri),
9.00am to 1.00pm (Sat)
Admission: Adults $3, children free Morning tea and light lunches available
Tel: (08) 9842 4545
Featuring district vases, beautiful orchids and massed displays of wildflowers from the area covering Denmark to Bremer Bay and north to Mount Barker, this festival
offers approximately 500 named specimens on display.
Cranbrook Wildflower and Art Display
Saturday 26 September - Sunday 27 September 2009
Art Centre, Old Railway Station, Cranbrook
Open: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: Gold coin donation
Tel: (08) 9826 1008
Situated at the western end of the Stirling Range National Park, Cranbrook will provide visitors with a spectacular display of wildflowers including orchids and Banksia and featuring the beautiful Cranbrook Bell.
Kojonup Spring Wildflower Festival
Friday 25 September - Wednesday 30 September 2009
Kojonup Visitor Centre, Albany Highway
Open: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Admission: Fees apply
Tel: (08) 9831 0500
Magnificent wildflower displays feature more than 400 local species and organised bushwalks.
Mount Barker Celebration of Wildflowers
September - October 2009
Banksia Farm, Pearce St, Mount Barker
Open: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Tel: (08) 9851 1770
Named orchid displays, photographic displays, named species, scenic bushwalks with named species, orchid and wildflower hotspot information sheets, fine botanic artworks, books, craft, food and beverages.
