Wildflower Country | Unique Flora and Fauna

Unique Flora and Fauna

Conservation & Land Management

The number and variety of National Parks and Conservation Reserves within Wildflower Country ensures that visitors will be guaranteed an unmatched opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. The largest range of unique flowering plants in Australia offers a chance to view rare flora and fauna as you have never seen it before. Take your time, have a stroll through the bush, but remember to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints ensuring that these great areas will remain for future generations.

Some of these parks and reserves are described in greater detail in the towns section, however because of the large number and variety it is not possible to list them all. Further information can be obtained through tourist centres and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Wildlife

At first glance, besides the obvious larger animals such as kangaroos and emus, it may appear that there is no wildlife around, this is not the case, the problem is you can’t always see it. Rare and endangered species call the reserves and parks home so please bear them in mind when travelling and ensure that their habitat is not disturbed, and if you are quiet and careful you may be lucky enough to see animals only sighted by a select few. Rare wildlife includes a variety of lizards, snakes, frogs and mammals, plus birds, which are sometimes easier to spot. The Honey Possum is found only in the Kquongan Region in the western part of Wildflower Country, especially the Lesuere National Park.

Birdlife
Wildflower Country offers a great range of habitats for birds, including surprisingly high numbers of water birds seasonally inundating the dryer inland areas, highlights being Black Tailed Native Hens, Pink-eared Ducks and Red-kneed Dotterels.

Areas of mulga scrub are home to such birds as Mallee Fowl, Bush Turkey, Mulga Parrot, Black Honeyeater, Redthroat and Masked Woodswallow.

Stands of larger trees, such as Salmon Gums, are frequented by the bigger parrots such as Western Corella, Red Tailed Black Cockatoos, and Galahs. Other notable species to be found in the local bush land are White Fronted Honey Eaters, White Browed Babblers, Splendid and Variegated Fairywrens and inland, Chestnut-rumped, and Yellow-rumped Thornbills. The Short Billed Black Cockatoo can still be found breeding in areas where remnant vegetation stands have been conserved. A birding trip in association with outstanding wildflowers will prove a rewarding and relaxing experience.

Aquaculture
The coastal towns of Green Head and Leeman have evolved from small fishing villages based on the Cray fishing industry. Keep an eye out for the boats when they return with their catch.

People

One of the many characters to settle in the region was Gustave Liebe who came to Coorow to farm at the age of 60, growing the most grain in the area. A Hungarian Architect who designed the Budapest Opera House, as well as His Majesty’s Theatre and a number of hotels in Perth. Gustave Leibe designed elaborate houses adjoining the farm sheds for himself and his workmen in Waddi Forest. His house and shed are still in good order and are now privately owned by the Kerr Family.

Agriculture
With the largest grain receival point in the southern hemisphere situated at Mingenew and a large variety of agriculture being carried out within the region, an opportunity is on offer for those travelling through to learn a great deal more about the importance of this industry.

Take the opportunity to stay at any of the wonderful Bed and Breakfast Farm Stays, learn the history of the area, enjoy the country hospitality, gain an understanding of the region’s agriculture, and of course, view the wildflowers.

Beef Cattle

While grain and sheep make up the majority of agricultural activities, cattle are more prominent in the northern and some coastal areas. There are also some large feedlots in operation.

Grain Growing

Farming has developed from the traditional wheat and barley crops to include a range of other grains including, canola, field peas, faba beans, lupins and chick peas with alternative crops such as paprika and coriander being tried.

Sheep and Wool

Ever heard it said that sheep are the backbone of the country? This is perhaps true as the combination of sheep and crops enables the survival through good and bad years. You will find both meat and wool breeds offering greater diversification and sale options.

Horticulture

Horticulture is an emerging industry in and around Moora and includes potato, olive, citrus and stone fruit production. Local soil types and reliable rainfall found west of Moora make ideal conditions for horticultural activities.