Carnivorous Plants of Western Australia

This itinerary visits a number of key regions across Western Australia that are known for their rich carnivorous plant flora, which includes the vast majority of Drosera (sundew) species worldwide, not to mention many Utricularia (bladderworts) and the unique Cephalotus (Albany Pitcher Plant).

As the richest floristic region on the continent, virtually all sites visited also present a staggering array of orchids (Caladenia, Diuris, Pterostylis, Elythranthera and many others) as well as other iconic Australian wildflowers, including Stylidium, Leschenaultia, Verticordia, Grevillea, Banksia, Hakea and Anigozanthos making this a fantastic trip for anyone with an interest in the floral kingdom, not to mention sweeping landscapes and beautiful national parks.

Numbers are strictly limited to 10 in order to safeguard the more delicate habitats that we visit.

An indication of which species may be seen is provided in the itinerary, however the exact assemblage seen will vary from year to year according to temperatures and rainfall in the preceding months, with additional species often spotted. The precise itinerary is not shown on the accompanying map as the route may vary according to conditions, however the majority of ‘sites of interest’ will be visited.

In general, one can expect to observe 60–80 different carnivorous plant species on this adventure, which represents excellent value in a region which is notoriously expensive to explore solo!

Key Facts

COST: US$3,580 per person for 14 days / 13 nights (all accommodation, entry permits, vehicle charter, driver and guide included from start point to end point). Each participant purchases their own food and drink at the restaurants/cafes/bakeries that we visit throughout the itinerary. START POINT: Perth, Western Australia. END POINT: Perth, Western Australia. DATES: Operated during the August to October wildflower season. We can decide the exact dates convenient to everyone in the group. Please email us for details. GROUP SIZE: 6–10

Download itinerary pdf

In general, one can expect to observe

60–80 different carnivorous plant species

Getting there: Perth is served by various airlines including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and of course the major domestic carriers Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tiger. Flights can be easily booked through all major airline websites.

EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE BOOKINGs

Itinerary

Day 1:

Perth Area, Brookton Highway and Great Eastern Highway. Following pick-up in Perth, we visit a number of readily accessible sites where species including Drosera zonaria, D. tubaestylis, D. heterophylla, D. menziesii, D. nitidula, D. erythrorhiza, D. glanduligera, D. sidjamesii and Utricularia menziesii can be seen.

Day 2-4:

North of Perth. During these three days, we visit a number of excellent sand and laterite habitats, where we can see a broad array of sundew species, including Drosera walyunga, D. helodes, D. sewelliae, D. bindoon, D. closterostigma, D. humilis, D. barbigera, D. prophylla, D. hirsuta, D. macrantha, D. porrecta, D. rechingeri, D. eneabba, D. minutiflora, D. pedicellaris, D. leucostigma, D. citrina, D. spilos, D. nivea, D. androsacea, D. andersoniana, D. subhirtella, D. neesii, D. coomallo, D. echinoblastus and D. magna.

Day 5:

Wongan Hills. This region to the east of Perth is home to Drosera macrophylla, D. basifolia, D. eremaea, D. heterophylla, D. macrantha, D. bulbosa and D. orbiculata.

Day 6-7:

Inland areas. Travelling further from the coast, a number of species can be found in areas that experience a more pronounced dry season, including some that are restricted to the margins of salt lakes. During this period we will aim to study Drosera lowriei, D. rupicola, D. yilgarnensis, D. zigzagia, D. graniticola, D. pycnoblasta, D. grievei and D. zonaria.

Day 8-9:

Esperance. Arriving at the south coast, we visit coastal national parks and sandy reserves in search of Drosera sargentii, D. neesii, D. trichocaulis, D. pulchella, D. esperensis, D. australis, D. x legrandii, D. scorpioides and Utricularia menziesii.

Day 10-12:

Stirling Range, Albany, Walpole, Northcliffe, Scott River region. We explore the parks of the southwest region, including the beautiful Stirling Ranges National Park. Species encountered include Drosera platypoda, D. leucoblasta, D. monticola, D. purpurascens, D. gigantea, D. scorpioides, D. roseana, D. pulchella, D. enodes, D. lasiantha, D. platystigma, D. verrucata, D. gibsonii, D. microphylla, D. hamiltonii, D. paleacea, D. ramellosa and Cephalotus follicularis (which we encounter at a number sites).

Day 13:

Bunbury, Harvey, Boyanup. Drosera huegelii, D. stelliflora, D. micrantha, D. marchantii, D. tubaestylis, D. gigantea (red form) and D. hyperostigma.