Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

At a Glance

Shire of WONGAN-BALLIDU

WHAT’S ON Reynoldson Reserve Wildflower Festival — Oct 2024 Bike it to Ballidu Gravel — Sept 2024 TOP ATTRACTIONS Lake Ninan / Gamma Rock / Reynoldson Reserve / Ballidu Heritage Centre / Astrotourism WILDFLOWERS TO DISCOVER Verticordia / Orchid Species / Grevillea ‘Superb’ / Pink Poker (Grevillea Petrophiloides) / Wongan Cactus

Astrotourism

Gathercole Nature Reserve and Walk Trail Many species of native plants and animals call this granite outcrop home. The walk trail is suitable for people with moderate levels of fitness. Dingo Rock This large granite outcrop has a gnamma hole on the rock face, which is a water collection site. During late winter and spring, the reserve develops a picturesque covering of wildflowers. Reynoldson Reserve The reserve is renowned for its spectacular displays of Verticordia. Flowering seasons vary with most blooming between October and January, with November being the peak season. Lake Ninan Once a thriving ski lake with its own yacht club, Lake Ninan is a beautiful place for a picnic. The perfect spot for watching the sunset and stargazing under the night’s sky. An RV-friendly site and only a short 8km from Wongan Hills town centre. BALLIDU 214km north-east of Perth Still sporting the verandahs and posts on the original main street shops, this cultural hamlet town is famous for its annual Bike it to Ballidu Gravel event. The old Ballidu Hall has been repurposed to house a charming history collection and is well worth a look. Be sure to visit the local tavern for a sense of country

WONGAN HILLS 184km north-east of Perth

WONGAN HILLS VISITOR CENTRE The Station, 1 Wongan Road Wongan Hills T: (08) 9671 1973 E: wongantourism@westnet.com.au W: wongantourism.com.au

A short, scenic drive from Perth brings you to Wongan Hills, the largest town within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Translated from the Aboriginal Wongan Katta, or Talking Hills, the area falls within WA’s rich and diverse floral region and is home to over 1,300 varieties of wildflowers including 24 species found only in Wongan Hills. Noted as one of WA’s first Astrotourism towns, visit Lake Ninan or the airport to gaze at spectacular starry-night skies. The town offers outstanding cycling paths, sporting facilities, museum and cultural festivals and activities. PLACES TO VISIT Mt Matilda Walk Trail Located within the Wongan Hills nature reserve, this walk trail boasts spectacular views, fauna, and flora. Two trails are available for people with a moderate fitness level. Mt O’Brien Lookout Mt O’Brien is the second highest point in Wongan Hills and has a variety of wildflowers, some of which are only found in these hills. Barbecue and lighting facilities are provided. Christmas Rock Walk This trail is easily accessible and will take approximately an hour to walk at a leisurely stroll. Filled with natural attractions and cultural history of the town.

‘Get Your Bikes Out’ in Ballidu

hospitality. The town’s arts scene can also be enjoyed at the award-winning Ballidu Lodge Art Gallery. Ballidu Town Dam and the Balli-Balli Rocks offer nature enthusiasts great scenery, fauna, and flora. CADOUX 231km north-east of Perth At the core of Cadoux are its general store, school, outstanding recreation centre and wheat bins. The town suffered major destruction during the 1979 earthquake and the fault lines and geological phenomena are clearly marked with interpretive signage. Just north of the town will take you to the Flat Rocks Nature Reserve, a water catchment area built during WWII. During winter and spring this is a great place to enjoy the wildflowers and gnamma hole.

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