Here’s everything you need to know about discovering the wildflowers of the Grampians National Park in springtime.
The Grampians National Park, also known as the ‘Garden of Victoria’, hosts a vast array of both flora and fauna. In fact, over one third of Victoria’s flora call this beautiful region home.
Spring is one of our favourite times of the year to visit the Grampians as wildflowers start to bloom. All shades of purple, pink, yellow, orange and red are on display during this time, creating colourful carpets on the rolling hills and fields.
Where to see the Wildflowers of the Grampians?
Boroka Lookout
Boroka Lookout not only offers one of the most spectacular views of the regions and local townships, but also blooms in spring with the Pink Thryptomene and numerous other lightly coloured flowers.
Heatherlie Quarry
One of the best spots for orchid-hunting is Heatherlie Quarry. During the 19th and 20th century, Heatherlie Quarry was one of the biggest producers of freestone, primarily utilised in the construction of Melbourne’s growing metropole. Stone from this quarry was used in some of Victoria’s most iconic buildings including the State Library and Parliament House.
After the freestone deposits were exhausted, the quarry closed in 1938. Slowly over the next 60 years, mining equipment was dismantled and nature reclaimed the area. Beautiful orchids such as the wax-lip can be found in the area which range from pale lilac to vibrant violet. Orchids are usually easily identified due to their bright colours and bilateral symmetry.
Mt Abrupt
Another hot-spot for unique flowers is Mt. Abrupt which stands about 800 metres above sea level. Here you can find the Leafless Bitter-Pea (below left), Banksia Saxicola, Slender Smoke-Bush and the Parrot Pea Bush. The walk up to the peak can be quite difficult and slippery but tracks are well-worn and offer plenty of places to stop, have a rest and admire the scenery.
Common Heath – the State’s floral emblem
The Epacris Impressa or ‘Common Heath’ is Victoria’s floral emblem. Very wide-spread across the Grampians, this brightly coloured flower can be seen in shades of red, pink and white; with pink being the official emblem colour. The flower is shaped like a long, tubular bell and hangs downwards from the leaf stem. So many flowers can grow on one branch that it often gives the shrub a brush-like appearance.
Spring time in the Grampians
As the National park spans over 1600 km2 there is certainly a lot of area to explore! During spring most of the wildflowers are out in bloom but make sure you watch your step! This time of year also brings out Brown, Tiger, Copperhead and Red- Bellied Black snakes. Tracks and areas with heavier foot traffic such as Hall’s Gap, Boroka and Silverband Falls are usually safe from these reptiles as they tend to be very timid and keep away from human dwellings.
Be sure to check for track closures, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flora guide to help identify all the beautiful flowers in bloom!
Other attractions in the Grampians National Park
Wild flowers are just one part of the spectacular scenery in the Grampians National Park .A visit to this region will reveal the state’s most abundant flora and fauna in all shapes and sizes.
Join us on a Go West Day Tour of the Grampians National Park from Melbourne to explore these attractions and more!
Nature Walks
The Grampians National Park is renowned for its walking trails, inparticular along the Wonderland Range. Walk through the Grand Canyon to experience the incredible mountain range up close. You can also do scenic walks at MacKenzie Falls – to the base of the falls or through bushland at the top of the gorge..
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are abundant in the Grampians National Park and the largest is MacKenzie Falls, which flows year round. You can also take a short walk through eucalyptus forest to reach Silverband Falls, or the equally beautiful Broken Falls.
Scenic Lookouts
Visit Reeds Lookout for southerly views over the Grampians mountain range. Take a short stroll to Boroka Lookout to see the surrounding countryside, Halls Gap township and the incredible rocky peaks of the central Grampians.
Wildlife
The Grampians are a haven for nature-lovers as kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds are bountiful in the region. As you walk the nature trails, keep an eye out for wallabies in the bushes beside the trails. You may also see flocks of cockatoos in the trees above. Emus can be seen in the main township of Halls Gap,as well as kangaroos that come out to feed in the late afternoon.
Where is the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park?
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is located almost 3 hour drive west of Melbourne, in an area known as the Western Plains.
On Tour with Go West
With 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business and we are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000. We are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we guarantee to provide you with an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Our Grampians Day Tour includes the following highlights:
- Take a stroll among eucalyptus trees to the beautiful Silverband Falls
- Explore the wildlife and surroundings of the town of Halls Gap
- Take a short walk into the spectacular rocky surroundings of the Grand Canyon
- Marvel at one of the Grampians most famous sites, the incredible MacKenzie Falls
- Enjoy panoramic mountain and valley views from Reeds Lookout and Boroka Lookout
- Spot kangaroos, emus, birds and more in their natural habitat
We hope to welcome you on a Grampians tour soon!
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
