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Widespread winter rain delivers a 'magnificent' wildflower display in WA's Mid West

By Jessica Hayes
Posted , updated 
Wildflower experts says widespread winter rainfall has delivered ideal growth conditions for a stunning wildflower display across WA's Midwest from the Gascoyne to the top of the Wheatbelt.(Jessica Hayes)

Wildflowers are abloom in parts of Western Australia, with widespread winter rainfall providing ideal growth conditions.

Thick carpets of pink, yellow and white everlastings can be seen from the Gascoyne to the Wheatbelt.

It's in stark contrast to the patchy and dry conditions seen in recent years.

Geraldton-based wildflower enthusiast Glenda Blythe said rain had fallen at the right time, and this was important for the flower germination.

"This has got to be one of the best seasons I think I've ever witnessed here," she said.

"The carpets of everlastings, they're everywhere this year. With the good opening rains and continued rains we've just got the carpets we always used to have.

"We're hearing there's good coverage throughout the Gascoyne, the Murchison, the Mid West — it's just one of those years.

"There seems to be really good coverage wherever you go — whatever direction you go in, you're going to be finding flowers this year."

Wildflower enthusiast Glenda Blythe said the native flowers are thick and consistent from the Gascoyne to the Wheatbelt.(Jessica Hayes)

A welcome boost for region's profile

Australia's Coral Coast chief executive officer David O'Malley said the increase in tourist numbers would likely boost the region's profile as a tourist destination.

Mr O'Malley said he expected international visitor numbers would remain stable, but that there'd be an increase in the number of tourists visiting from Perth.

"A lot of the international visitors who traditionally come over at this time of year have already made their plans, so they're coming if it's a good season or not," he said.

"The benefit is if it's a good season they're [international tourists] going to go home with amazing photographs and stories to tell. That will actually help in future years as well."

A 'magnificent' sight

Queensland tourists Rob Wilson and Sally Raine travelled more than 4,500 kilometres from Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to see the spectacle for themselves.

Western Australia's Midwest region is awash with colour with thick carpets of native wildflowers blanketing the region.(Joanna Prendergast)

The pair counted themselves lucky to have timed their visit with such a good season.

"We didn't really know what to expect because over in Queensland we haven't got a lot of wildflowers," Mr Wilson said.

"We knew there would be a lot. We didn't know how many and we were shocked.

"I don't think anyone realises the variety that's here, the incredible distribution of them, and the magnificence of them when they're out," she said.

Small towns prepare for influx

Communities across the Mid West region are hoping to cash in as tourists flow through the region.

For the small town of Morawa, 360 kilometres north-east of Perth, the wildflower season is a pillar of the local economy.

Wildflower experts says widespread winter rainfall has delivered ideal growth conditions for a stunning wildflower display across WA's Midwest from the Gascoyne to the top of the Wheatbelt.(Jessica Hayes)

Morawa Shire president Karen Chappel said wildflowers were the town's major marketing drawcard for tourists.

"With the tourists coming to town of course there's an economic benefit to all of our businesses in town," Ms Chappel said.

"The streets are lined with caravans on a daily basis.

"A lot stay, a lot drive through, and it's great.

"They stop, they buy lunch, they fill their caravan fridges up from the local grocers, have a cup of coffee, and they fill up at the local fuel station.

"We're very grateful to have them come in and spend their money in our community."

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