Blooming good days
araluenbotanicpark.com.au
A little window into the past …
JJ 'Boss' Simons, the founder of the Young Australia League, was drawn to the valley in which Araluen sits in 1902. His idea was to develop a weekend retreat where YAL members could enjoy some outdoor life. As YAL members travelled the world, they were asked to bring back plants for Araluen. The park gardens were developed to sit well with Canadian-style log cabins, water features and pergolas.
The YAL has taken over the park with little more than the tracks left by timber cutters during the 1800s but, over more than 20 years, they laid the basis of what we see as Araluen and the park it is today.
+ The YAL is the oldest youth organisation in Western Australia. Since 1905, it has supported young Australians, from scholarships and financial support to mentorship and social connection.
Spring is
almost
in the air. The WA wildflower season is working its way south, towards the metro area. In preparation, here are the planned events for this year.
+ Nannup Flower and Garden Festival. Ends tomorrow, August 17, 2025. nannupgardens.org.au
+ Outback Bloom, Mullewa's Wildflower Festival. August 28 to 31, 2025. The Wildflower Show at the Mullewa Town Hall is open daily from 9am to 4pm, but closes on Sunday at 2pm. $5 admission, children under 12, free.
visitmullewa.com.au/outbackbloom
+ Chittering Spring Festival. August 31 to September 21, 2025. chitteringspringfest.com.au
+ Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. September 8 to 20, 2025. wildflowersravensthorpe.org.au
+ Kings Park Everlasting Festival. September 12 to 29, 2025. bgpa.wa.gov.au/everlasting-kings-park-festival
+ Esperance Wildflower Festival. September 20 to 24, 2025.
esperancewildflowerfestival.com
+ Albany Wildflower Show. September 24 to 27, 2025. albany.wa.gov.au/events/albany-wildflower-show/21570
+ Great Southern Bloom Festival, Annual Spring Festival. September 27 to October 26, 2025. greatsoutherntreasures.com.au/bloom
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