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Mobile Reception (Telstra)
Overview
Take this 1.7km walk through predominantly wandoo woodland in spring and be rewarded by many beautiful flowers and a number of spectacular orchids.
The walk is fully signposted to provide extensive information about the flora you will likely see.
On Salt River Road, 300m past the “Gateway to the Stirlings” sign, there is a picnic and parking area on the left.
The Wildflower Walk is on the Conservation Trail, so look out for the information signage at the site.
Story of the place
Gateway to the Stirlings
The special ecological value of the Cranbrook area has been long recognised, with local enthusiasts keen to share the beauty and diversity with visitors.
The short wildflower walk is close to town with a flat and accessible walk, making it easy for everyone to experience the local plant diversity.
The predominant trees are wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo), Rock sheoak (Allocasuarina huegalliana), Dwarf sheoak (Allocasuarina humilis), Flat topped yate (Eucalyptus occidentalis).
See & Do
Orchids
There are 450 species of orchid found in this region, with many found at the Cranbrook Wildflower Walk. Most orchids flower between August and November, with September and October being the times of most profuse flowering.
Orchids occur in all kinds of habitat, but around granite outcrops, sheoak woodlands and areas that have been recently burnt are all good spots.
Some of the common orchid species found at the Wildflower Walk:
Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata)
Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata). Image: Sue O’Halloran
Purple Enamel Orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Purple Enamel Orchid (Elythranthera brunonis). Image: Sue O’Halloran
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana). Image: Sue O’Halloran
Common Spider Orchid (Caladenia vulgata)
Common Spider Orchid (Caladenia vulgata). Image: Nicole Hodgson
Cowslip Orchid (Caladenia flava)
Image: Anne Rick
Donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa)
Image: Sue O’Halloran
Clubbed Spider Orchid (Caladenia longiclavata)
Image: Sue O’Halloran
Look out for the signposts along the walk which identify other wildflowers and plant species.
Birdlife
Some of the most common birds you might see:
Scarlet robin
Image: John Anderson
Splendid fairy wren
Image: John Anderson
Western Rosella
Image: John Anderson
New Holland Honeyeater
Image: John Anderson
Giving back and getting involved
Two community-based organisations play an important role in protecting and restoring wetlands and other important areas in landscapes to the north and west of Sukey Hill.
The Gillamii Centre is the long standing landcare group based in Cranbrook and working with the farming community and others on a wide range of sustainable practices.
Green Skills is based in Denmark and is a leading group in achieving the Forest to Stirlings section of the Gondwana Link.
Contact them directly to donate to their wonderful work or to get involved in citizen science investigations or ecological restoration activities.
Nearby
There are many other sites to visit nearby including:
Sukey Hill lookout
From Sukey Hill you’ll find a spectacular view of the western end of Koi-Kyeunu-ruff (or the Stirling Ranges). But the hill itself is actually a remnant of the original, ancient mountain range.
Twonkup
Known to the Noongar community as Dwangup, this is a very significant cultural site and a registered Aboriginal heritage site.
Pink Lake
Small but picturesque pink lake next to the road - there's nowhere to stop so admire it as you drive past on Great Southern Highway.
Balijup Farm and Fauna Sanctuary
Balijup Farm has been farmed by the Hordacre family since 1923.
Lake Nunijup
Nunijup is said to mean place of many snakes, a descriptive name back when this was a special meeting place for the Kaneang people of the Noongar nation.
Practical Information
Directions
The Wildflower Walk is just outside of Cranbrook, along the Salt River Rd.
Facilities
There is a small shelter, picnic table and some interpretive signage at the start of the Wildflower walk.
Where to eat and stay
See the suggestions from our friends at Great Southern Treasures:
Visitor Information
Shire of Cranbrook
19 Gathorne Street
(08) 9826 1008
www.cranbrook.wa.gov.au