Ficifolia Rd and Conspicuous Cliffs

Ficifolia Road is a 6.5 km stretch of gravel road (suitable for 2WD) – with a roadside reserve exceptionally rich in endemic vegetation. Swamp paperbarks, red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia, after which the road is named), acacias, banksias and heath and sedge species, are thriving in this coastal heathland environment, making this a most attractive drive.

The famous red flowering gum garners the most attention, splashing its exquisite crimson, orange and pink blossoms in vivid displays, peaking in January. This gorgeous tree is cultivated around the world as a much-prized ornamental, however its natural range is tiny, with Ficifolia Road and Conspicuous Cliffs Road being the epicentre of its population.

The western end of Ficifolia Road is surrounded by the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, while the eastern end is farmland and its 40 m road reserve is a ‘Declared Flora Road’ in recognition of its high conservation value. Ficifolia Road, in addition to being a draw card on its own, runs between Conspicuous Beach Road and Peaceful Bay Road – both of which are access points to a couple of the most glorious South Coast beaches.

Conspicuous Beach, although not suitable for swimming, features a wonderful stretch of white sand above which, on the steep limestone Conspicuous Cliff, is a viewing platform to admire the spectacular coastline and, in late winter and spring, a favoured lookout spot for whales.

Peaceful Bay has a small townsite and caravan park, and its beach, sheltered by a near shore reef of rocks similar to Greens Pool, offers a picturesque and safe, lagoon-like swimming bay.