29 August 2024
Join Southern Downs Regional Council in celebrating Wattle Day on Sunday 1 September as the region glows with the golden blooms of various wattles.
The Granite Belt is one of three primary centres of wattle species richness in Australia, with the second highest number of endemic wattles in the country. Among these is the Acacia pubifolia (Wyberba wattle), a species classified as vulnerable in Queensland, making this seasonal celebration particularly significant.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said wildflower season draws nature enthusiasts to the Granite Belt and the stunning landscapes across the Southern Downs.
“Wattle Day is a wonderful reminder of the unique natural beauty that we are so privileged to enjoy here in the Southern Downs,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Explorer Allan Cunningham was a noted botanist and said Acacia adunca (Wallangarra wattle) ‘heralds spring’ as it lights the hills in a golden glow.
“The Granite Belt is incredibly biodiverse, with over 900 species of flowering plants identified and new species still being discovered. We are the custodians of many plant species which are endangered, vulnerable and rare.”
Spring in the Southern Downs also heralds the arrival of a broader natural spectacle. Girraween National Park, one of the region’s premier nature-based destinations, will soon come alive with a vivid array of wildflowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to its already picturesque scenery.
The Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium will host wildflower walks at Amiens State Forest, Girraween National Park and its Mount Norman track.
Additionally, the region’s fruit trees are beginning to blossom, promising a season of abundance and growth.
Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle added: “Our region is truly remarkable in spring, with Girraween National Park showcasing stunning wildflower displays. It’s the perfect time for nature enthusiasts, families and visitors to experience the unique high country flora of the Granite Belt.”
Spring also marks the continuation of Council’s Qld’s Horsepower Country campaign, a key element of the region’s destination marketing activities.
The campaign celebrates the Southern Downs’ rich equestrian heritage, with the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft at its heart, along with other major events that draw visitors from across the country during this time of year.
“As we welcome visitors for the rodeo and other events, we also encourage them to take the time to experience the natural beauty that defines our region, from the golden wattles to the vibrant wildflowers,” Councillor Windle said.
For more information about events and attractions in the Southern Downs this spring, visit Council’s tourism website,
southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au.
Last edited date 29 Aug 2024