Ravensthorpe
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Ravensthorpe

Ravensthorpe

Small Western Australian town amid ancient ranges, known for spring wildflowers and the Ravensthorpe Range.

Ravensthorpe is a small town in Western Australia, roughly 550 km southeast of Perth, 290 km east of Albany, and 187 km west of Esperance. It sits among ancient ranges, rocky hills, and rugged river valleys, with bushland rich in geology, native flora, and fauna.

The region is best known for its wildflowers. In spring, visitors from around the world come to see the display — some species grow only in the Ravensthorpe Range area. The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, held each September, is one of the largest community wildflower shows in Australia.

South of town the road runs down to the coast at Hopetoun, the gateway to Fitzgerald River National Park — a UNESCO biosphere with whale watching, empty beaches, and one of the richest temperate floras in the world.

Guide

Things to Do

Ravensthorpe is a base for the surrounding bush, ranges, and coast rather than a destination in its own right. The wildflower season in spring is the headline draw, with the Ravensthorpe Range and Fitzgerald River National Park (just south) holding species found nowhere else.

Guide

When to Go

Time a visit for the wildflower season — August through October, peaking in September. This is when the bush flowers, the Wildflower Show runs, and the inland heathlands of Fitzgerald River are at their best. Days are mild (15-22°C) and nights cool.

Summer (December-February) is hot and dry, and most travellers head for the coast at Hopetoun rather than inland. Winter (June-August) is the time for whale watching at Point Ann, with southern right whales calving close to shore. Avoid the school holidays in late September if you want the bush to yourself.