Story: Ravensthorpe Wildflower Festival
Episode: 2
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 31 October 2021

Trevor takes us to the only UNESCO biosphere in Australia to witness the magic of Australian wildflowers at The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show.

• The Fitzgerald River National park is a biodiversity hotspot recognized internationally. It is critically important to the world’s natural heritage and this stunning region is host to the Ravensthorpe annual Wildflower show.
• The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Since its beginning in 1982, it has celebrated and showcased the abundance of floral diversity of the internationally listed Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve.
• The Wildflower show usually begins every second week of September running for approximately 13 days.
• The show is a tribute to the rugged and natural beauty of the region and continues to inspire amateurs and enthusiasts alike with its depth, breadth, and quality of flowers on display.
• With the world-class Fitzgerald River National Park, the core of the Fitzgerald Biosphere reserve, and the unique Ravensthorpe Range, the region is host to approximately 2500 plant species and 20% of WA’s floral species – including some that are as of yet undocumented.
• Each year, dedicated, qualified and licensed pickers head out to their allotted destinations to gather flowers and deliver them to the herbarium in town.
• The specimens are then sorted, classified, and placed on display. Approximately 700 different species are featured at the show.
• From its inception, the show has been organized and run by volunteers, with support from the Shire and local businesses.
• There are several exciting activities & events, such as the Wildflower Hotspot Bus Tour, or you can head out on a 2WD Tagalong Tour.

For more information, head to:
https://www.ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au