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By: Tatum Stafford
The best way to experience WA’s spectacular wildflower season is on a road trip.
Luckily for wildflower enthusiasts, there are plenty of wildflower road trips throughout WA to choose from if you’re eager to discover some of our State’s rarest and most beautiful blooms.
If you’re based in Perth and want to tick a few local wildflower hotspots off your bucket list, this leisurely drive up north is sure to impress. Here’s our guide to a wildflower-filled road trip from Perth to Mullewa (and back).
Distance and days | Approx 1,036 kilometres, allow three days. |
Why do it? | Badgingarra National Park – The Pinnacles – Lake Thetis thrombolites – Lesueur National Park – Coalseam Conservation Park – Mingenew Hill |
When to go | July to October, the height of WA’s wildflower season. |
Need to know | Both Cervantes and Mullewa have a few petrol stations, general stores or supermarkets for supplies, and other basic facilities. Be prepared to lose phone signal when travelling into national parks. |
Vehicle access and safety | This trip can be completed in a two-wheel drive, just keep an eye out for wildlife on Indian Ocean Drive during dawn and dusk. Before setting off, read more of our long distance driving safety tips. |
Member benefits along the way | 10% off Pinnacles, Swan Valley & Wildlife Tour with Experience Oz WA |
Day one: Perth to Cervantes (254 kilometres)
Instead of taking the coastal route, travel along Brand Highway from Perth to spot some of WA’s gorgeous wildflowers and rugged inland scenery. Your first stop is the Badgingarra National Park, renowned for its incredibly diverse wildflower species. Hop on the 2-kilometre Badgingarra Nature Trail to get up close and personal with some of these unique blooms.
After a stroll, head west to the Pinnacles Desert within the Nambung National Park, and then to the intriguing Lake Thetis thrombolites. Spend the night in Cervantes - and if you’re a fan of seafood, be sure to dine at the Lobster Shack along the town’s coastline.
Day two: Cervantes to Mullewa via Mingenew (319 kilometres)
Head north via Jurien Bay to reach Lesueur National Park. The park contains more than 800 different species of flora, with many not found anywhere else in the world. If you have a four-wheel drive, head to Cockleshell Gully Road for a beautiful view of the park.
Make the twin coastal towns of Dongara and Port Denison your next stop-off. While here, snap a selfie with the Big Western Rock Lobster, visit the Irwin District Museum, or follow a Thungarra (meaning ‘place of seals’ in Noongar) walking trail that’ll take you around some of the town’s most scenic locations.
Following Brand Highway through Mingenew, stop at the Coalseam Conservation Park – one of WA’s most famous and picturesque wildflower locations. During spring, the park becomes covered in carpets of yellow, pink and white everlastings, and provides excellent photography and wildflower-spotting opportunities.
Spend the night at Mullewa, a wildflower-filled town in springtime with plenty of walk trails to explore. Visit the town’s scenic lookout for sweeping views of the many species.
Day three: Mullewa to Perth via Mingenew (463 kilometres)
Before heading back to Perth, drive 30 kilometres east of Mullewa to the township of Pindar, famous for the rare and exquisite Wreath Leschenaultia flower.
If you’ve got time, stop in again at the Coalseam Conservation Park to cover any sections or trails you missed on your first visit. Mingenew Hill is a great spot to rest your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Take Great Northern Highway for a picturesque journey back to Perth. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and spots to stop and take in the serenity – the Bindoon Bakehaus is a popular stop-off if you fancy an afternoon pick-me-up.
Need a place to stay?
RAC members save up to 20%* on accommodation at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.
*Terms and conditions apply. Member rate varies according to season. See full website for details.Last updated December 2020
