Shire of Ravensthorpe is renowned for its abundance of flora and fauna and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. It has a rich farming and mining history. A key part of the shire is the world class UNESCO Fitzgerald River National Park hosts which some 1800 different plant species, showcases itself along a wild and beautiful coastline. Recently refurbished, the eastern access National Park from Hopetoun features surfaced coastal roads, interpretive displays, walk trails and spectacular lookouts.
The Kukenarup Memorial (state heritage award winner for 2016) by the Ravensthorpe Historical Society and the local Noongar people is an interpretive memorial and is believed to be one of only two in Australia, just 15kms from Ravensthorpe on South Coast Highway, covered seating area and an informative and historical site with wildflowers along an interpretive memorial path, makes it something well worth visiting.
From 13 to 26 September it’s time to take a road trip to experience the magnificent region and visit the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. More than 600 odd specimens are gathered in the Ravensthorpe Town Hall each year.
An energetic band of volunteers goes forth into the bush armed with picking licenses and secateurs to seek elusive specimens. They know exactly where to find them. See wildflowers on show and in their natural environment.
The Ravensthorpe show provides a program of events and activities throughout the festival, which are as diverse as the flowers; offering visitors an action packed time in Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun with its welcoming and vibrant community.
This year’s program lists events and activities available including art exhibitions, photographic displays, tag along tours 2WD and 4WD and guided walks.
Not to be missed is the Hunt and Gatherer in the Park featuring Vince Garreffa. with homegrown and homemade exhibition, daily soup lunches and Devonshire teas. A quilt display, gala lunch with Sabrina Hahn, various workshops, wine and local beer tasting and bus tours including stops at wildflower hot spots. Find out about the local geology and enjoy a bee farm tour, enjoy an orchid hunt and as well as a walk among the wildflowers at sunset. Wildflower and farm gate art self-drive brochures are also available.
The show kicks off on Monday 13 September and there will be a plethora of activities across the festival.
Don’t miss this celebration of wildflowers.
Booking www.wildflowersRavensthorpe.org.au or my.flipbookpdf.net/2AcVe.
