Latham

On the Northam-Mullewa Highway, known as the Wildflower Way, about 310km north-east of Perth and 46km east of Coorow, Latham is in country on the edge of the Murchison goldfields noted for its wildflowers and gemstones, although grain growing is the main commercial enterprise.

North and east of Latham it gets pretty sparse and barren, and just to the east of town is the extraordinarily-long fence that runs north to south in WA in a valiant attempt to keep out vermin such as dingoes and rabbits.

This is the area to head for between July and September if you want to see some of the best and most colourful wildflower displays in WA. A special favourite among the many species in this area (WA has something like 8000 different varieties) is the well known wreath flower, Leschenaultia macrantha.

At Coorow, you"ll find Golden West Flower Farms, catering for the cut ornamental flower market, and Western Flora, which produces native species of plants for commercial nurseries. Gemstones also attract their share of fossickers.