Australia’s diverse landscape is reflected in the unique floral emblems chosen by each state and territory. These flowers symbolise the natural beauty and distinct characteristics of their regions, representing the rich botanical heritage of the continent. Whether you’re a botany enthusiast or simply curious about Australia’s natural wonders, this guide will take you on a colourful journey across the country.

New South Wales: Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

A symbol of strength and beauty
The waratah, with its striking red blooms, is a renowned flower native to the state’s coastal regions that is celebrated for its bold and vibrant appearance. The waratah’s name comes from the Darug language, spoken by the Indigenous people of the Sydney region, and it has long been a symbol of resilience and beauty.

Where to find it
The waratah blooms in spring, typically from September to November. This stunning flower is found in its natural habitat within national parks like the Royal National Park and Blue Mountains National Park. Waratahs are also featured in many gardens and floral displays across NSW, making them accessible to locals and visitors.

Victoria: Common heath (Epacris impressa)

A delicate native beauty
The common heath is a small, delicate plant known for its tubular pink, red or white flowers. This shrub is found in various parts of Victoria, particularly in heathlands and woodlands. The selection of the common heath as the state emblem highlights the importance of native flora in Victoria’s botanical landscape.

Where to find it
The common heath blooms from late autumn to late spring, peaking during winter. It can be spotted in places like the Grampians National Park and Wilsons Promontory National Park. The pink variant is widespread, though the flower also comes in white and red varieties.

Queensland: Cooktown orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum)

A tropical gem
The Cooktown orchid, with its stunning purple petals, is native to northern Queensland, particularly around Cooktown, where it was first recorded. The flower’s vibrant colour and elegant form make it a fitting symbol for Queensland’s diverse and lush landscapes.

Where to find it
The Cooktown orchid flowers thrive in tropical rainforests and woodlands blooming from spring to mid-summer. While it’s most commonly found in its native habitat in Far North Queensland, it’s also a popular ornamental plant grown in gardens and nurseries across the state.

South Australia: Sturt’s desert pea (Swainsona formosa)

A flower of the arid lands
Sturt’s desert pea, with its striking red and black blooms, is an iconic plant that has adapted to the arid conditions of the Australian Outback, making it a symbol of resilience and survival. Named after explorer Charles Sturt, who documented it during his expeditions, the desert pea is one of Australia’s most recognisable wildflowers.

Where to find it
Sturt’s desert Pea typically flowers after rain, which can vary depending on the region. It’s found in the arid interior of SA, including places like the Simpson Desert and Flinders Ranges. While it’s not as easy to find as other state flowers due to its preference for remote, dry areas, it’s a true treat for those who encounter it.

Western Australia: Red and green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii)

A unique and vibrant emblem
The red and green kangaroo paw is known for its unusual shape and striking colours. The flower’s vibrant red and green hues and paw-like shape make it one of the most distinctive plants in Australia. The kangaroo paw thrives in the wildflower-rich regions of Western Australia, particularly in the south-west.

Where to find it
The kangaroo paw blooms from August to October during WA’s famous wildflower season. It’s commonly found in areas like Kings Park in Perth and natural reserves throughout the south-west region. WA is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildflower displays, and the kangaroo paw is a star of the show.

Tasmania: Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) 

A tall and majestic symbol
The Tasmanian blue gum, a tall and majestic tree, is a species of eucalyptus native to the island state and has become one of Australia’s most widespread and recognised trees. The blue gum is noteworthy for its timber and ecological value, providing habitat and food for native wildlife.

Where to find it
The Tasmanian blue gum can be found throughout Tasmania, particularly in the cooler, wetter areas of the island. The tree flowers produce clusters of white or cream blossoms each year in early summer. You can see these trees in national parks like Mount Field and the Tasman Peninsula, which dominate the landscape.

Australian Capital Territory: Royal bluebell (Wahlenbergia gloriosa)

A delicate alpine bloom
The royal bluebell, a small and delicate flower, is a beautiful alpine plant native to the high-altitude regions of the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales. Its vibrant purple-blue petals perfectly represent the region’s cool, mountainous landscapes.

Where to find it
The royal bluebell blooms in the spring and summer months, typically from October to March. It’s found in the subalpine woodlands and forests of the ACT, including in Namadgi National Park. The flower is a protected species, reflecting its importance and rarity in the region.

Northern Territory: Sturt’s desert rose (Gossypium sturtianum) 

A flower of endurance
Sturt’s desert rose, with its delicate pinkish-lavender petals and dark red centre, is a resilient plant that thrives in Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions, embodying the spirit of endurance in harsh conditions. As with its SA counterpart, the desert rose is named after Charles Sturt, who explored many parts of inland Australia.

Where to find it
The desert rose typically flowers throughout the year, particularly after periods of rain. It’s commonly found in the central and northern regions of the Northern Territory, including around Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. The flower’s ability to bloom in some of the country’s most challenging environments symbolises the resilience of the NT’s landscapes.

Discover more about Australia’s great outdoors
If you’re inspired to learn more about Australia’s unique flora or plan to visit these regions, check out our latest magazine. Packed with detailed guides, stunning photography, and more botanical insights, it’s a must-read for nature lovers. Visit our shop page to purchase your copy and deepen your appreciation for Australia’s natural beauty.