Mid-West Gascoyne Wildflower Trail

Head north on the Indian Ocean Road or Brand Highway towards Geraldton, taking a stop at the Central Greenough Historic Settlement. Here, 11 beautifully resorted character buildings tell the story of the area's pioneering heritage from the turn of the 19th century. The area surrounding the settlement is dotted with wildflowers. Stop at the onsite visitor centre for delicious homemade meals or a coffee.

Just nearby, the Hampton Arms Inn is a bibliophile's dream, with many out-of-print books to browse while enjoying a beer. Also look out for the unusual leaning trees on the Greenough flats, bent low to the ground and growing horizontally due to the strong summer winds in the area. Northwards lies Geraldton, the Coral Coast’s vibrant hub city. Colourful wildflowers of many varieties can be seen on roadside areas on this section of the wildflower tour.

Overnight: Geraldton

North of Geraldton is the coastal town of Kalbarri located at the mouth of the Murchison River. Close by is the Kalbarri National Park covering over 180,000 hectares and includes breathtaking coastal cliffs and dazzling wildflower viewing. Deep gorges on the Murchison River contrast with endless sand plains. River Gums, Gold and Orange Banksias, Kangaroo Paws and Eucalypts are widespread.

Spend the day exploring Kalbarri National Park, famous for its wildflowers, most of which bloom from late July through spring and into early summer. The species-rich heartlands provide a spectacular floral display. Here too are vivid Gold and Orange Banksias, Grevilleas in white, yellow and red, Green and Red Kangaroo Paws, Feather Flowers in many colourful shades, Smoke Bushes, Star Flowers and much more.

21 plant species are only found here, mainly in the coastal cliff tops and gorge country. One of the best known is the Kalbarri Catspaw, a small yellow or red plant that is often seen following recently burnt country from August to September.

Continue heading north towards Shark Bay, an approximate 3 hour and 50-minute drive from the town centre of Kalbarri.

At Monkey Mia, wade into the warm ocean to experience the unmatched thrill of interacting with visiting dolphins. A mere four kilometres from Denham is the Francois Peron National Park, full of vivid wildflowers. Those travelling north of the Peron Homestead will require a four-wheel drive vehicle. The Shark Bay Daisy, Wattles and Dampiera are commonly found.

A drive further north on the Great Northern Highway to Carnarvon will reward you with outstanding wildflower displays and seasonal everlastings. Just a 3 hour and 22 minute drive north of Shark Bay.

Carnarvon will reward you with outstanding wildflower displays of Parakeelya, Purple Vetch, Northern Bluebells and seasonal everlastings. Try Miabooyla Beach to find green Birdflower, Tassel Top and Dampier Pea; talk to the Visitor Centre about the best spots.

East to Gascoyne Junction you will discover the Kennedy Range National Park, a must-see destination. Adventurous visitors to the park will enjoy the challenge of climbing the craggy cliffs. Travel northeast for approx. 90 kilometres to Mount Augustus - two and half times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Mount Augustus rises impressively over its National Park featuring walking trails and a climb to the top. Purple Mulla Mulla carpet the surrounding area in spring and early summer.

After good winter rains, the wildflowers are prolific and spread for hundreds of kilometres in the semi-arid Murchison region. Abundant white, pink and yellow everlastings appear from July in this area, as well as a vivid spread of Golden Billy Buttons, Mauve Velleia, Magenta Parakeelya and Blue Pincushions.