Wildflowers of the Wimmera Mallee and where to find them
The Wimmera Mallee is host to one third of Victoria’s flora, making it the perfect place for hunting wildflowers and rare plant species. Spring is the best time to visit in search for wildflowers, where you’ll find the region in full bloom. We’ve listed out some of the incredible wildflowers that grow in the region, and then listed where you can discover them for yourself.
Orchids
Orchids are easily some of the most beautiful and intriguing wildflowers in the region. Varying in shape, colour and size, they are truly gorgeous. Some, like the rare Wimmera Spider Orchid, are distinct to the region. Amongst others, you may find:
- Green-comb Spider-orchid
- Heart-lip Spider-orchid
- Upright Spider-orchid
- Hooded Caladenia
- Pink Fingers and White Fingers
- Salmon Sun Orchid, Azure Sun Orchid, Rabbit Ears Sun Orchid
- Leopard Orchid.
They are truly worth finding, with your best option being the Little Desert National Park. If for some reason you don’t, never worry. You can find a forever blooming Salmon Sun Orchid and Plains Sun Orchid painted onto the Kaniva Silo Art.
Green-comb Spider-orchid
Rabbit ear sun orchid
Banksia
Banksia’s are an iconic Australian plant whose flowers are symbolic of indigenous flora. The popular Banksia species are the Desert Banksia and the Silver Banksia. Although Banksia’s can grow to 6 metres tall, you may often find dwarf version in the Wimmera Mallee parks, due to the nature of the sandy soils. Because the sand holds less nutrients, these plants grow at a miniature scale.
Desert Banksia
Silver Banksia
Broombush
This is an iconic and distinct plant of the Wimmera Mallee region. In abundance is the Broom Honey-myrtle, alongside varieties such as the Broom Baeckea and Wallowa, the latter of which produces seeds and flowers that serve as food for the iconic Malleefowl.
Broombush picked up its name from when European settlers used the branches as brooms to sweep their houses.
Mallee-Broombush in flower
Broom Honey-myrtle
Flowering plants
Black Anther Flax Lily is prominent amongst the walking tracks. You may even be fortunate to find the likes of the Blue Star, Broughton Pea, Grooved Damiera or Twining Fringe-Lily. All of these plants grow individual flowers that last just one day, though they may flower for weeks. Potentially making you the only person to see the specific flower! You can also come across the beautifully delicate and colourful Silky Parrot-pea and the Red Parrot-pea. You will also find the floral emblem of Victoria, the Common Health in abundance.
Black Anther Flax Lily
Silky Parrot-pea
Ground cover
Shining through the ground cover in all of its glory, you’ll find the Yam Daisy, Bundled Guinea-flower, Bent Goodenia, Woolly Goodenia, Creamy Stackhousia and Milkmaids. The diversity of these flowers is incredible. With such an array of colours, shapes and sizes, you won’t be disappointed.
Creamy Stackhousia
Bundled Guinea Flower
Where to find them?
The Wimmera Mallee is home to an incredible selection of well-preserved parks that remain almost untouched. Making them the perfect place to hunt for these magnificent wildflowers. Here are the best places to find them:
Little Desert National Park
Little Desert National Park stretches from Dimboola to Kaniva-Edenhope Road. With an array of soil types throughout the park, the diversity and ever-changing landscape makes this the perfect place to hunt for wildflowers. With over 600 native species that call the park home, the Little Desert has about one fifth of Victoria’s native flora species.
When you find a plant that you love, head over the Wimmera Native Nursery in Dimboola to take them home with you to enjoy in your own garden.
- Stringybark Walk (30min – 1 hour)
- Keither Hateley Nature Walk (30min)
- Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk (30min)
You can find comfortable accommodation at the Little Desert Nature Lodge. Alternatively, there are a few options for camping in the park:
Big Desert Wilderness Park
Stepping into the Big Desert Wilderness Park often feels like stepping into another world. The remote sandy scrub wilderness sits along the South Australian border and is an excellent place to discover native wildflowers. You won’t have any reception here, making it a wonderful place to disconnect.
Walks in the park:
- Mount Rescue
- Gosse Hill
- Mount Shaugh
- Red Bluff campground
- Big Billy campground
Wyperfeld National Park
As the third-largest national park in Victoria, Wyperfeld national park is a nature-lovers playground, and is home to around 450 species of native plants. Located near Patchewollock, Wyperfeld takes you to sandy desert country. With an interesting series of connected lake beds that only fill when the Wimmera River fills Lake Hindmarsh and Lake Albacutya, causing water to flow into outlet creek and onto the lake beds.
Explore the Mallee offers guided tours of the wildlife and natural landscape, where you can also book comfortable and serene accommodation.
- Snowdrift Picnic and Camping Area
- Casuarina Camping Area
- Northern Remote Hike-in Camping Area
Caution: Many areas of these parks have little to no phone service. Always come prepared with saved information and plenty of water and supplies. Never drive or walk through flood waters. Plan ahead and listen to the most up to date advice on park closures and floods, which can be found here.
