Australia's CORAL COAST - Holiday Planner 2018 - Australia's Coral Coast
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Australia’s
CORAL COAST
Holiday Planner 2018
visit WILDFLOWER country Visitors heading north of Perth on the Brand Highway and beyond will delight in viewing some of the state’s most vibrant wildflowers as they drive through the inland farming towns of Dandaragan, Badgingarra, Eneabba, Coorow, Three Springs, Carnamah, Mingenew and Mullewa during late winter and spring. Learn about the region’s interesting heritage and early settlers by strolling along walking trails that showcase the many historic buildings in these towns. The breathtaking hinterland of Coalseam Conservation Park, located between Mingenew and Mullewa, is a premier location for everlasting wildflower carpets. Accessible by all vehicles, the park is among the most botanically diverse bush areas in WA. After good winter rains the acacia shrubland with its sparse understorey comes alive with carpets of everlasting wildflowers. BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late June – October 38 australiascoralcoast.com
DANDARAGAN
Distance from Perth: 168km
1 Take in the wildflowers and learn
the local history while driving the
The Dandaragan area boasts lush pastures and abundant crops produced from
fertile farming land. It is home to award-winning Dandaragan organic beef, cold-
newly opened ‘Midlands Route’ pressed olive oil as well as citrus and stone fruit orchards. It also has a beautiful
from Coorow to Mullewa. wildflower viewing area with most species flowering in late winter and spring.
2 Local artists install sculptures
in the wildflowers, enjoy the
St Anne’s Church The Dandaragan Way
This charming Anglican Church, The Dandaragan Way is a scenic drive
self-drive 'ArtDrive' from 29 July
constructed between 1885 and 1887 has from Regan’s Ford through Dandaragan
to 29 October 2018, access out
an interesting gothic arch for its entry to Badgingarra, offering views of creeks,
of Geraldton.
and is made from local soap stone from rolling hills, historic buildings, marri trees
Kayanaba, a nearby property. and flocks of white corellas and cockatoos.
3 Spot the rare wreath leschenaultia
flower by gravel roadsides at Wolba Wolba (Aggie’s Cottage)
Pindar and Mingenew.
Situated on the Badgingarra Road, seven Dandaragan and Badgingarra
kilometres from Dandaragan, this brick Visitor Information
4 Admire carpets of everlastings in
the Coalseam Conservation Park
and stone cottage was erected in 1871 Dandaragan Community
and is still used today by local craft and Resource Centre
and camp amongst the flowers.
historical groups. There’s a fresh water Dandaragan Rd, Dandaragan WA 6516
5 Stroll along the Vern Westbrook lake 50 metres away, which is home to Tel: +61 8 9651 4071
Walk in Badgingarra. different species of water birds. Website: www.dandaragan.wa.gov.au
6 Have a picnic amongst
wildflowers in Alexander Morrison
or Tathra National Parks.
7 Learn about the region’s
pioneering history at the
Carnamah Historical Museum.
8 Spend a night under the stars at
Lake Indoon or spot migratory
birds at the Yarra Yarra Salt Lake.
9 Stroll through wildflowers
along the Heritage Walk in
Three Springs.
10 Marvel at the work of
Monsignor Hawes on the
Mullewa Heritage Trail
stretching east from Geraldton.
#australiascoralcoast 39
BADGINGARRA
Distance from Perth: 205km
The town of Badgingarra is situated north of Dandaragan along the Brand
Highway at the edge of the Badgingarra National Park. Badgingarra is renowned
for its incredibly diverse bushland that becomes ablaze with the brilliant colours
of wildflowers during late winter and spring – it is referred to internationally as a
‘biodiversity hotspot’.
Badgingarra Nature Trail The Black Kangaroo Paw
The 3.5km Badgingarra Nature Trail departs Iain Wilson Nature Trail is named in
from and returns to the Badgingarra memory of the local pioneer farmer.
Roadhouse on the Brand Highway and can The 1.5km trail within the protected
be completed in two hours. Exploding with Badgingarra National Park features
colour in spring, Badgingarra National Park many species of wildflowers including
is renowned for its flora diversity. Badgingarra’s emblem, the black
kangaroo paw. It is also home to
FUN FACT: ‘Kwongan’ is the Nyoongar numerous reptiles, emus, kangaroos and
(Aboriginal) name for this low, dense a variety of bird life including bustards
heath vegetation and wedge-tailed eagles.
Meteorite Walk
Approximately 3.5km off Brand Highway
on North West Road, between the original
Badgingarra town site and the town
centre, is a 1.5km heritage and wildflower
walk. An area of unique biodiversity, learn
about the Yallalie Meteorite Impact Zone
that occurred in the area approximately
70 million years ago.
40 australiascoralcoast.com
ENEABBA
Distance from Perth: 285km
The Eneabba sandplain is a world
renowned biodiversity hotspot,
supporting native hard scrub and
heathland. The Eneabba region is
extremely diverse and includes many
species, a large percentage of which
are endemic to the area.
Walk the Wildflowers of
Western Flora
Western Flora Tourist Park is the ideal
place to base yourself when visiting for
the wildflowers. It has a great number of
individual species growing natively on
the property ready for you to explore via
the walking trails. With lots of space for
the kids to play and with kangaroos as
neighbours, it’s the perfect bush setting to
explore wildflowers.
Tathra National Park COOROW CARNAMAH
The Tathra National Park is located north Distance from Perth: 300km Distance from Perth: 320km
east of Eneabba on the Carnamah-Eneabba Coorow is a charming inland farming The Carnamah area is one of the
Road and is most striking during the town whose first settlers raised sheep richest parts of the state for flowering
wildflower season. During spring the park and horses. Remnants of the area’s plants, which explode into colour
is full of bush flowers and kangaroo paw.
farming history are still evident today, during the annual wildflower season
FUN FACT: ‘Tathra’ is the Aboriginal amid beautiful gardens and thriving from late July until October.
word for beautiful place. wildflowers. The Coorow Hotel is a
great place to stop for a refreshing Stroll Macpherson Street
Beekeepers Reserve drink and delicious meal while Take a stroll along Macpherson Street and
Located about 20km north of Eneabba, to exploring the area. view the interpretative plaques to learn
the west of the Brand Highway, Beekeepers about the town’s history. Continue along
Reserve is a small area with a great variety Corrow Farm & the Bart the walk trail to Macpherson Homestead.
of wildflowers in bloom during the season. Mailey Memorial Trail The large stone homestead was built
by the Macpherson family in the 1860s.
Enjoy the stunning array of everlastings,
Spend a night under the pink fairy orchids and other wildflowers
Stop by at any time to see the exterior of
stars at Lake Indoon along the Bart Mailey Memorial Walk
the restored homestead and it’s ruinous
Lake Indoon is located along the Coolimba- buildings. The front verandah offers a
Trail, stretching 1.2km. Not keen on
Eneabba Road and is the perfect spot picturesque view of the Carnamah town
walking? The Coorow Farm also includes
to pull up after a day of exploring. Enjoy site and surrounding farmland.
a wildflower drive suitable for small cars
a majestic day on the water then take
advantage of the free campsite and spend
to caravans. Birds of Carnamah
a night under the stars at the Lake Indoon Alexander Morrison Bird life in the coastal region consists of over
180 species, including the fairy wren and
camping area. There are barbecue facilities, National Park honeyeater. There are 17 species of seabird
fresh water and ablutions available. Located 50 kilometres west of Coorow, breeding on the offshore islands including
Alexander Morrison National Park
4WD at Lake Logue boasts beautiful wildflower displays,
the wedge-tailed shearwaters, white-faced
Lake Logue is located west of Eneabba petrels, pied Cormorants, bridled terns,
particularly from August to October. The
nearby to Lake Indoon. The 35km track rock parrots and roseate terns.
park consists of low scrub on undulating
around the lake is four-wheel drive only and
provides a variety of conditions from knee-
sandplain hills, interspersed with small Carnamah Historical Museum
streams across the landscape. Tall The Carnamah Historical Museum is located
deep sand to mud flats to rocky ridges.
eucalypts housing heathland birds make in one of a number of historic stone buildings
for beautiful, shady picnic locations. in Carnamah. It is open on Friday between
1.30pm and 5pm. Other historic buildings
in Carnamah include the Post Office, St
Coorow Visitor Information Andrews Church (designed by Monsignor
Coorow Community Resource Centre John Hawes) and the Uniting Church.
Cnr Main & Bristol Streets,
Coorow WA 6515
Tel: +61 8 9952 1266 Eneabba and Carnamah
Website: www.coorow.wa.gov.au Visitor Information
Shire of Carnamah
33-37 Macpherson Street,
Carnamah WA 6517
Tel: +61 8 9951 7000
Website: www.carnamah.wa.gov.au
#australiascoralcoast 41
THREE SPRINGS
World’s largest Talc Mine
Take in the 360 degree panoramic view
at the Talc Mine Lookout, located 10kms
Distance from Perth: 350km
east of Three Springs. Western Australia’s
Located 20 kilometres north west of first talc mine, the mineral is mined by an
Carnamah, Three Springs is a quaint open cut method and exported for use
country town boasting beautiful in paper, paint and ceramic industries.
wildflowers and street art murals. Three Springs Talc is also processed for
cosmetics, agriculture and carving blocks.
Wildflower Drive and It is the largest Talc mine in the world with
Heritage Walk an annual production of 100000 tonnes.
The Robinson–Arrowsmith River Crossing
is a scenic drive with wildflowers galore Three Springs
from late July to October. Visitors can
gain an insight into the history of the
Visitor Information
Three Springs area and see some of the Wildflower Country Visitor Centre
region’s magnificent wildflowers in season (Open May to October)
by taking a stroll along the Heritage Railway Rd, Three Springs WA 6519
Walk. There is an information board and Tel: +61 8 9954 1590
barbecue facilities situated at the start of Website: www.threesprings.wa.gov.au
the trail.
Arrino Garden
Located 20kms north of Three Springs
is the Arrino Garden full of native plants
and bushtucker. Learn about their many
uses for medicinal and discover the
history of the townsite on a series of
informative panels around the garden.
42 australiascoralcoast.com
MULLEWA
Distance from Perth: 452km
Mullewa is the northern gateway to
Wildflower Country. It has long been
known for the stunning displays of
everlastings and flowering shrubs along
roadsides. Two of the five walk trails in
Mullewa are dedicated to wildflowers,
located on the outskirts of town.
Rare Wreaths
Of the many flowering species in the
MINGENEW district, the wreath flower (Lechenaultia
macrantha) is the star attraction of the
annual “Outback Bloom” – Mullewa’s
Distance from Perth: 400km
Wildflower Show. Held over four days in
Mingenew is the true heart and soul of the Wildflower Country. Close to Coalseam the middle of Spring Wildflower Season
National Park, the town abounds with natural landscapes and most importantly, (usually late August / early September) at
the locals are lovely! The sporting club, elevated high above town, serves up the Mullewa Town Hall. A dazzling array of
incredible views, cold drinks and great meals after a big day of wildflower hunting. wildflowers are on display to the public.
Coalseam Conservation Park overlooking a quilt of striking yellows and Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail
greens, with the hill itself abundant with Celebrating the enormous contribution
Located between Mingenew and Mullewa,
flowers. ‘The Hill’ is the perfect spot for a architect-priest John Hawes made to the
Coalseam Conservation Park is one of
picnic lunch or a champagne at sunset to region, the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail
WA’s top wildflower hotspots. The park is
finish the day. showcases 15 buildings of his design and
named as such because this was where
other sites significant to his life. Mullewa has
the first coal deposits in Western Australia
were discovered in 1846. Many varieties of
Search for Wildflowers at one of the best examples of his work, the
wildflowers are found in abundance here,
Depot Hill church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which
Depot Hill is ‘just around the corner’ from took seven years to build, with Hawes its
with the everlasting carpets transforming
Mingenew and in season is a spectacular architect, stonemason and carpenter.
during the wildflower season from the
destination for tourists and locals alike.
usually sparse understorey of wattle scrub.
Either side of a meandering pathway
Everlasting Cultural Trails
Visitors can discover marine fossils which Walk one of the eight Everlasting Cultural
have been embedded in the banks of the offers unparalleled access and viewing of
rich, rare and colourful wildflower species. Trails to explore hinterland or historical
Irwin River. Magnificent views of the park townscapes. Wind your way through
are offered from the lookout. Picnic and Grab some lunch from the Mingenew
Bakery, take a blanket and a camera low rolling hills, across creek valleys and
toilet facilities are provided. rocky ridges, or traverse the paths of early
and head off to discover one of Western
Camp amongst the flowers Australia’s true wildflower hotspots. settlers. Visit the Mullewa Community
Resource Centre for your free brochure and
Camping for both caravans and tents
map of the trails.
is permitted at Coalseam’s Miners site
with overflow camping at Breakaway for Mullewa Wildflower Show
tents only. Be prepared for crowds during The Mullewa Wildflower Show is held in
weekends in the wildflower season. Three- late August/early September and brings
night stay limit applies from late July to the best of the bush to the town with all
October. Fees apply. that is flowering in the region, including
Murals and history wreath flowers, daisies, hakeas, grevilleas,
orchids, eremophilas, wattles and many
After admiring Mingenew’s murals, head to
other local species.
the Depot Hill Reserve, which was used as a
firing range for practice during World War I
and II. Today you can enjoy a relaxing picnic
Mingenew Visitor Information Mullewa Visitor Information
here with views of the Irwin River.
Mingenew Visitor Centre Mullewa Community Resource
Enjoy the sunset on (from July to October) Centre (open July to October)
Mingenew Hill Corner of Victoria Street and Cnr. Jose Street and Maitland Rd,
Midlands Road, Mingenew WA 6522 Mullewa WA 6630
This stunning formation will amaze with
Tel: +61 8 9928 1102 Tel: +61 8 9961 1500
its incredible expansive views across
Website: www.mingenew.wa.gov.au Email: admin@mullewacrc.net.au
Mingenew’s beautiful breakaway country.
Website: www.visitgeraldton.com.au
From all vantage points, it’s akin to
#australiascoralcoast 43
You can also read
