Everlasting Button – credit Russell Scott (via tumblr)
Spring has sprung, and now is the best time to see the region pop with colour. From our rugged and majestic Gariwerd ranges (Grampians) to our unique volcanic landscapes, an abundance of wildflowers dominate views throughout the Greater Hamilton region.
For thousands of years the Indigenous Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people lived by six seasons defined by features of the environment, including ‘petyan’ or ‘the season of wildflowers’, running from mid to late August through to November.
Here is quick overview of some of the best places in the region to find wildflowers and some of the species can expect to find there.
Gariwerd (Grampians): Encounter an abundance of wildflowers along the southern plains of the Gariwerd (Grampians) with Parrot Peas, Blue Tinsel-Lilies, Grampians Thryptomenes, Grampians Gums, Flying Duck Orchids, Grampians Spider Orchids, Endangered Golden Moth Orchids, and Pink Hyacinth Orchids amongst the species found in the National Park. Discover picture perfect displays along the Grampians Tourist Road, from the summit of Duwul (Mount William), and from the Bainggug (Piccaninny) near Dunkeld.
Fun fact: the Gariwerd (Grampians) is home to 1/3 of Victoria’s flora and fauna, including 970 native species, 40 of which are found nowhere else in the world!
Grampians Thryptomenes – credit @mrs_bushman (via IG)
Dunkeld Arboretum: Set at the base of Gariwerd (Grampians), take in stunning views while you wander through the Dunkeld Arboretum. Discover a range of wildflowers scattered throughout the arboretum including Chocolate Lilies, Milkmaids, The Rare Golden Moth Orchids, Blue Devils, Clover Glycine, Scaly Buttons, Rice Flowers and Sun Orchids.
Chocolate Lily – credit Liz Fenton (via Glenelg Hopkins CMA FB)
Volcanic Plains: Visit our open basalt plains studded with volcanic features and find a variety of both indigenous and introduced wildflowers. Common Correas, Golden Cowslips, Silver Banksias, Bursarias, Blue Devils, Black Wattles, Blue Stars and Twining Fringe Lilies can all be found on the volcanic plains which stretch from Hamilton to the coast and out to Branxholme and Penshurst.
Blue Devil – credit Liz Fenton (via Glenelg Hopkins CMA FB)
Scenic Reserves: Discover remnants of native grasslands at the Wannon and Nigretta Scenic Reserves, Wannon Flora Reserve and Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Trail, where during spring and summer you can find a colourful wildflower display. Pink Fingers, Golden Moth Orchids, Salmon Sun Orchids, Button Everlasting, Scented Sundew, Ivy-leaf Violet, Milkmaids, Blue Stars and Yellow Rush-lilies can all be found here.
Milkamaid – credit Liz Fenton (via Glenelg Hopkins CMA FB)
Dundas Tablelands: Explore the rolling hills of the Dundas Tablelands and Dundas Ranges to find species of wildflower including Black Wattle, Silver Banksia, Sweet Bursaria, Blue Stars, Pale Flax-lily, Erect Guinea-flower and Nodding Blue Lilies.
Blue Stars – credit Liz Fenton (via Glenelg Hopkins CMA FB)
Points Arboretum: Once a grassland, the Peter Francis Points Arboretum is home to the largest collection of Eucalypts in the Southern Hemisphere, with 2200 other plant species also found in this oasis in Coleraine. Among the eucalypts, discovery an array of native wildflowers including Banksias, Honey Myrtles, Mintbush, Canberra Bells, Bottlebrushes, and Norfolk Island Hibiscus among numerous more.
Banksia – credit @visitgreaterhamilton
Fulham Streamside Reserve: Found along the Glenelg River, Fulham Streamside Reserve is a stepping stone of vegetation between the Black Range State Park, Rocklands Reservoir, and Gariwerd (Grampians), with more than 470 species of flora surviving there. Displaying the botanic diversity in the region, the reserve contains a variety of species of Lilies and Bluebells, including Sprawling Bluebells and Small Vanilla-lilies, as well as Orchids including Re-beak Orchids, Small Gnat Orchids and the endangered Gold Moth Orchid. Other wildflowers include the French Catchfly, Mallee Honey-Myrtle, Pink Fingers, and Love Creepers amongst others.
Golden Moth Orchid – credit by @melanieylang (via IG)
Rocklands: A bush setting at the foot of Gariwerd (Grampians) and the Black Range State Park, discover a range of wildflowers around the Rocklands Reservoir. With varieties including Tinsel Lily, Victorian Smoke Bush, Wax Lip Orchid, Snow Myrtle, Mint Bush, Guinea Flower and Shrubby Velvet-Bush there is an abundance of wildflowers to admire amongst the trees and around the water’s edge.
Wax lip orchid – credit Liz Fenton (via Glenelg Hopkins CMA FB)
To learn more about the wildflowers of our region, speak to a local on 1800 807 056.
You can also purchase the books “Native Orchids of The Grampians” and “Wildflowers of the Grampians” by Ken Woodcock in our online shop or from our Visitor Information Centre!
