Hi Nomads, We are travelling to Karijini, and are wondering which route, coast or GN Hwy, is best for wildflowers? We have been up the coast to Coral Bay before. Any experiences and advise would be great. Thank you.
When we travelled that way in September/October 2106 we saw more wildflowers on the inland route than the coastal route, but I think it depends on exactly the time of year and the rainfall earlier that year.
We are currently at the Hamersley Gorge Camp Area, we came from the Auski Roadhouse through Wittenoom. A fair bit of gravel but easy as if you take your time. You get to see the back of the Karajini Nat Pk. We will be going home via the coast.... eventually.
You could take the Midland road from Moora to Millewa then turn right for Mt Magnet on the Grealdton/Mt Magnet road. Not too far off your direct route to the north and good sealed road and runs right through the main wildflower region. Over night or a couple of nights at somewhere like Three Springs and spend a day out in the wildflowers areas. Lots of info on the web. On where to see the best of them.
We are not from the "Wild West", but in 2015 we went the Coastal Highway to Broome. Then came back down to Port Hedland before heading in land to spend a week at Karijini. Did the mines at Tom Price and then down to Newman, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet on to Mullewa.
In reverse from Perth you should go Bindoon, New Norcia, Dalwalinu, Wubin, Perenjori, Morawa, Mullewa an on to Pindar, and Yalgoo which will take you through to Mt Magnet.
You are from the West so you are aware of the good winter rains that will mean good wild flowers. You will see ever lastings and of course the wreath flowers around Pindar. And if you go this way you will find free/low cost camps eg Bindoon Ag Centre $20- power & water plus many more (Wiki Camps)
We are currently house sitting at Ardross on the "Swan" and have 10 days later this month before doing our next sit at Warrick. We will do the above/suggested trip out of Perth and back roughly 1000k but the diesel costs will be off set by cheap accommodation.
We will have spent 3 months in Perth come mid October having made our way across from Hervey Bay to Camooweal then up to Katherine before heading to Kununurra, Halls Cree, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and down to Broome. AND then down the Coastal Highway to Perth.
We will head back East across the Nullabor early October.
You have gotta "love the life style" especially when your accommodation costs for6 months and more are less than $15pn.
