Blooming Wild - Southern Forest and Valleys

20/02/2026

These beautiful banksias are lowering now in Northcliffe and surrounds. Thanks Understory for sharing the beauty of the Noongar season of Bunuru 😍

Bunuru has well and truly arrived at Understory 🌼

The Noongar season of Bunuru brings the hottest days of the year, when the forest slows, shadows stretch long and bursts of colour, like the Banksia, glow against the bush. It’s a time of abundance, connection and respect for Country.

As the seasons shift, the Understory Art & Nature Trail invites you to walk gently, notice the small details and experience the forest as it moves through Bunuru.

27/10/2025

SUNDOWNER TALK FROM KWONGAN FOUNDATION ON KARRI FOREST BIODIVERSITY
Landcare are continuing their Sundowner series of talks and have a real treat with Prof Hans Lambers (Kwongan Foundation) on Friday 31st October, explaining why our Karri Forests have limited plant diversity. He will discuss changes in soil PH and microbial interaction over time to provide efficient nutrient acquisition.
6pm start, light supper provided. Text Wendy to reserve a seat 0434 811 474

Continuing our Sundowner series, we have a real treat with Prof Hans Lambers (Kwongan Foundation) on Friday 31st October, explaining why our karri forests have limited plant diversity. He will discuss changes in soil P and microbial interaction over time to provide efficient nutrient acquisition.
6pm start, light supper provided. Text Wendy to reserve a seat. 0434 811 474

20/10/2025

ORCHID WILDFLOWER TRAIL | QUINNINUP WA

This trail in Quinninup is in peak colour this time of year. As you walk along the trail, you’ll notice the distinct change in undergrowth from the tall karri forest to the more open jarrah forest. Both forest types boast an impressive display of wildflowers in season. This area is known for the variety of orchid species that flower here in winter and spring – keep a lookout for spider, helmet, snail, flying duck, cowslip and bird orchids. Happy wildflower hunting.

For more information about this trail and other events happening during the Blooming Wild Festival go to www.bloomingwild.com.au/quinninupwildflowerorchidtrail

Photo courtesy of www.quinninup.net.au

19/10/2025

WINDY HARBOUR BIODIVERSITY EVENT
26 OCTOBER (NORTHCLIFFE)
Join Aaron Williams for a Fauna Identification Workshop where we will learn how to identify and monitor threatened fauna species and their predators.

RSVP essential for catering purposes. Call Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777 to book your place.

17/10/2025

PAPER FLOWER MAKING WORKSHOP FOR YOUTH THIS SUNDAY

Get ready to roll, cut, and shape your own beautiful paper flowers in Southern Forest Arts FREE Youth Workshop inspired by 🌼
All materials are supplied — just bring your creativity!
Celebrate the end of the 'Mystic Youth' exhibition and take home your own handmade bloom.
📅 This Sunday 19 Oct | 🕐 1–3pm
📍 Painted Tree Gallery, Northcliffe WA
🎟️ Ages 12–25 yrs | Spots are limited — book now through the link! https://events.humanitix.com/jotterbook-flowers-workshop

See below for more workshop details and for info about the "Mystic Youth" exhibition closing party which is on directly after the workshop.

12/10/2025

BUGS AND BLOOMS WEEKEND 17-19 OCTOBER
Here's a summary of the events happening on the Bugs and Blooms Weekend in Northcliffe this year. For more information, see our website:
https://www.bloomingwild.com.au/bugsandbloomsweekend

12/10/2025

Flying Duck and Hammer Orchids are just some of the unusual and striking orchids you can find out around the Southern Forests & Valleys at the moment. Enjoy your exploring.

Last year on one of the many trips down to Meerup loaded with possessions and building materials I found a small population of Flying Duck and Hammer Orchids on an old disused track. It was one of those special moments. I had been obsessively photographing a population in Perth, documenting their lifecycle, the hatchings, matchings and dispatchings. The struggles they faced to survive and produce seeds. Flying Duck Orchids have always been a favourite, but in the haze of grief after Dad died in February 2024 and the upheaval of selling and moving out of Perth they became an unexpected lifeline. There was solace in photographing these tiny ones, appreciating the intricate beauty as they grew and flowered and watching as they were pollinated and one by one withered and died throwing seeds to the future. Somehow my heart knew where to go, where to find sense and meaning. Those cold mornings alone in the forest with the ducks and the resulting images and stories formed a body of work that is incredibly precious to me. I was so happy when I realised the Flying Ducks were growing here at Meerup on my new place. There are at least two good healthy populations and I now have the opportunity to photograph them only meters from my shack. Absolute joy this morning when I found a tiny clump with open flowers on a walk through the bush with Kalli Dog. Two double headers tangled together. I will photograph them every few days as they move through life.

11/10/2025

UNDERSTORY ART & NATURE TRAIL NORTHCLIFFE

Trial open daily 9am - 3pm via the Northcliffe Visitors Centre

Discover this unique art in nature experience, a 1.2km sculpture trail featuring the works of more than 50 renowned artists in a beautiful stand of old-growth forest that comes alive in wildflower season.

Self-guided audio tours are available, including children's stories by scanning the QR code in the map book.

Guided tours of Understory can be organised for groups with prior arrangement by contacting Fiona on [email protected]

Understory tickets are available for purchase from the Northcliffe Visitor Centre.

For information on other activities and events happening during the Blooming Wild Festival go to www.bloomingwild.com.au/events-3 or follow them on Facebook

11/10/2025

Check out this wildflower season special from Pemberton Discovery Tours. Get in quick to take them up on this great deal.

Pemberton Discovery Tours

04/10/2025

KONDIL WILDFLOWER PARK NANNUP

Nannup offers great walking and cycling trails throughout the Shire which you can access on and offline with the Experience Nannup App – go to www.experiencenannupwa.com.au to download it today

Discover the Wildflower Wonder of Nannup
Step into the heart of nature at Kondil Wildflower Park, a breathtaking sanctuary where history and biodiversity bloom together. Named after the Noongar word "Kondil", referring to the sheok trees once milled at the historic Barrabup Mill (1910), this park is a living tribute to both cultural heritage and ecological splendour.

Trail Highlights
Explore three well-marked trails winding through native bushland rich with jarrah, marri, sheoak, and balga:

* Wildflower Wonder – 3.3km of immersive floral beauty
* Woody Pear Walk – A gentle 700m stroll
* Sheoak Walk – 2.5km of serene sheoak-lined paths
All trails are wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the vibrant wildflower displays. Keep an eye out for early-season orchids popping up in!

Capture & Share
Remember: all plants are protected. Please photograph, don’t pick – and share your stunning shots on the Blooming Wild – Southern Forests and Valleys Facebook group to inspire others.

Celebrate Nature, Culture & Community
Kondil Wildflower Park is more than a walk in the bush – it’s a celebration of Noongar heritage, community connection, and the blooming wild beauty of the Southern Forests.

For information on more events and activities happening during the Blooming Wild Festival go to www.bloomingwild.com.au/events-3

04/10/2025

BAT TALK AND WALK 5TH OCTOBER CANCELLED
Due to the current weather forecast we have unfortunately had to cancel tomorrow nights Bat Walk and Talk. Apologies for any disappointment. However watch this space as we will be putting on a session or two next month when the weather is drier.

BAT TALK & NIGHT WALK IN NORTHCLIFFE SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER
If you're in the Southern Forests this weekend and looking for a family friendly activity for Sunday evening, come along to our very first bat talk and night walk in Northcliffe. See the poster below for more details.