FLORA & FAUNA
FLORA
Wildflower season is in full swing in the Gascoyne
The Gascoyne hinterland region is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Starting from late July to mid-September ‘carpets’ of everlastings burst into colour right across the region. This area is also famous for Mount Augustus, Australia’s largest rock, twice the size of Uluru. To travel this region get a copy of the Gascoyne-Murchison Outback Pathways with three magnificent self drive routes.
Click here to find out more about what's blooming in the Gascoyne and Murchinson region via Australia's Golden Outback.
WHAT'S BLOOMIN' IN CARNARVON?
In Carnarvon, look out for patches of wildflowers between Carnarvon and Miaboolya Beach, on the Blowholes Road and on the main highway between Carnarvon and Exmouth. There are both white and yellow Everlastings, and some Mulla Mulla at Red Bluff. On the North West Highway between Billabong Roadhouse and Carnarvon there are a variety of species including Tribulus suberosa, Ptilotus obovatus, and Paper Daisy Everlastings. LAST UPDATED 4 SEPTEMBER 2019.
Traveling from Gascoyne Junction to Mullewa, via Murchinson? Mullewa is known for the carpets of Everlastings, you can currently see these majestic displays north of Mullewa at Bowtell Park and on the Northern Loop Drive out of Mullewa, especially around Perkins Well. The Town walk has great displays of Everlastings and Orchids, and there is biodegradable tape in the trees to guide you on your walk. Take a picnic, or plan a bike ride through Chapman Valley just 20 mins north east from Geraldton for Everlasting carpets.
FAUNA
WILDLIFE AT MOUNT AUGUSTUS
The majority of Mount Augustus is vegetated. Arid shrubland dominated by wattles, cassias and eremophilas cover the inselberg and the surrounding plain. Take the time to sit quietly in the early morning or late afternoon and you will be rewarded with the site of shy-but-inquisitive wildlife. Marvel at the factors which have shaped the surrounding wildlife – infertile soils and greater climate variability than many other parts of Australia.
Groves of white-barked river gums indicate water seepage from the inselberg - so precious to the local ecology. Mulga, gidgee and other wattles are dispersed across the plain. So too are spinifex pigeons, crimson chats, mulga parrots and babblers – all foraging for food resources. Nearby, emus seek out fruits, and bustards (or wild turkey) sneak up on insects and small reptiles on the ground. Bungarras (goannas) and red kangaroos are common on the plain, while euros and birds of prey are found closer to the mount.
At Cattle Pool on the Lyons River, a tributary of the Gascoyne, permanent pools attract waterbirds such as black cormorants, ibis, heron, and a variety of ducks. In the trees are blue-winged kookaburras, sacred kingfishers and corellas.
