Balingup Racecourse Flora Reserve

Located approximately 2.5 kilometers north of Balingup along the South Western Highway, Racecourse Flora Reserve is a 108-hectare sanctuary of protected bushland. Established in 1999 by the Balingup community, the reserve was formed by amalgamating three adjoining parcels of bushland identified for their conservation value. Once home to an old racetrack and gymkhana ground, these areas have been vested with the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup for the purposes of conservation and recreation. The reserve features four distinct walk trails, each offering a unique opportunity to explore its flora and enjoy the natural beauty of the area: - **Racetrack Walk**: A 1.7 km loop that winds through the former racecourse site, providing a scenic tour of the reserve’s history and nature. - **Kangaroo Paw Walk**: A 2.4 km return trail, named after the vibrant Kangaroo Paw wildflowers that flourish along its path. - **Emu Walk**: A shorter 0.9 km trail ideal for a quick wildflower walk, showcasing the vibrant colours and diversity of plant life in the area. - **Possum Tree Walk**: A 1.9 km return trail that takes visitors deeper into the reserve, offering the chance to spot native wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings. During spring, the reserve transforms into a spectacular showcase of Western Australia’s wildflowers. Each week brings new blooms, from early spring through to December, culminating with the magnificent Bull Banksia (Banksia grandis), whose bright yellow candles light up the landscape before turning into the iconic seed cones. A herbarium cataloguing the plants identified within the reserve is maintained by the Balingup Friends of the Forest, providing visitors and researchers with an invaluable resource on the area’s diverse flora.