The wildflower season in Western Australia is shaping up to be one of the most stunnning in years … and it’s drawing grey nomads in huge numbers.
The ABC reports that widespread winter rainfall has provided ideal growth conditions. Thick carpets of pink, yellow and white everlastings can be seen from the Gascoyne to the Wheatbelt. This year’s display is in stark contrast to the patchy and dry conditions seen in recent years.
According to the ABC, Geraldton-based wildflower enthusiast Glenda Blythe said rain had fallen at the right time, and this was important for the flower germination.
“This has got to be one of the best seasons I think I’ve ever witnessed here,” she said. “The carpets of everlastings, they’re everywhere this year. With the good opening rains and continued rains we’ve just got the carpets we always used to have. We’re hearing there’s good coverage throughout the Gascoyne, the Murchison, the Mid West — it’s just one of those years. There seems to be really good coverage wherever you go — whatever direction you go in, you’re going to be finding flowers this year.”
Communities across the Mid West region are hoping to cash in as tourists flow through the region.
For the small town of Morawa, 360 kilometres north-east of Perth, the wildflower season is a pillar of the local economy.
Morawa Shire president Karen Chappel said wildflowers were the town’s major marketing drawcard for tourists.
“With the tourists coming to town of course there’s an economic benefit to all of our businesses in town,” Ms Chappel said. “The streets are lined with caravans on a daily basis. A lot stay, a lot drive through, and it’s great. They stop, they buy lunch, they fill their caravan fridges up from the local grocers, have a cup of coffee, and they fill up at the local fuel station. We’re very grateful to have them come in and spend their money in our community.”
Are you enjoying the wildflowers this year? Comment below.
hi we are looking for some home stays we are both 68 have a van and like to travel and thought this may be the way to go .we live in Adelaide
Hi there Colin and Dianne. Look under the help wanted or better
still try Buy a Bale / Farm army. There are numerous opportunities out
there where you can help farmers.As far as Queensland or as close as
the Eyre Peninsular. Also Aussie helpers are a good bunch. You will
be rewarded for very little physical effort. No farming experience needed
just a good sense of humor, a simpathetic ear and an open mind.More aussies should try it. It can be a life changing and life saving experience.
maybe in winter next year 2019 up north