12/08/2024
Today we have finally decided to tackle the Great Ocean Trail. It is a walk/cycle trail from Pink Lake to Twilight Beach, being around 4.7 kms in length one-way.
As we did not start until after 2pm we only achieved the approximate halfway point before turning back. We plan to walk from the other end another day to enable us to record this trail as completed.
The trail wound around the stabilized sand dunes, so was hilly in patches. It was also very weedy in certain sections which impacted the number of orchids found.
I will list the orchids found below, with details of their recorded range and flowering season.
Green Range donkey orchid
(Diuris littoralis)
Distribution: Denmark to Esperance
Season: July to early-September
Pink fairies
(Caladenia latifolia)
Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay
Season: August to early-December
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Distribution: Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay
Season: August to early-October
Curled-tongue shell orchid
(Pterostylis rogersii)
Distribution: Binningup to Esperance
Season: June to August
Mosquito orchid
(Cyrtostylis robusta)
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay
Season: June to August
Sand hill helmet orchid
(Corysanthes despectans)
Distribution: Bunbury to Israelite Bay
Season: July to early-September
Numerous snail orchids were found along the way. The appearance of the flowers and rosettes varies greatly so positive ID is difficult. Please share your thoughts on possible IDs.
