Australia’s landscape is pretty intimidating whether you’re trekking through the red desert plains or battling the jungle with plants that could go head to head with a chainsaw. Although, among the tenacious landscapes this sunburnt country is known for is a carpet of vibrant colours, particularly in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
Win a brand new Chery OMODA 5 below:
Whether you’re road-tripping through New South Wales, hiking in Tasmania, or stopping on the side of the road to stand tall to the sunflowers in Queensland, there’s a lot to see. Here’s a complete guide to Australia’s best places to find wildflowers.
New South Wales
Canola Trail, Riverina
Perhaps, the most famous spot for wildflowers in NSW is along the Riverina, which spans from the Southern Highlands to Junee. Visitors, travellers, and passers-by are overwhelmed with a sea of gold as canola flowers blossom, blanketing the countryside in a vibrant hue. Be sure to stop into the quaint towns for food and shopping.
Muogamarra Nature Reserve
Head to this protected nature reserve in spring to witness the transformation right before your eyes. You’ll see waratahs, majestic angophoras, old-man banksias, pink boronias, and delicate native orchids come to life.
Nadgee Nature Reserve
Here, breathe in the sweet cream flowers of giant honey myrtle, enjoy the cool waters of Wonboyn Lake, and marvel at the bright sea of frangipani trees. You will feel like you’re walking through Thailand in this nature reserve.
Barrington Tops National Park
Situated north of Newcastle, Barrington Tops is an open forest with grasslands, swamps, and rainforests. It’s a popular area to spot several different wildflower species. On clear days, you can get a great view of the wildflowers across the Hunter Valley to the coast.
Muogamarra Nature Reserve
This northern Sydney hot spot is popular around spring. The main attraction is the Waratah flower, which blooms bright red and is a spectacle to see. It’s also packed with banksias, orchids, and several other wildflowers.
Victoria
Terrick Terrick National Park
Travel along the scenic drive to Terrick Terrick National Park, where you will find granite peaks, native grasslands, and a colourful display of wildflowers. You will also find some historical farming sites worth a look at.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
The Gippsland Lakes are a favourite holiday destination for Victorians. Surrounded by lagoons and coastal dunes, the lakes are a great place to visit in spring and summer. Although in spring, you’ll see the spectacular array of wildflowers on display, including orchids, wattle, heathland, and other species.
Grampians National Park
The Grampians are a series of five spectacular sandstone ridges running north to south with steep and craggy slopes on the eastern side and gentler slopes to the west. You can hike, kayak, fish, and rock climb, or simply enjoy the colourful spring wildflower views.
Snowy River National Park
Dip your toes in shallow rock pools, float in calm lagoons, and chase waterfalls in the majestic Snowy River National Park. Everywhere you turn, there’s a wildflower to spot.
Alpine National Park
As the largest national park in Victoria, Alpine has its own scenic road trip called the Great Alpine Road Touring Route, which winds through the heart of the Victorian Alps on the highest altitude road in Victoria, and offers panoramic views as far as the eye can see, including of its wildflowers.
Wilsons Promontory
Known as The Prom, this 50,000-hectare reserve is a refuge for an array of native wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and rosellas. Visit in spring to experience spectacular displays of wildflowers, including orchids, wattle, heathland, and other species on your bushwalk.
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Tower Hill is home to koalas, emus, and kangaroos, who love to get up and close to visitors. You can find them frolicking in a sea of vibrant wildflowers, making for a spectacular sight.
South Australia
Ikara Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges is synonymous with wildlife and the outback. The 90,000-hectare semi-arid landscape is filled with ancient mountains, tree-lined gorges, and a seasonal wealth of wildlife. In spring, visitors will find a carnival of wildflowers carpeting the plains and foothills.
Mount Remarkable National Park
This area is quite remarkable and only a short drive from Adelaide. There are campgrounds and wildlife, with bushwalking trails for all levels. No matter which trail you take, you’re bound to run into a sea of wildflowers, as well as stunning views of the foothills and range.
Belair National Park
Only 25 minutes from Adelaide, Belair National Park is a quick escape from the city centre, offering woodlands and lakes to explore, bound with trails, native vegetation, and animals.
Spring Gully Conservation Park
In the Clare Valley, a gorgeous array of orchids, billy buttons, woodland creamy candles, and red parrot peas await. Enjoy the colours from honey yellow to blood red and much more. 
Northern Territory
Larapinta Trail
This 223km trail is one of Australia’s most spectacular trekking experiences. However, its extreme climatic conditions, including intense heat and freezing conditions, make it a tricky place to visit for novice trekkers. Throughout the region, you will find a rare selection of wildflowers and wildlife, among many other magical moments only found in Central Australia.
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is a bucket list for all hikers who are ready to lace up their boots for views of the high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch across the desert plains. Along the rim walk, you will find the Garden of Eden, home to a beautiful rock pool surrounded by rare plants.
Litchfield National Park
Litchfield is where you’ll find those stunning waterfalls you see on Instagram. It’s home to crystal clear pools, weather sandstone pillars, towering waterfalls, and a shady monsoon forest acting as a haven for wildflowers and wildlife.
MacDonnell Ranges
West of Alice Springs, visitors will find waterholes, sculpted landscapes, and wildlife thriving in this rough terrain. More importantly, you will find wildflower species tough enough to endure the intense heat and cold temperatures in winter. Any flower that can withstand those conditions is worth looking at.
Western Australia
Coalseam National Park
This small reserve has a diverse habitat range hosting a sandplain and arid country, so its display of wildflowers includes a wide range of annuals and perennials. Awe, at seas of yellow as you walk through the 250 million-year-old geological marvel.
Araluen Botanic Park
Nestled deep in the Perth Hills, Araluen Botanic Park sits on 59 hectares of West Australian native forest, where you can check out the thousands of plants that flourish extra bright in spring. The micro-climate provides an unmatched opportunity to cultivate exotic plants.
Torndirrup National Park
This is one of the most visited parks in the state, mostly for its natural wonders and stunning sights of the rugged coastline. Along the walk, you’ll find a plethora of wildflowers in season. There are plenty of trails to follow, so pick one and go.
Karijini National Park
Expect cavernous gorges, some of the oldest rocks on the planet, crystal-clear waterways, and cascading waterfalls. This national park is an adventure lover’s paradise. In spring, you’ll see its impressive flora blooming too.
Tasmania
Asbestos Range National Park
In the North West of the state, you will find an abundant display of wildlife and wildflowers on all the trails in the park.
Cradle Mountain
Above Dove Lake, there is a vast alpine region with summer wildflowers and a few waratahs scattered around. Cradle Mountain is also one of the best treks in Tasmania and should definitely be a bucket list experience.
Dial Range at Penguin
The prominent cliffs and peaks here make mountain biking, horse riding, and hiking popular. There are a few trails to take, but all lead to amazing views and if you head toward the northern end starting at Ferndene, there is a mass of spring flowers.
Rocky Cape National Park
Bring a camera because the banksia forest here overlooks the sea and heathland, making for a postcard moment. You will find a variety of spring and summer flowers and Christmas Bells in late spring.
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park comes alive in spring when it’s blanketed in pinks, purples, yellows, and whites. Any hike here is worth the trek, especially for the views of Wine Glass Bay and other coastal heathlands.
Queensland
Warrie Circuit Walk
Situated in Springbrook National Park, the Warrie Circuit Walk takes travellers past several waterfalls, through a rainforest, and to multiple lookouts. There are plenty of beautiful places for a picnic, including the fields of wildflowers you’ll find along the way.
Flinders Peak
It’s a steep climb up the Northwestern ridge of Flinders Peak, but the top rewards you with expansive views of Brisbane and its surroundings. There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildflowers on the way up and an array of colours at the top.
Mount Mitchell Trail
This moderate track is an easy 10km trail, known for its local wildlife, views, and wildflowers throughout. The hike is family-friendly, so make it a fun family day out.
Girraween National Park
Girraween means ‘place of flowers’, so you know it’s going to be worth it. Among the park’s massive granite outcrops, large angular tors, and balanced boulders, you will find spectacular wildflower displays that add a splash of colour among the granite.
Gurulmundi
For the best wildflower spotting, join the wildflower tour, which leads to a bed of wildflowers of all colours and varieties. You can learn more about the species while on tour.
Related: 10 Australian Road Trips You Need to Experience at Least Once In Your Lifetime
Related: Hit the Road and Take on One of New South Wales’ Most Scenic Drives
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.
