Spring is wildflower season! We have plenty of locations that contain brilliant floral displays. Grab your camera and head out soon before they’re gone! Here are some of the best places to explore:
Kaweka Wildflower Reserve
Kaweka is a small reserve of approximately 8ha and has an accessible network of paths through the reserve for an easy 30-60 minute walk. You’ll spot an array of native and local wildflowers (some labelled), and birds. Kaweka is situated north on Hargraves Street near Turner Street in Castlemaine.
Kalimna Park
This bushland reserve is located on the northeastern outskirts of Castlemaine comprising 175 ha and is on a direct pathway connecting Leanganook (Mount Alexander) and Lalgambook (Mount Franklin). In the box-ironbark woodland, there have been over 28 species of orchids and several rare plants identified.
Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve
Fryers Ridge is known by the locals as being of the best wildflower areas. Wildflower season at Fryers Ridge begins in late autumn and continues until early summer. There is an abundance of flowering grasses, shrubs and herbs growing under the trees. Keep an eye out for the Spike Wattle Acacia (oxycedrus) and the Twin-flower Beard-heath (Leucopogon fletcheri). In Spring the various shades of Common Heath are a highlight, ranging through white, pink, to deep red.
Dead Horse Gully
Located att the South end of Wheeler Street, Castlemaine - this short walk is about 650 metres through a heathy dry forest. Here you’ll spot Bitter-peas, Parrot Peas, Fairy Wax flower, Box Mistletoe and Wattle Mat-rush.
Walmer Bushland Reserve
The Walmer Bushland Reserve has well over 500 native plant species recorded, including a large number of rare and threatened species such as Buloke, Matted Bush-pea, various orchids including Golden Moths and Rabbit-ears.
Muckleford Forest
The Muckleford Forest during spring is a spectacular sight with the wildflower display. There is a large number of rare and threatened species including Sticky Boronia, Buloke, Flax-lilies, Small-flower Grevillea, and various orchids.
The Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre has a great Indigenous Plants Guide of Castlemaine and Surrounds for sale for $3. The guide is produced by the Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club and is perfect for anyone who loves to get out and explore the natural wonders at our doorstep.