Where the Wildflowers are...

By Rachel Jacgung, Editor-in-Chief

Is there anything quite as beautiful as a sea of colour in the form of wildflowers?

Think bright hues of purple, yellow, pink and blue as far as the eye can see! While Japan’s cherry blossom flowers and the Netherland’s tulips are famous all over the world, there are plenty of places where you can visit unique flowers blooming throughout the year.

Here are our suggestions for places where you can be in the right place at the right time to see the natural beauty of unique seasonal flowers in bloom all over the world!

Ogle over 12,000 species of flowers in Western Australia’s Wildflower Country

Western Australia is home to over 12,000 species – 60% of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world! Just some of the blooms on display include banksias, wattle, orchids, everlastings and wreath flowers.

‘Wildflower Country’ stretches from north of Perth to Geraldton covering nine local government areas which band together to create a tourism destination dedicated to the region’s wildflowers.

Katarina from Wildflower Country told us

“This biodiversity hotspot is exploding with colourful, rare flowers that attract people worldwide. Wildflower Country lets you immerse yourself in vibrant fields of wildflowers surrounded by raw, ancient outback landscapes.”

Speaking of the best time to visit, Katarina added that “Wildflower season can vary from year to year due to seasonal changes, rainfall, and weather. But it’s usually from late July until October when you can see the most species of wildflowers.”

See sunshine yellow swathes of Gorse in yorkshire, UK

Yorkshire Gorse

Gorse is a bright yellow shrub that grows all over the UK but is particularly stunning during springtime in the North Yorkshire Moors or Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Sometimes known as ‘whin’ or ‘furze’, this resilient shrub creates a carpet of yellow blooms across the moors and smells of coconut and vanilla. While gorse can be found year-round, the best season to see these yellow beauties in bloom is between January and June.

Pink heather and yellow hay meadow flowers also blanket the moors and dales, making for a romantic backdrop to great walks in the British countryside while you channel your inner Heathcliffe and Catherine!

Heather and yellow hay flowers usually bloom in June and July.

Road trip down a boulevard of Jacaranda dreams in New South Wales, Australia

A Jacaranda-lined street in Grafton, Australia

Jacarandas are famous all over the world for their stunning lilac leaves! These purple beauties are only in bloom for a short time between mid-October to mid-November during Australia’s spring.

If you’re in town at the right time you can either take a quick dip into the purple haze or make a full on Jacaranda road trip through New South Wales.

Start on the Jacaranda-lined McDougall Street in the Sydney suburb of Kirribilli where the Jacaranda trees create a gorgeous archway of blooms along the street. If you’re not leaving Sydney you can also find Jacaranda trees at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Lavender Bay, Hunters Hill and Paddington.

If you’ve got some extra time up your sleeve then you can road trip six hours north from Sydney to Grafton. Here you’ll find 1,700 blossoming Jacaranda trees painting the whole town purple!

Gaze at vibrant blue Lupins in Colorado, USA

A Carpet of Lupins

The ski town of Crested Butte in Colorado is best known for its snow-based activities in the winter, but has plenty to offer during the summer months too – including fields of wonderful wildflowers!

The best time to experience wildflowers blooming in Crested Butte is during June and July – you’ll find a sea of colour bursting from a mix of glacier lilies, sunflowers, marigolds, lupines and primrose.

There are several hiking and mountain biking trails you can take to get the best view of the wildflowers, including The Lupine Trail where you can see – you guessed it – beautiful blue and purple lupines lining your path!

Vibrant Blue Lupins at Crested Butte