Published: 03 September 2023
Wildflowers, Kings Park and Botanical Garden
It’s an exciting time here in Western Australia, as the arrival of spring air also marks the season of djilba (August-September). Djilba is the transitional time of year symbolising growth, where we start to see and hear the first of newborn or nesting wildlife as the days warm, such as koolbardi (magpie), djidi djidi (willy wag tails), and even the endearing quokka joey! You’ll notice an explosion of colour as budding djet (flowers) erupt into bloom and koola (emu plum) start to fruit, before the season of kambarang (October-November) brings the return of hot weather and an abundance of even more delicate flowering plants. With more than 12,000 species of flora springing into life this season (60% of which are found nowhere else on the planet), we’ve compiled some of Western Australia’s top Spring festivals for some of the most unique encounters your readers can add to their travel list.
Araluen Yates Tulip Festival (18 August-30 September 2023)
Whether you’re a keen gardener, nature lover, adventure seeker, budding photographer, or hiker – Araluen Botanic Park’s Yates Tulip Festival is an event you can’t miss. Nestled in the stunning Perth Hills, more than 150,000 tulips come into bloom in a kaleidoscope of colour across August and September, with camellias, azaleas, and grand magnolia trees just some of the beautiful flora you will spot against the backdrop of a stunning bushland setting. Blooming for more than 90 years, visitors can now also enter a digital realm of magical exploration – chasing fairies and catching frogs using the new Augmented Reality filters, best followed by a ride on Araluen Park’s iconic trackless train.
Everlasting Kings Park Festival (15 September-1 October 2023)
With more than 400 hectares of unique bushland, tranquil parkland, and botanic garden, there’s no better time to visit one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and Perth’s green heart than September – during the Everlasting Kings Park Festival. Since 1964, Kings Park has come alive with a stunning show of fabulous flora, outdoor walks, photography displays, wellness events, and more, marking the diamond anniversary for one of Australia’s longest running festivals. The festival runs during the last two weeks of September and will feature more than 3,000 WA plant species on display – with a pink field of everlastings at the centrepiece.
Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and Spring Festival (11-23 September 2023)
The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show displays more than 700 unique specimens in the Town Hall alongside the biggest regional Herbarium in Australia to celebrate and showcase the abundance of floral diversity in the region. Scheduled to run across 13 days, visitors will be given the opportunity to be guided by experts through the magnificent landscapes and flora in the Ravensthorpe Shire which encompasses the Fitzgerald River National Park – the perfect destination for wilderness, wildflowers, walking, and whale watching. The region is a biodiversity hotspot and home to approximately 20% of WA’s floral species, making it the perfect base to enjoy the tranquillity and discover flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth.
Little Quokka’s Big Birthday Weekend (16-18 September 2023)
Over two big days in September, Rottnest Island celebrates the arrival of new quokka joeys with free programs, activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll no doubt have seen or heard about quokkas, with ‘quokka selfies’ made famous by the likes of celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa, Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie and Roger Federer. This is the perfect opportunity to see some little quokka joeys, enjoy the festivities and all the island has to offer, while learning a bit more about our unique furry island animals! Event entry is free and children aged 12 and under can also travel free. Registration is essential. Visit Rottnest Island’s website for more information and to book.
Great Southern Treasures Bloom Festival (23 September-31 October 2023)
Launching on September 23 in Katanning is this year's Great Southern Treasures Bloom Festival - a free family fun festival which celebrates the renewal of spring throughout the Great Southern region. The Festival sees more than 40 events and activities taking place across the Great Southern over six weeks, focusing on the exotic wildflower tapestries and town cultures that make up this amazingly diverse region. Events include arts and crafts, displays, exhibitions, fauna and florathemed activities, food events, guided tours and hikes, heritage trails, markets, Noongar culture events, open gardens, wine and dine events, creative workshops, and more!
EverNow (4-9 October 2023)
A multi-sensory festival celebrating WA’s rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking biodiversity is set to light up Perth (Boorloo) this spring with five nights of sound, light and fire. EverNow will ignite the senses from October 4 to 9, 2023 during the Noongar season of Kambarang – when an abundance of colours and flowers explode across the land. The series of free evening events will be held at unique locations across Perth - including the Supreme Court Gardens, Perth’s Government House Gardens and Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba). In the debut event, Kings Park will become home to the bold reimagining of Boorna Waaginy: The Trees Speak, transforming the iconic park with a captivating display of light, sound and projections – telling the stories of Noongar culture and the beauty and biodiversity of the region. Nearby, the doors to Government House Gardens will also be opened to the public as it is transformed into Fire Gardens - a dreamscape of leaping flames, shadow and wonder. Inspired by conversations with Noongar elders, the fiery wonderland will be set alight by international flame experts Compagnie Carabosse. Perth City’s Supreme Court Gardens, overlooking the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) will play host to Song Circle - a live performance and celebration of Noongar song and dance set in a future-focused Register for event information and find out more at evernow.com.au.