Published on Wednesday, 19 May 2021 at 4:25:21 PM
The Shire of Merredin is one of only two Local Governments to achieve wildflower friendly status through the State Government’s Wildflower Friendliness Award Scheme for 2020/21.
The scheme is designed to increase nature-based tourism in Western Australia by encouraging local governments to protect valuable wildflowers and native vegetation along roads and in nature reserves for the enjoyment of locals and visitors.
Tourism Officer at the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre, Carina McDonald said the wildflower season is one of the eastern Wheatbelts’ most precious natural treasures attracting visitors and special interest groups to Merredin annually.
“Woodlands come alive following significant winter rain as trees and shrubs produce a spectacle of colour and scent,” she said.
Over 980 species of wildflower have been recorded in the Shire of Merredin alone. Species of acacia and eucalypt make up the majority, but also included is some 47 species of orchids and numerous species of hakea, grevillea, verticordia and other varieties of heath land plants.
“The wildflower season is our busiest time of year at the centre, where we see an increase in visitors to Merredin and August and September.”
“We not only see an increase in visitors to the Visitor Centre, but also email and phone enquiries as to how the season is progressing and what is blooming and where."
Key spots in Merredin to see wildflowers include, Merredin Peak, Tamma Parkland, Caw Street, Scott Road, Totadgin Conservation Park and corner of Merredin Chandler and Talgomine Reserve Roads. The visitor centre produces a wildflower guide each season detailing what is currently flowering and where. We also have a wide selection of handy books to purchase to help you identify species out in the field.
“The rains we have received so far this year indicate a promising upcoming season. We look forward welcoming visitors to Merredin and assisting them in their wildflower hunt.”
The Shire will receive marketing support from Tourism WA in the lead-up to the upcoming wildflower season, with promotion through the Tourism WA website, wildflower map, across social media and in email newsletter content.
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