The Mullewa District is well-known as the heart of wildflower country and the gateway to the North. The town is located about 98 kilometres east of Geraldton, just an hour’s drive away from Western Australia’s third biggest city.
In late winter (late July) and through Spring (August to October), Mullewa comes to life with dramatic displays of wildflowers creating bright blankets of wildflowers that stream through the bushland. Mullewa is one of the only places in the world where the wreath flower (Leschenaultia Macrantha) grows, and amongst the diverse range of native wildflowers you can also find pink, white, yellow and pompom everlastings, native orchids and flowering shrubs.
There are a few different ways to get to Mullewa.
Geraldton – Mount Magnet Road: Take the Geraldton - Mount Magnet Road that passes through Mullewa, Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Cue and Meekatharra. This road connects the ports of Geraldton to this smaller towns.
Mullewa-Wubin Road: This road heads south-east from Mullewa through Morawa and Perenjori to Wubin, Dalwallinu and beyond.
Mullewa – Mingenew Road: This road comes in South from Mullewa. This 90km long road was the original route between Geraldton and Perth and joins up with the Midlands route.
Carnarvon-Mullewa Road: This road travels North from Mullewa, passing through the Murchison Settlement and Gascoyne Junction, finishing in Carnarvon.
Wreath Flower or Lechenaultia Macrantha
There is a flowering myriad of wildflowers to spot in Mullewa that will send even the most experienced wildflower hunter straight into a tizzy.
As the Mullewa region straddles geological and climatic transition zones, the varying soil types, rainfall, and temperatures come together to create a diverse range of conditions, allowing for a rich range of wildflowers to grow and bloom.
Lechenaultia Macrantha: Known as the wreath flower because of its unusual circular shape, this rare flower is a mystery to many! The colours can vary year to year from pink, orange or red, and the location of these flowers cannot be predicted. Flowering between August and October, the blooming season is determined by seasonal rainfall and other events so it’s best to speak to the Mullewa Visitor Centre to check if they’re on display!
Asteraceae: Any plants of the daisy family fall into the Asteraceae family with their short-lived annual herbs with soft papery flowers. Everlastings also fall into this category. The species found in Mullewa include the pink star everlasting (Schoenia Cassiniana), the pom-pom everlasting (Cephalipterum Drummondii), the splendid everlasting (Rhodanthe Chlorocephalum Splendida) and the pink sunray (Rhodanthe Manglesii).
Orchids: There are over 400 different species of orchids in Western Australia. Head out to Mullewa to spy spider and donkey orchids among the blooming fields of colour in spring.
Native Wildflowers in Mullewa, WA
Make your way through Mullewa via two interpretive drive trails that showcase the scenic attractions of the Mullewa region. The roads are mostly sealed and accessible via two-wheel drive vehicles.
The Northern Loop (115km): Take this loop to get to Bindoo Hill Nature Reserve, a great way of exploring the diverse landscape of the Mullewa district. See the homesteads and Carbon Capture sites and listen to the different stories of farmlife in the region.
This route will also take you past the Tenindewa Settlement and school, Bindoo Glacier Beds, Greenough River and Noondamurra Pool. Noondamurra Pool is lovely picnic spot to stop for the afternoon to take in the peace and serenity.
The Southern Circuit (145km): Take the 145km self-drive circuit to learn about the history of the region, while also viewing the wildflowers at Coalseam National Park, and the wreath flowers at Pindar.
Come across historic places like the Butterabby Graves site that serve as a reminder of the tragic history between European settlers and the people of Wajarri Country. Be sure to stop by Tardun with its Wildflower Way interpretive sculptures.
If you’re making a trip up North to go wildflower hunting, it’s best to make sure your trip is well-planned out. The distances in Western Australia can be a lot further than anticipated.
If you’re planning a trip to Mullewa from Perth, you should make sure to take plenty of breaks on your drive. Stop off in Jurien Bay, a 2.5 hour drive from Perth, to fuel up or to stretch your legs. If you want to make a trip of it, Jurien Bay is a great base from which you can explore the Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park and need we even mention the spectacular crystal clear waters to jump into?
Abrolhos Islands, Geraldton WA
Alternatively, drive straight to Geraldton where you can spend the night before heading out to Mullewa the next day. Geraldton is also only 60kms away from the Abrolhos Islands, a hidden gem of 122 islands grouped into three main clusters, each one offering a mix of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and amazing wildlife.
