Welcoming spring in The Grampians is an invitation to witness a breathtaking transformation. For thousands of years, the Indigenous Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people have lived by six distinct seasons, including the season ‘Petyan’, or the ‘season of wildflowers’. With over a thousand flowering plant species – a third of Victoria's floral diversity – The Grampians come alive from September to November, transforming into a 'Grampians Garden'.
Celebrating this flourishing season for over four decades, the Pomonal Native Flower Show stands as an annual tribute to this phenomenon. Held within the Pomonal Hall, this event is set to be held on September 30th and October 1st, 2023, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry is just $5.00 for adults, while children enjoy complimentary access.
With the Pomonal Native Flower Show kick-starting the season, there’s plenty of other ways to celebrate spring with our guide to discovering wildflowers in The Grampians.
Embark on your journey by immersing yourself in The Grampians' Northern region. As October unfolds, this area becomes a living canvas splashed with the hues of spring.
Don't miss the chance to explore the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, a haven of plants endemic to The Grampians. For a more active adventure in this region, ascend Mount Zero (Mura Mura) or Mount Stapylton (Gunigalg) to relish panoramic views of wildflowers blanketing the rugged terrain.
Extend your stay at welcoming accommodations like Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, Hemley House or Heath House. Additionally, savour local flavours at establishments such as Spirit of Punjab, Salingers Café, or Gelato Guys.
After taking in the sites at the Pomonal Native Flower Show, the Wildflower Walk in Pomonal invites you to behold a diverse array of blooms, including a variety of Orchids and the Epacris Impressa, also known as the 'Common Heath'. This charming flower is adorned with shades of red, pink, and white, adding to the vibrant tapestry of The Grampians' wildflower display.
After a long day exploring, sip and savour a variety of offerings at Pomonal Estate, an award-winning winery, microbrewery and cider house. Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying spectacular shiraz and scenic views at Mount Langi Ghiran vineyard. Retire to Lake Fyans Holiday Park or Pomonal Cottages Grampians to extend your stay.
In the Southern Grampians, a panorama of purple, pink, and orange peas and bluebells awaits. A number of flowering heaths and grevillea add to the display, including the Flame heath, Pine Heath, Pink Swamp heath and Grampians Grevillea. Along Halls Gap-Dunkeld Road or atop Mount William (Duwul), the landscape dances with these brilliant flowers.
After taking in the sights, treat yourself to a delightful spring meal at one of the Royal Mail Hotel’s restaurants, renowned for its expansive kitchen garden. Unwind at accommodations like Southern Grampians Cottages and Grampians Retreat for a peaceful escape.
Spring in The Western Grampians’ Wartook Valley reveals a display of Grampians thryptomene, featuring delicate pink blooms. Ideal spots to admire this floral spectacle include Roses Gap Road, Pohlners Road, Lodge Road, and Rose Creek Road.
Stroll leisurely through the Zumsteins-MacKenzie River area to immerse yourself in the blossoms. Alternatively, head to The Balconies and MacKenzie Falls (Mikunung Wira) Lookout for a wander through lush greenery and wildflowers. During your exploration, consider visiting Grampians Olive Co and Rosehaven Farms. Afterward, retreat to the inviting Meringa Springs for a comfortable stay.
If you're eager to learn more, Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre provides a number of resources for identifying wildflowers across The Grampians. As spring unfurls its kaleidoscope of colours, let the Pomonal Native Flower Show stand as the splendid gateway to a captivating wildflower journey through The Grampians.
