Wildwood Valley

Spring is finally here and that means three things - wildflowers, whales and walking.

Although the rains are still lingering, the days are getting longer and slowly warming up. The local Wardandi Aboriginal people call this season djilba (pronounced 'jilba') and it runs from the end of August to the middle of October.

If you want to see some wildflowers, take a drive (or walk) down Wildwood Road. After all, it's quietly famous for its abundant wildflowers and bush. Delicate orchids and purple hoveas are flowering right now as well as many brilliantly coloured bushes, creepers and kangaroo paws. Their colours will catch your eye on the roadside as you drive by pockets of bush. If you want to see them up close, venture out on one of the many walking trails in the area or just get out of the car when you spot them.

There are whales to see right now too. The southern right whales are still happy in the waters of Augusta, however the humpback whales are coming soon! The humpbacks are on their migratory way down the coast from the north western waters of WA and are expected to be in the Geographe Bay, off Dunsborough, by the end of September/early October.
Get local whale-watching updates from Naturaliste Sea Charters at www.whalesaustralia.com. This company operates whale watching boat tours for $75 per adult, and they give generous concessions to children, students and seniors.

The Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Yallingup is a wonderful place to visit to hear local Aboriginal bush stories. You can get hands-on too and make your own stone tools or learn how to throw spears and boomerangs. The Cultural Centre is open 7 days from 10am - 4pm and sessions start at $15 for adults and $8 for children.

So shake off your woollies and get out there! There is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the world.

By Vicki Portors.