Wildflowers

Mount Barker is incredibly rich and diverse in wildflower species and is recognised as one of Australia's premier locations to view orchids and other spectacular flowers.

From the rugged peaks, towering forests and lush rolling granite flats of the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks, the expansive farming and grazing paddocks, to incredible reserves right on the edge of town  Mount Barker is an ideal place to experience some of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

The springtime wildflower display from late August to November is justifiably famous and attracts huge numbers of snap happy tourists.

Agricultural pastures are awash in a yellow carpet of freshly blooming Canola flowers at every turn (best from Mid August to September, dependant on rainfall that year)  and numerous orchid and other floral species turn on a magnificent show in numerous locations. (September to October is filled with Orchid Hunters looking for those elusive rare orchids. But most wont tell you where they found them so don't ask. They are obsessed with protecting the rare species and take only photographs. But you can start with the easy and prolific Donkey Orchid and develop your eye. ) There are over 1500 species of plants in the Stirling Ranges alone with over 80 species being endemic including the famous mountain bells (Darwinias). Hundreds of orchid species reside around Mount Barker and the Porongurups and Stirling Range National Parks.

Wildflower walk trails are marked at Mount Barker (Reservoir Loop Trail) and Porongurup (Twin Creeks Reserve) and Mondurup Reserve on the west edge of town is convenient and amazingly unique location to marvel at numerous orchid and other floral species - all fully labelled.

Maps, wildflower books, booklets and advice are available from the Mount Barker Visitor Centre which is open 7 days a week.

How Best to Observe our Fascinating Wildflowers
Drive slowly and be prepared to stop and take short walks into the bush on different soil types and terrain to see varying species.

Orchid and other plants are often small, delicate, showy and secretive but fun and a great reward to find.

Recently burnt bush areas are the best for orchid visibility. But tread carefully and cautiously to acquire an eye for spotting them.

Obey "dieback" warnings and precautions. Use footpath facilities where provided, otherwise brush the dirt off your footwear at each site before entering and upon leaving.

PLEASE NOTE - It is illegal to pick and remove any plant material, flowers, seeds or pods without the appropriate licences. Leave them for others to enjoy.