Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

Experience year-round displays of vibrant blooms at Fitzgerald National Park By DANIELLE AUSTIN Flora for All Seasons:

Giant Banksia (Banksia Grandis)

F itzgerald River National Park is renowned as one of Australia’s most significant botanical parks, and for good reason. As the crowning jewel of the UNESCO-recognised Fitzgerald Biosphere, the park is not only home to one-fifth of the state’s identified plant species but here, there is no single wildflower season — blooms burst forth year-round. Nature cycles through various vivid displays in tandem with the six Noongar seasons, the most accurate prediction of flora patterns. Birak (December-January) Birak, which stretches from around December through January, is the real start of the warm season. Splashes of bright yellow buttercups paint the region, bulbous flowers of the banksia are in full bloom, and heady eucalyptus can be found all around. With many plants producing intoxicating nectar, you’ll likely be treated to the sight of foraging birds — with around 210 species of birds found in Fitzgerald River National Park — as well as curious honey and pygmy possums. Melaleucas and coastal moorts shade the coastal campgrounds, protecting native fauna. Bunuru (February-March) The heat only intensifies come Bunuru, the orange season of February through March. Under the crush of the blazing sun, it’s a perfect time of year to stick close to the Fitzgerald River, or in the shallows of the coastline. Despite the heat, native eucalypts burst into bloom in Bunuru, breaking through the haze with their fresh cream flowers. Admire towering salmon gums, the tallest trees in the area.

Djeran (April-May) With April and May come Djeran. The green season welcomes cooler weather and pleasant breezes, with plenty of plant life enjoying the spoils of the season. Early banksia flowers, qualup bells and hakea can all begin to appear during Djeran, with scarlett banksia particularly vibrant. With native fruits emerging, birds are enticed into the region. Makuru (June-July) As the skies open up and a chill descends on the ground, the Fitzgerald Coast welcomes Makuru. The rainy season, spanning June and July, is

characterised by the blues of falling rain and overcast skies. A smattering of melancholy flowers greets the season, the purple-blue mauves and lilacs of the herbaceous blueberry lily and the grassy purple flag forming groundcover as clouds roll overhead. Djilba (August-September) Carpets of wildflowers erupt in Djilba, transforming the Fitzgerald Coast into a kaleidoscopic of colour. This season is about new life, and as hundreds of native wildflower species lift their heads to greet warmer weather, the sweet sounds of newborn animals and their proud parents also ring through the region. Discover local qualup bells, with their imminently recognisable, soft pink drooping petals, and countless native orchids drawing in wildflower hunters from far and wide. TIME YOUR TRIP — the spectacular Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show in September, celebrating the brilliant displays of the area’s blooms, with over 700 flowering species on display and a series of curated events. Kambarang (October-November) With Kambarang in October and November comes a return of radiant weather. Verticordias or feather flowers are in full bloom in every colour of the rainbow, and smoke bush envelopes the landscape. Acacias, banksias, kangaroos paws, orchids, and recently burnt balga grass trees continue to bloom, while the eye-catching saffron orange flowers of the Australian Christmas tree emerge to mark the end of the year.

Chittick (Lambertie inermis)

Hikes & Drives The world-class Hakea Trail and the Mamang Trail are the ultimate hikes to witness wildflowers in all their glory, though trails of various lengths and difficulties sprawl the national park. Chase wildflowers by road on the 40-kilometre Ravensthorpe Range drive.

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