Wildflower Wonders, Hidden Treasures & a Train Chase!
Our wildflower adventure continued from Buntine Rock, where we set off exploring the surrounding bushland in search of Western Australia’s elusive native orchids. The views from the granite outcrop were spectacular, stretching across bush reserves and the patchwork of Wheatbelt farmland.
Finding orchids, however, proved harder than expected! After days of searching, we finally spotted some tiny bee and donkey orchids hiding among the vegetation. Then, just when we thought our luck couldn’t get any better, we stumbled across even more varieties tucked away in the bush. It was definitely worth keeping our eyes peeled!
Our exploring also uncovered an unexpected piece of history—a long-abandoned camp with an old bed, enamel stove and washbasin, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Mr Unshackled was already sizing it up as a potential new home!
We eventually moved on to Koolanooka Springs, another beautiful bush camp surrounded by wildflowers and granite hills. We climbed the rocky ridge for magnificent views, spotted evidence of goats and wallabies, and even caught sight of an enormous iron ore train rumbling through the landscape. For Mr Unshackled, who never gets tired of trains, that was a definite highlight!
We also tried to visit the historic Koolanooka mine, where iron ore was discovered in 1961 and Australia’s first iron ore export shipment departed for Japan in 1966. Unfortunately, access was closed, so we did the right thing and abandoned the mission. Even Unshackled Adventures has to accept defeat sometimes!
Back at camp, we discovered natural springs and spent more time admiring the incredible carpets of yellow and white wildflowers. And just when we thought our orchid hunt was over, a morning walk revealed beautiful spider orchids and more delicate blooms hiding along the track.
From hidden historical relics to stunning wildflowers, spectacular rock formations and a last-minute train chase, this leg of our Wheatbelt adventure certainly kept us entertained. We might not have found everything we were looking for, but that's the beauty of travelling Unshackled style—you never know what you'll discover next!
Thanks for joining us on another adventure. Don't forget to like, subscribe and give us a hype, and remember, you don't just have to dream about it. You too can take the plunge and live a life truly unshackled!
** Tip: For the best viewing experience, click the YouTube link in the bottom left corner of the video to watch in higher clarity
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