Western Australia: A wildflower wonderland every Aussie should see

Western Australia is famed for its arid desert land and pristine coastline, but there’s another side to the state that’s fewer people are aware of – and it’s a botanist’s dream.

Mid-year parts of WA are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour with thousands of wildflowers springing to life and bursting through the dry earth below. You see, the state has one of the largest wildflower collections in the world, with 12,000 different species – 60 per cent of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Generally these wildflowers begin to appear in June in the north of the state, and can still be seen in November in the south – it all depends on the weather. If you’re into fitness then a great way to experience this beauty is on a hike through one of the 100 national parks in WA, such as the Cape Range National Park and the Kalbarri National Park. Here you can immerse yourself in nature, as you trek up canyons, through scrubland and even to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

Alternatively, if you’re not up to kilometres of walking, a drive through the state to different regions is equally as spectacular. A journey along the coast on the Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Leeman is a popular choice, as is the venture inland via the Brand Highway route.

Or you could join a Travel at 60 community tour to view the wildflowers this October. This fabulous 10-night holiday takes you to the iconic Wave Rock and the gold rush ghost towns en-route to Kalgoorlie.

You’ll venture through the coastal town of Esperance with its sparkling blue waters and sandy white beaches, view the stunning Stirling Ranges, take the Valley of the Giants tree-top walk, indulge your palate at Margaret River, walk Busselton jetty and relax in seaside Fremantle. All the while forging friendships with fellow travel-loving over-60s.

Meanwhile, for the eager gardeners it will be all about spotting the wildflowers and capturing some stunning photographs to hang up at home in the lounge room. As part of the incredible journey you’ll take an exclusive farm tour with locals to learn about station life in an outback region that is often filled with wildflowers for parts of the year.

And to ensure you really take in the experience and don’t spend your days fretting about what to eat, the holiday package also includes 10 full breakfasts and other select meals throughout the journey. Plus return airport transfers, sightseeing and entry fees and the assistance of an experienced travel director and driver guide.

If this sounds like your kind of holiday, click here for more information.