Bunbury is in bloom! If you are thinking of hitching up the caravan or going for a short drive to escape for a few days then why not head to Bunbury less than two hours’ drive from Perth and located in the picturesque Geographe Region of Western Australia. Bunbury is home to a vast array of exotic wildflowers including more than 30 different types of orchid. The Geographe region is one of 25 biodiversity spots in the world. Visitors to the region can view our diverse flora as well as catch a glimpse of local fauna by taking advantage of our stunning parks, forest and bush trails. There is an abundance of places to pull up for a night or two as you make your way through the region. Manea Park in College Grove includes the 2.2km Pultenaea Loop trail which is easily accessible and is inhabited by various wildflowers. These include Blue Sun Orchids, Kangaroo Paws, Mignonette Orchids, Dampiera, Cow Kicks, Milk Maids, Kick Bush, White Spider, Donkey, Blue Enamel, Jug and Cowslip orchids, Curry Flower, Buttercup Bush, Trigger plants and Salt and Pepper Bush. The trail is compacted limestone and the park is Bunbury’s premier reserve. As well as wildflowers the reserve is home to Tuart, Jarrah and Banksia trees and native wildlife such as brush-tail phascogales, bandicoots, brush-tail wallabies, western-grey kangaroos and endangered western ring-tail possums. After perusing Manea Park why not make your way over to the Tuart Walk located at the end of Ocean Drive between Bunbury and Dalyellup. There you can view Buttercup Bush, Purple Tassels, False Boronia, Pink Fairy Orchids, Cotton Heads, Running Postman, Wattle and Blue Squill. As the name suggests the walk is through Tuart forest and is breathtakingly picturesque. The bitumen path is also easy to access and caters to all abilities. If you are after a true nature experience, Crooked Brook Forest in Dardanup is a must-do with a range of trails catering to all abilities including a picnic area for when you have finished exploring and fancy a bite to eat or to rest weary legs. Dardanup is less than half an hour from Bunbury CBD. Known as the forest for all people, Crooked Brook includes the Bibbulmun track and Munda Biddi trail. There is also a 600m sealed track for those with accessibility issues and a 10km loop perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness for a couple of hours. Wildflowers spotted in the area include but are not limited to Yellow Candles, Blue Squill, Buttercups, Pink Myrtle, Milk Maids, False Boronia and Cottonheads. As well as Yellow Flags, Blue Leschenaultia, White Heath, Kangaroo Paws, Coral Vine, Blue Sun Orchids, Trigger Plants and Purple Flags. Further down the road at the Wellington Discovery Forest just off Pile Road in Dardanup wildflower enthusiasts can glimpse Salt and Pepper bush, Buttercups, Prickly Moses, Milk Maids, White Myrtle and Brown Pea. The wildflower season blooms from September until the end of November and don’t forget to post any photos to social media using the hashtag #BunburyInBloom Call into the Bunbury Visitor Centre at the Old Railway Station, Haley Street in Bunbury to find out more or phone (free call) 1800 BUNBURY or 08 9792 7205. There will be a free guided wildflower walk on Saturday 10 September at Manea Park to book a spot, or for more information, please email [email protected] or call 9792 7000. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram !