Wildflower and Orchid Tour Western Australia Australia

Do you want the best of orchids, wildflowers, birds and bushwalking?

We are within one hour’s easy drive of Albany, with its whales (in season) and beaches, Bremer Bay, Porongurup and Mt Barker with its wineries and close to the Lily Dutch Windmill, a fine dining restaurant.

The Wildflower and Orchid Tour, with several stops for walkabouts, leaves Stirling Range Retreat daily at 0900 from 1st September to the 31st October.

It is a good introduction to Stirling Range National Park‘s orchids (they hide under bushes), and other magnificent flora such as the mountain bell (Darwinia Lejostyla).

The cost of the three hour Wildflower and Orchid Tour is AUD$29 per person. The bus seats 12 and is often fully booked so forward bookings are essential.

As weather is often changeable recommended clothes are a weatherproof jacket, strong shoes with non-slip soles, long trousers, long sleeved shirt and hat. Guests may consider bringing a camera, magnifier, binoculars, field guide and notebook. The terrain is mostly flat. Morning tea is served at beautiful Mt Trio.

Stirling Range Retreat is 40 acres of fantastic bush networked with nature observation trails. Here air-conditioned chalets and cabins are clustered amongst the mallee. Bird song is at your doorstep. Caravan and tent sites with sunset views are also available.

The Retreat is opposite Bluff Knoll, the highest mountain in south Western Australia, in Stirling Range National Park, which is world renowned for plant diversity.

This is a mecca for birdwatchers, flower lovers, photographers, artists, writers and hikers. A shuttle bus is available for hikers undertaking the two to three days Stirling Ridge walk from Bluff Knoll to Ellen Peak.

Dawn and Dusk Bird Walks are held at 0800 and 1600 daily from September 12th to October 31st. This includes a special tour at 1600 on Saturdays to Malleefowl Heritage Bush. The Retreat’s bird list collated by Birds Australia members, shows 80 bird species have been sighted at Stirling Range Retreat.

Nature Tours are offered daily, except in September and October, when the daily Wildflower & Orchid Tours are held.

Stirling Range Retreat is a real ecotourism destination. It is accredited with Australia’s National Tourism Accreditation Program.

Touring Options

Free Eco Tour For Guests (Visitors – $5.00)

See how or unique habitat and the fascinating wildlife that lives in it, have evolved over many years to withstand long periods of drought and wildfire.

Daily nature walks, of 1 hours duration are held upon request, except from September 1st to October 31st during the Retreat’s Spring Program.

Visitors are welcome – tariff AUD$5.00 each.

Mallee Fowl Heritage Bush Tour

Tariff is only $39.00 per person for this 3 hour bus tour which departs between 17/09/05 to 29/10/05 at 1600 on Saturdays to Ongerup.

A Mallee fowl nest will be viewed and Mallee fowl and are often spotted feeding late in the afternoon.

Tea is served.

* Mallee fowl – a flagship species – are listed as rare or likely to become extinct under the West Australian Wild life Act. "Flagship," refers to a charismatic icon species that provides a focus for conservation projects to benefit all associated flora & fauna.

Wildflower And Orchid Tour (Also Floral Secret Tour)

At AUD$25.00 this is the best morning tour. It is a great introduction to Stirling Range National Park’s well camouflaged orchids and magnificent flora.

The bus, seating twelve, departs Stirling Range Retreat , at 0900 daily, from 1st September to 31st October. It includes several mostly level walkabouts. Morning coffee is served.

Bookings are essential.

Dawn and Dusk Bird Walk Tour

Costing AUD$17.00 these 1.5 hour walks depart daily at 0800 and 1600 from September 12th to October 31st, from Stirling Range Retreat’s office.

They are led by volunteer Birds Australia leaders. Binoculars are provided.

Our Bird List, collated also by Birds Australia members, shows 80 bird species have been sighted here.

* The Retreat donates fifty percent of tariff for all bird activities to Birds Australia to save threatened species habitat.

Website: www.stirlingrange.com.au