Where to see the best wildflowers in Australia this spring

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It’s spring, so you know what that means… it’s wildflower season in Australia!

From the end of winter through to the beginning of the new year, down under blossoms with spectacular floral displays. Keen to see the country’s incredible biodiversity in full bloom? Below we’re sharing our guide on the best places to see wildflowers in Australia.

Wildflower Country, Western Australia

When it comes to wildflower displays, Western Australia is fortunate enough to have the most incredible, awe-inspiring one in the country.

Every state in Australia is blessed with floral flourishes from an array of native flora, but WA puts on one of the largest shows of wildflowers on Earth, with more than 12,000 species contributing to the wistfully ephemeral annual spectacle.

Wildflowers in Coalseam Conservation Park in WA.
WA puts on one of the largest shows of wildflowers on Earth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Of these, an impressive 60 per cent are completely unique to the state and cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet.

When to see them: From August to October

Yellow Wildflowers in canna in Western Australia
WA has more than 12,000 species of wildflowers. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Grampians National Park, Victoria

The Grampians (Gariwerd) has been described as the garden of Victoria as it houses more than one-third of Victoria’s flora. The state’s floral emblem, pink common heath, is found in abundance here.

The season of wildflowers, or Petyan, is one of the region’s six distinct weather periods outlined by the region’s traditional owners.

When to see them: From August to November

Pink wildflowers in Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia
The Grampians houses more than one-third of Victoria’s flora.

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Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

The Larapinta Trail takes trekkers 223-kilometre over at least 12 days, through Central Australia’s West MacDonnell Ranges, home to nearly 600 species of rare flora.

Heading along this trail will give you an up-close-and-personal look at the beauty of the Northern Territory’s wildflowers. Delicate purples and bright yellow curry wattles are among splashes of colour often contrasting with the red desert along the route.

When to see them: May or from August to September

Wattles blooming along the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory
Bright yellow curry wattles are among splashes of colour often contrasting with the red desert along the Larapinta Trail. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia

Spring is a spectacular time in the Flinders Ranges, with so many wildflowers enhancing the amazing landscape. Thanks to the rain from winter, wildflowers and native plants envelop the landscape with bursts of colour.

Mount Remarkable National Park in Southern Flinders is only a few hours from Adelaide, and spots like Alligator Gorge will be full of wildflowers as spring progresses as well.

When to see them: From September to November

Purple and pink flowers on the Oodnadatta Track in the Flinders Ranges.
Wildflowers and native plants envelop the landscape with bursts of colour. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales

Kosciuszko National Park is roughly a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney or 2.5 hours from Canberra and is home to some of the best winter activities in the country in the Snowy Mountains. But, winter isn’t the only time to enjoy the beauty here.

In spring, pops of purple, yellow and pink cover the alpine fields. Hundreds of species grow here, including 21 that are unique to the area.

One of the nicest ways to see them is along the Kosciuszko Walk, which travels for 13 kilometres from Thredbo to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Or you can drive the Alpine Way from Canberra to Thredbo, then wind through prime wildflower territory on the Kosciuszko Summit Walk or cycle past high-altitude florals on the Thredbo Valley Track.

When to see them: From August to early October

Wildflowers in Snowy Mountains National Park
In spring, pops of purple, yellow and pink cover the alpine fields. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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Sunflower Farms, Queensland

Sunflowers grow in various spots around Queensland, and when they choose to bloom is largely up to the elements.

Your best chance of seeing them in full bloom is to head to the Toowoomba and Warwick regions. Some hot spots are Allora, Nobby, Clifton, Freestone and Felton. But hey, to be on the safe side, check in with the Toowoomba and Warwick tourism offices before you jump in the car.

When to see them: From January to March (weather dependent)

Family in sunflower field in Warraba in Queensland.
Get your sunflower fix in the Sunshine State. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This article was originally written by Emily Murphy with updates by Rachael Thompson.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Red earth, light shows and ancient culture: discover the ultimate NT road trip

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

    Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

    Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

    Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

    1. Alice Springs

    echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park
    See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

    Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

    Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

    Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.

    2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

    woman standing at Ormiston Gorge
    Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

    Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

    Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

    Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

    3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

    three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset
    Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

    Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

    For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

    4. Tennant Creek

    pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory
    See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

    For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

    Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

    5. Mataranka

    aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory
    Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

    Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

    6. Nitmiluk National Park

    Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise
    Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

    Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

    One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

    Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

    Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft.

    7. Litchfield National Park

    cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park
    Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

    Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

    8. Darwin

    darwin street art
    Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

    This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

    Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

    Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.