Waking up to the call of birds, lighter mornings, the smell of flowering plants, fields illuminated by canola… We are wild about Spring in the Southern Grampians (Gariwerd)!
Adding to this amazing season, the wildflowers! The Grampians (Gariwerd) is home to 1/3 of Victoria’s flora and fauna, and August through to November is the optimal time to take in the wonderful wildflowers of our region.
Set yourself up for a weekend of wildflower adventures with our five must-see spots for wildflowers…
1. BLACK RANGE STATE PARK (BURRUNJ)
A haven for plants and animals, the Black Range State Park (Burrunj) is a remote and quiet location with a rich cultural landscape. With various well-laid-out hiking trails, explore the craggy landscape where flora springs from the most unusual of places.
Keep an eye out for… Black-eyed Susan, Common Flat Pea, Common Leafy Greenhood Orchid, Guinea Flower, Mantis Orchid, Mint Bush, Running Postman, Shrubby Velvet Bush, Snow Myrtle, Twining Fringe Lily, Tinsel Lily, Variable Prickly Grevillea, Victorian Smokebush, Wax Lip Orchid, Whirrakee Wattle.
Image: @antdaddy2000
2. ROCKLANDS RESERVOIR
Known for its abundant wild flowering plants and trails, Rocklands Reservoir is located at the foot of Grampians (Gariwerd) and Black Range State Park (Burrunj). This vast bushland setting will have you spellbound when you spy the landscaped filled with the colour purple from the Wax Lip Orchids.
Keep an eye out for… Tinsel Lily, Victorian Smoke Bush, Wax Lip Orchid, Snow Myrtle, Mint Bush, Guinea Flower, Shrubby Velvet-Bush.
Image: @arianasvrs
3. POINTS ARBORETUM, COLERAINE
With more than 10,000 recorded plants, the Peter Francis Points Arboretum is a spectacular sight during Spring. Best known for being Australia’s official collection of Genus’ Eucalyptus and Banksia, the diverse soil types of the arboretum mean that it is also home to a magnificent multitude of wildflowers. Take to one of the many trails and explore the hundred acres of The Points.
Keep an eye out for… Banksias, Honey Myrtles, Mintbush, Canberra Bells, Bottlebrushes, Norfolk Island Hibiscus.
The Peter Francis Points Arboretum
4. DUNKELD ARBORETUM
The Spring scene is set at the Dunkeld Arboretum… a bursting native wildflower meadow gorgeously shadowed by the mighty Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon). Spectacular! Enhance your experience by taking a serene wander around the arboretum’s labyrinth, complete with wildflower garden beds.
Keep an eye out for… Chocolate Lilies, Milkmaids, The Rare Golden Moth Orchids, Blue Devils, Clover Glycine, Scaly Buttons, Rice Flowers and Sun Orchids.
Dunkeld Arboretum
5. WANNON AND NIGRETTA FALLS
With scenic reserves surrounding these spectacular waterfalls, not only will you see the fabulous flowing falls but also colourful wildflower displays.
Keep an eye our for… Pink Fingers, Golden Moth Orchids, Salmon Sun Orchids, Button Everlasting, Scented Sundew, Ivy-leaf Violet, Milkmaids, Blue Stars, Yellow Rush-lilies.
Image: @helen_patto
To learn more about the wildflowers of our region, speak to a local on 1800 807 056.
