Mount Barker is incredibly rich and diverse in wildflower species and is recognised as one of Australia's premier locations to view orchids and other spectacular flowers.
From the rugged peaks, towering forests and lush rolling granite flats of the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks, the expansive farming and grazing paddocks, to incredible reserves right on the edge of town Mount Barker is an ideal place to experience some of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
The springtime wildflower display from late August to November is justifiably famous and attracts huge numbers of snap happy tourists.
Agricultural pastures are awash in a yellow carpet of freshly blooming Canola, flowers at every turn and numerous orchid and other floral species turn on a magnificent show in numerous locations.
There are over 1500 species of plants in the Stirling Ranges alone with over 80 species being endemic including the famous mountain bells (Darwinias). Hundreds of orchid species reside around Mount Barker and the Porongurups and Stirling Range National Parks.
Wildflower walk trails are marked at Mount Barker (Reservoir Loop Trail) and Porongurup (Twin Creeks Reserve) and Mondurup Reserve on the west edge of town is convenient and amazingly unique location to marvel at numerous orchid and other floral species - all fully labelled.
Maps, wildflower books, booklets and advice are available from the Mount Barker Visitor Centre which is open 7 days per week.
