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
Southern Wonders Trail - Special Events
Mount Barker Celebration of Wildflowers
Saturday 1 September - Friday 30 November 2007
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.
Albany Wildflower Festival
Wednesday 26 - Saturday 29 September 2007
St Johns Church Hall, York St, Albany
Open: 9.00am to 6.00pm (Wed-Fri), 9.00am to 1.00pm (Sat)
Admission: Adults $2, 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.
Kojonup Spring Wildflower Festival
Friday 28 September - Wednesday 3 October 2007
Kojonup Visitor Centre, Albany Highway
Open: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Admission: Gold coin donation
Tel: (08) 9831 0500 or 0409 116 951
Magnificent wildflower displays feature more than 400 local species and organised bushwalks.
Cranbrook Wildflower and Art Display
Saturday 29 September - Sunday 7 October 2007
Art Centre, Old Railway Station, Cranbrook
Open: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: Gold coin donation
Tel: (08) 9826 1008
Visitors will enjoy spectacular displays of around 500 species including orchids and Banksia, as well as the local Cranbrook bell.
Porongurup Wildflower Walks
Saturday 29 September - Monday 1 October 2007
Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve
Open: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Tel: (08) 9853 1153
Visitors are welcome to join the guided bush walks. Group tours can be arranged.
* Please note: The Porongurup National Park is currently closed due to a bush fire in January 2007
