Overview
Spring has sprung, and for Melburnians this means two things: the weather is about to get even more unpredictable, and the prettiest part of the year is upon us. Serious natural beauty is here (hello magnolia, hello oriental plum blossom) and even though we get teased by the other Aussie capitals for our European climate, we also get some serious seasonal blooms.
The best way to see the full glory of spring is to get out of the city and go for a bushwalk. You wont regret it: Australian endemic flora is (*Chris Traeger voice*) literally the most beautiful on the planet. Here are our tips for the best hikes to spy wildflowers.
Image via Wikimedia.
THE GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK
There are lots of hikes to choose from when you reach the Grampians, and at this time of year, they'll all be awash with flowers and lichen and lush heather. The Mackenzie Falls Trail is a good one to start with — a glorious, cool hike down the falls and alongside the river framed with foliage.
Alternatively, try the easy trail that leads to the Balconies. It'll take you through some thick bush with many varieties of wildflowers growing onto the path before you arrive at the stunning views. If you're after something a bit different, head to the Gulgurn Manja Shelter. It's an ancient Indigenous cave art site and the winding path that leads to the sacred place is covered in desert varieties of wildflower.
GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK
The Great Otway National Park is huge, and spreads across many and varied landscapes. But in spring, the windswept heaths that run between shore and forest are alive with wildflowers. The park is worth a trip in its own right, but make sure you park your picnic rug amongst the flora while you can. There are over 80 types of orchids in the Anglesea heath region alone, so when they say 'sea of colour', they really mean it.
LANGWARRIN FLORA AND FAUNA RESERVE
If you want to stay a little closer to home, head down the Peninsula to Langwarrin. You'll find the well-maintained nature reserve there comes alive in spring with native wildflowers. Easy, meandering walking trails criss-cross throughout the land which lets you see a lot more varieties than some of the more structured hikes. You'll see lots of weird and wonderful lichen, moss and fungi as well as the blooming orchids and native wildflowers.
Just don't forget to bring your own water and decent shoes — it's not a tough walk by any measure, but it can get boggy.
LAKE MOUNTAIN
The wildflowers on show at Lake Mountain — a snowy peak, just past Healesville — are unlike any of the wildflowers featured on this list. The alpine environment (clocking in at more than 1400 metres above sea level) creates an entirely different kind of wildflower that flood the mountain with fragrance during spring and summer. And with over 40 kilometres of walking trails, you'll see a lot of unique species. To give you an idea of what you're in for, check out this bizarre and charming bushwalking video from one of the lodges on the mountain.
Even in spring and summer, the mountain is a bit chillier than most, so be sure to bring a raincoat for extra warmth.
Top image: Rexness via Flickr.