25 August 2025
Southern Downs is home to one of Australia’s richest native wildflower habitats and our region bursts into bloom at this time of the year, so it is always exciting to welcome the official start of spring on Wattle Day.
With the second highest number of endemic wattle varieties in the country, including rare and vulnerable species like the Wyberba wattle, there’s no better time than spring to lace up the boots and explore the region’s blossoming bushland.
Southern Downs Acting Mayor and spokesperson for Liveable Communities Cr Sheryl Windle said the unique and vibrant floral wonders of the Granite Belt make the region a premier nature-based tourism destination.
“Spring in the Southern Downs is a season like no other,” Cr Windle said.
“The arrival of spring on 1 September signals the beginning of wildflower season in Girraween National Park, and Wattle Day is a chance to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity, explore its wildflower trails and reconnect with the beauty that we are blessed to possess in our own backyard.
“Renowned for its ecological diversity, our region is a sanctuary for more than 900 flowering plant species that transform the landscape into a living canvas with the change of season.
“Fittingly, Girraween means ‘place of flowers’ and it comes alive at this time of year with spectacular wildflower displays that splash colour across the national park.
“Whether you’re a seasoned botanist, a weekend wanderer or simply seeking a moment of beauty, I encourage you to escape to the high country and witness the seasonal spectacle up close.”
To celebrate spring in all its glory, the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium is hosting guided walks through Passchendaele State Forest and Girraween National Park that offer nature enthusiasts an immersive experience in the region’s floral diversity. Visit www.granitebeltwildflowers.com for more information.
Looking to deepen your appreciation of wattles? The Consortium’s publication, Wattle of the Granite Belt and Surrounds, features full descriptions and localities of each species and is available for purchase at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre.
To discover more ways to explore our backyard this spring, visit Council’s tourism page at
www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au.
Last edited date 25 Aug 2025