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Wildflower waiting

Lack of winter rain has resulted in a slower start to the Mid West’s wildflower season but the reduced showing hasn’t stopped visitors.

Representatives from Mid West visitor centres report people are still flocking to catch a glimpse of the region’s celebrated carpets of colour.

Mullewa Community Resource Centre co-ordinator Elsie Park said the town was receiving big numbers of visitors.

“Lots of people are travelling through just to see a bit of colour,” she said.

“Most visitors are from the Eastern States.

“They just don’t get the wildflowers over there like we do.”

Ms Parks reported plenty of bush flowers, everlastings and orchids and recommended the town’s Bushland Walk.

“There is plenty of colour on the side of the roads,” she said.

“The everlastings may not be as thick but they are still coming up and there are lots of orchids.”

Morawa Tourist Information Centre president Marie Marks said there was always interest in the wildflowers.

“We get a lot of phone calls from people overseas and the Eastern States looking for wildflowers,” she said.

“We have had visitors from South Africa, Japan, Germany and the East Coast.”

Ms Marks said she hoped there would be an even better showing of wildflowers in a few weeks’ time.

“They are coming in to their own but in a few weeks they will hopefully be in full bloom,” she said.

Northampton Visitors Centre co-ordinator Gail Livingston said visitors, mainly from the Eastern States, had been looking for flowers for the past three weeks.

Perenjori Tourist Centre and Pioneer Museum secretary Paddy King said the area had the famous wreath flowers, which were attracting visitors.

“They all chase this wreath flower,” she said.

“We do have them but they are not close to town so hopefully some will grow closer to the town centre making it easier for people.”

According to Geraldton Visitors Centre wildflower report, Eneabba has also flourished with wildflowers.

The report states four acacia species are flowering between Eneabba and Badgingarra and north of Eneabba there are five different orchids on display plus Geraldton wax.

North of Geraldton, Oakabella Homestead is another location listed in the report as hosting orchids, everlastings and grevilleas.

In Kalbarri numerous species have been reported along the river road, National Park and surrounds and the coastal cliffs.