A highlight of late Winter into Spring is seeing our local heath and Eucalypt vegetation communities come alight with the many colourful blooms.
Purple, pink, white, reds, oranges and yellow. Shrubs, trees, vines, and groundcovers. The diversity is spectacular. Many plants often easily missed, become a standout this time of year.
To celebrate this magical time of year, Sunshine Coast Council partners with local groups and organisations to host the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival. This wonderful event provides public guided walks and activities across the Sunshine Coast. Noosa Landcare is proud to be a partner of this event.
The Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival is held from Saturday 17th August to Sunday 1st September.
You can check out the amazing program of events here.
Unfortunately, Noosa Landcare’s guided walk with Ered Fox and Sarah Lawson is fully booked out. But don’t worry there are plenty of amazing, guided walks, talks and exhibits you can attend during the festival! Book now to avoid missing out!
In honour of Kathleen McArthur
The wildflower festival was originally started in 1967 by Kathleen McArthur, an artist, author, environmentalist and founding member of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland. Since its humble beginnings the festival has grown each year with the support of local community groups hosting activities.
Kathleen was one of Noosa’s conservation powerhouses, supporting the protection and formation of the Cooloola National Park through the 1960s. Under the name of the ‘Mistress of Midyim’, Kathleen activated the public campaign to halt mining plans along what is now Cooloola National Park and gain support for its protection. Her love and deep appreciation for the region’s wildflowers and their environment fuelled Kathleen’s passion and inspired her campaign efforts.
We are very grateful for Kathleen’s contribution to conservation and local wildflower knowledge in the Noosa and surrounding regions.
Photo supplied by Kathleen McArthur to Murray Fagg for an art exhibition at ANBG in 1974.
Self-guided walks
Can’t make a festival event? Why not take a walk at one of our many wonderful local reserves to explore this year’s wildflowers. The Sunshine Coast Council has developed this wonderful self-guided walk brochure, showcasing 10 local trails.
You can grab a copy here.
Helpful Resources
Get to know your local wildflowers with these staff ‘top picks’ for plant identification resources:
– A field guide to native plants of Bribie Island and nearby coastal areas of south-east Queensland – Allan Carr – Book
– Noosa’s Native Plants – Stephanie Haslam – Book
– Sunshine Coast Wildflowers and Walks – Wildflower Women and Cooloola Coastcare – Booklet
– Cooloola Wildflowers and Walks – Wildflower Women and Cooloola Coastcare – Booklet
– Mangroves to Mountains – Glenn Leiper, Jan Glazebrook and Denis Cox – Book. This is a large book. It may be a bit heavy and bulky to take on the walk, but an excellent resource to refer to with photos of wildflowers and plants you find on your walk.
All books in store or to order at the Noosa Landcare Hinter Hub Store.
