2020 really needs an inspirational splash of artistry to create some memorable moments, especially after the year we've all experienced. Personally, I cannot think of a better way to enhance our every day, than by adding a canvas of colour and beauty and venturing out on free guided walks.
Much to my delight and with perfect timing, the annual
Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival has returned, promising a spectacular tapestry of breathtaking wildflowers, throughout the Sunshine Coast region.
Chaffy Swamp Pea - Image: Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival FB
Initiated by
Kathleen McArthur, an artist, author and environmentalist, the annual Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival has been going since 1967. The Wildflower Festival has become increasingly popular with keen walkers and nature lovers, and it's with thanks to the support and passion of local community groups, hosting the outdoor guided walks and activities, that the Wildflower Festival has continued and grown.
From Bribie Island to Noosa, enthusiastic nature lovers can immerse themselves in Mother Natures' splendid patchwork of wildflowers on the guided walks, approved by the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival. Please note that bookings are absolutely essential, especially as all guided walks are free of charge.
I suspect it might be a 'weed', but such a pretty weed! Image: author
Ben Bennett Bushland Park Guided Walk
Meet at Ben Bennett Bushland Park, Queen Street entrance, Caloundra
Bookings to email: sunshine@wildlife.org.au (maximum 25 participants)
A fun and perfect introductory short walk into the wildflowers at one of Caloundra's best kept secrets, Ben Bennett Bushland Park. Friends of Ben Bennett Bushland Park and Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland will be taking you on your journey of discovery at this inaugural Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival walk. Please bring water, insect repellant and binoculars for the birds. There are toilets on site.
💐 Saturday 15 August | 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Girraween Nature Refuge Guided Walk
Meet at the end of Dame Patti Drive, near the corner of Colombia Drive, Sunrise Beach
Bookings to email: admin@noosariver.com.au (maximum 25 participants)
Walkers will discover wildflowers plus a diverse range of vegetation in dry and wet heathland with Noosa Integrated Catchment Association guides on this 1.5km return walk.
Please bring hats, water, sunscreen, insect repellant and walking shoes. A species list will be provided.
Wallum Goodenia - Image: Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival FB
Mooloolah River National Park Guided Walk
Meet at Mooloolah River National Park, Claymore Road entrance, Sippy Downs
Register here > www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whatson (maximum 15 participants)
Take a journey of discovery through the wildflowers with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers. The colour, the close-ups! Be prepared for a stunning explosion of nature at its best.
Bring your camera and learn some techniques of taking a great image or just chill with the scenic walk through this local wonderland.
💐 Thursday 20 August | 9.00am to 11.00am
Noosa National Park Wildflower Walk
Meet at Noosa National Park entrance, Parkedge Road, Sunshine Beach
Bookings to email: admin@noosariver.com.au (maximum 25 participants)
Join Noosa Integrated Catchment Association for an amazing 1.5km return wildflower walk in the Headland Section of the park. Get to explore a variety of vegetation communities including wet eucalypt forest and spectacular dry heath.
Please bring hats, water, sunscreen, insect repellant and walking shoes. A species list will be provided.
Image: Sunshine Coast Council FB
Bobbie Sattler Bushland Reserve Walk
Meet at Pierce Avenue, Caloundra
Register here > www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whatson (maximum 20 participants)
The Bobbie Sattler Bushland Reserve Walk is a 'newbie' to the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival's repertoire of walks. Stroll the trails of this remnant, native bushland reserve with Sunshine Coast Council's Alan Wynn and Michael Reif. Learn more about the local wildflowers and wildlife and how they have responded to their habitat four years after a fire.
💐 Friday 21 August | 10.00am to 11.00am
Keith Royal Park Wildflowers
Meet at the car park at Keith Royal Drive, Marcoola
Bookings to email: rosamund401@gmail.com
Keith Royal Park volunteers will take you on a walk of discovery amongst the local wallum in a small patch at the southern end of Keith Royal Park.
Thyme Honey Myrtle - Image: Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival FB
Wonders of the Wallum Spring Wildflower Walk
Meet at Bribie Island National Park, corner of Cotterill Avenue and Protea Avenue
Bookings to email: biepa.mail@gmail.com (maximum 20 participants per time slot)
The Bribie Island Environmental Association looks forward to welcoming visitors to join in on their annual '
Wonders of the Wallum' Spring Wildflower Walk. Walkers have three different time slots (on two different days) to enjoy this self-guided walk through Wallum heathland, with plaques identifying wildflowers along the route.
Please ensure that you are appropriately attired, with hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and walking shoes. Please bring your own water, cameras and binoculars for spectacular local bird spotting.
💐 Wednesday 26 August | 9.00am to 11.00am
Glass House Mountains National Park, Scientific Area #1
Meet at Glass House Mountains National Park, Scientific Area #1, Mawsons Road gate entrance
Register here > www.sunshinecoastqld.gov.au/whatson (maximum 15 participants)
Take a spectacular walk through the wildflowers with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers and learn more about this hidden wonderland and all it has to offer. Walkers will be astounded by the colour explosion of nature at her very best.
Don't forget your camera, this scenic walk promises plenty to capture the eye.
Bookings are absolutely essential for these free guided walks, particularly as each walk has limited space available. Choose a walk/s, then either follow the booking/registration link or email your request to the relevant supplied email address. It's as easy as one, two, three to get out and about, to enjoy Mother Nature's stunning explosion of Spring colour at the 2020 Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival. Alternatively, choose a walk or three from
Ten Self-Guided Sunshine Coast Wildflower Walks, where wildflower exploring is at your own pace.
