Today I decide to start the Kepwari Walk Trail from the far eastern end, which is at Lake Wheatfield. As I did not start this walk till after 4pm I plan on getting to the spot I reached from my walk on the 25/08/2025, before turning back.
Orchids were found over the entire length of the walk, however, were never found in great numbers. I will just list the orchids in groups of the same species, even if found at different stages of the walk, as my memory will not allow me to provide a more detailed record of the exact locations found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia decora x longicauda)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
I arrived back at the carpark just prior to sunset so took the opportunity to grab some pictures of this amazing sight. A perfect way to end a relaxing afternoon walk in the fresh air.
Keeping closer to home today I decide to go and check out the Kepwari Walk Trail. This trail is located in the Woody Lakes Nature Reserve. I park up at the spot between Woody and Windabout Lakes to commence the trail.
Not far along the track I spy some king spider orchids. They appear to be the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). The Esperance king spider orchid comes in many shape and colour variations. Some will have clubbed petals, some will be mostly red, whilst others have minimal clubbing and may be almost completely creamy-green in colour. These variations can make a positive ID difficult especially given the related Heberle’s spider orchid (C. heberleana) is found in Esperance and looks very similar. Let alone it hybridises with the Esperance white spider orchid (C. longicauda subsp. crassa). C. longicauda and a possible hybrid were also found today. Other specimens are found further along the track especially the area between Woody and Wheatfield Lakes.
Up on the high ground section which provides a great view over Woody Lake I find some classy Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia). Others are found further along as well, with a very pale pink, nearly white one being the highlight. Also found leaves and spent Mosquito orchids at base of a series of steps and in other patches.
Once down on the flats again and along the track between Woody and Wheatfield lakes the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) appears. The yellow colouring differs between my camera and mobile phone pictures. The duller yellow I feel is closer to real life.
I did not complete the full trail before turning around as it is now lunch time and I’m starving. Orchid photos were taken on the way back to the carpark as well and are included in the pics already listed for each species. Just before making it back to the carpark I find a small orchid in bud. Pic was taken and I did plan to go back to check what it was when in flower. However, that was forgotten until way too late. Maybe next season.
So today we decide to head north of Esperance to see what the season has produced. We don’t get far before we pull into our first stop of the day. Helms Arboretum is always a favourite stop.
Starting off small the first orchid found was the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana).
These orchids are found growing between Lancelin and Esperance. They have only recently started flowering as their season commences in August and extends to early-November.
They are recorded as growing to heights of 400mm which would be amazing to find. Our specimens are more around the 200mm range.
Next our targeted orchid the Grass-leafed spider orchid (Caladenia graminifolia) was found.
These orchids also commence their flowering in August, then until September only.
They range from Mt Manypeaks to Israelite Bay so appears restricted to the south coast.
The Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)was represented by a single specimen found nearby the aforementioned orchids.
This king spider orchid is located from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid. Its season is mid-August to October.
We don’t stay longer at Helms as we only popped in here to find a flowering Grass-leafed spider orchid.
Our next stop is near Gibson14. We walk along the tracks and every so often we venture into the surrounding scrub.
This subspecies is the most widespread and ranges between Northampton and Israelite Bay. It also has the longest flowering season; July to early-December.
There are 4 subspecies of the Cowslip orchid. The other 3 are restricted to much smaller ranges that all overlap the range of the subspecies found around Esperance.
We did make an exciting find of a hammer orchid leaf in bud. From the leaf I believe it will be the King-In-His-Carriage orchid (Drakaea glyptodon).
These orchids flower August to October over a range between Eneabba and Esperance.
However, the most prolific orchid found at this location was the Esperance king spider orchid.
It was found either as a lonely specimen or in good size groups.
If any of the flowers pictured are the similar C. heberleana, please comment on this post.
We move further north up the highway to another location in the Gibson area 15. A gate had been installed which precluded us for heading down the track. We instead checked out the verge and walked a bit into the scrub.
This unusual but common orchid is found between Geraldton and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season is only from August to October
Deb has her eye in for spying orchids as she stumbles across an exciting find for this location.
The first orchid found is so small. Refer pic with the tip of my index finger for size comparison.
The Reaching spider orchid (Caladenia arrecta) is so named due to its erect petals.
Found between Bindoon and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season from late-July to mid-October.
We now move onto a new location, further north. We turn left at Hawkey Road them immediately right into Swan Lagoon Road. Our first stop 16 along this road is down a track in some bushland. We take this slowly and regularly get out to walk along and into the surrounding scrub. It is along this track that we pull over and have lunch from the back of the Triton.
The orchid that stands out for this location is the Western Tiny Blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta). It was found in huge numbers.
They are found flowering from August to early-October between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged.
They have horizontally held petals and lateral sepals and can grow up to 150mm in height.
Another very similar orchid is also found, however not is such great numbers.
The Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) flowers in August and September between Paynes Find and Israelite Bay.
A small number of Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica)were found along the way.
These orchids flower from July to October between Wongan Hills and the SA border.
They can grow to 200mm in height and can have up to 15 small green flowers.
A further Pterostylis orchid is found in small numbers.
The Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) flowers July to September between Lake Cronin and Esperance.
Some distinctive features are having a small rosette of pointed prominently veined leaves and only one or two stem leaves.
The we find one of the newest named Greenhoods. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) was formally named in 2018.
The flower between Dalwallinu and Eyre bird observatory during the months June and July.
As we are now in August this could explain why we only found two still in flower.
Amazingly we find a Grass-leafed spider orchid in this new location. So that makes a third spot we have found this orchid. Helms and Stokes NP are the other locations.
Another orchid of the Pterostylis genus is found. Only one specimen found, so was very lucky to have spotted it.
This time it is the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila) which flowers from July to September.
It has an inland southeastern range, occurring from Hyden to Mt Ragged.
The Jug orchid is found at numerous spots in this location.
Pictures taken for registration purposes.
Just before we decide to have a break for lunch, we finally find a donkey orchid.
There are 2 possible ID’s for these orchids. They could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii)or the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae).
Flowering is June to early August and Aug to September respectively. So, the ones that already have finished flowers could very well be the former.
As both are recorded for the Grass Patch area any assistance in positive ID would be appreciated.
Note the brightness of the yellow is greatest with the mobile phone pics.
Whilst eating lunch we still explore nearby. It is here we find some different orchids than found previously today.
These orchids flower from August to early-October between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
The flowers are green, yellow and red in colour and can grow up to 350mm in height.
The prominently upcurved lateral sepals are distinctive to most mantis orchids.
Back on Swan Lagoon Road we travel further north and pull into another track which is much shorter, so we walk it. 17
Blown away by the numbers of Western tiny blue orchids found.
I have posted a video below to show how many occur in say 1 square metre.
So many Western tiny blue orchids
Another previously found orchid is also found in greater numbers.
The Midget greenhood rears it lime green coloured head again.
Also found was another Mallee banded greenhood.
Moving further north again we make a final stop in the Swan Lagoon Nature Reserve. Initially we turn up nothing in the lagoon area however further afield our luck changes.
Seems a regular occurrence today. Blue beards are also found in greater numbers than earlier today.
Well, we finally start finding the small spider orchids in flower. Actually, we find loads of them, and they may possibly be 2 species.
This orchid is a common southeastern inland species. It is found between Kondinin and Madura.
Flowers occur July through to early-October.
If another species is apparent from the pictures supplied, can you please enlighten me. I am swaying to C. dimidia or C. horistes
Intermixed with the wispy style spider orchids we also find the Short sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)standing proud.
These orchids flower between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.
The common name refers to the shortened sepal tips, when compared to the similar C. doutchiae.
Larger spider orchids appear as we progress with our exploration of this Nature Reserve.
Due to the shorter length of the petals and sepals, plus the dull white colouring I believe they are the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula).
These orchids are found between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged / Israelite Bay.
Flowering during August and September.
More donkey orchids are found near the large spider orchids.
Positive ID again not attempted. Could be D. hazeliae or D. brockmanii. Thoughts??
Midget and Mallee greenhood orchids were also found at this location. Pics for recording purposes.
Our final orchid of the day was the small Sigmoid spider orchid (Caladenia sigmoidea) which was very exciting.
The name “Sigmoid” refers to the ‘S’ shaped labellum tip.
These orchids grow between Mt Jackson and Mt Ragged.
Flowering during the months of July, August and September.
They are very small, ranging from 50 to 150mm in height. Their colouring blends into their surroundings. This makes finding them difficult.
We were blown away by the numbers found. Previously, we have only found them solo or as spread-out isolated specimens.
Well, this hunt was a great success. So many orchids found, with some in huge numbers. The highlights were the patches of Western tiny blue orchids and the large number of Sigmoid spider orchids found.
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.
Signage at an intersection
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.
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.
We aimed to complete the Great Ocean Trail without delay. Specifically, we focused on the section we had not traversed two days prior. The beginning stretch from Twilight Beach was rather disheartening due to recent bushfire damage. Regrettably, it appeared that weeds were the first to re-emerge. Beyond the scorched zones, the prevalence of weeds diminished.
We had hoped to discover species different from those found during our last visit, but this was not the case. The walk was similar in that it went up and down and around the consolidated dunes, which would explain why the same orchids were found as two days ago.
As the orchids found were the same as last time, I will just post one picture of each. The names will be listed. Please visit my BLOG dated 12/08/2024 for other info on the orchids found. Thankyou
A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Esperance so what better way to spend it than looking for orchids. Where to go today though? Let’s hit some coastal and near coastal locations to see what we find.
First stop is a coastal Esperance location10
Walking around the marked trail from the car park Deb spies some Snail orchids growing in the scrub. These small orchids appear to be the Southern thick-sepaled snail orchid (Pterostylis meridionalis). They are found in coastal locations between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid. Flowering from July to September in coastal woodlands and shrublands. If my ID is correct this is only the 2nd time, we have found these, which is exciting.
20-100mm in heightBloated appearanceSlightly apically thickened lateral sepalsGreen and white flowers4-6 basal rosette leaves and 3-4 cauline leavesBroadly flared petals
We now head down the dirt track to toward the granite headland. In the scrubby raised edges to the path, we are pleased to find some helmet orchids. These ones appear to be the Sand hill helmet orchid (Corysanthes despectans)which is found between Bunbury and Israelite Bay. They flower from July to early-September and grow in sandy soils in coastal woodlands and shrublands. They also occur in SA, Vic and Tas.
Now this is a newly discovered species for us so really excited.
Dorsal sepal does not form a hood over labellumLarge, incurved labellumSide on perspectiveBirdseye viewSimilar colouring to Crystal Helmet Orchid (C. limpida)Stand 9-15mm in height when floweringMany leaves but few flowersGreen, rounded, ground hugging leaf
Further down the track we come across more rounded leaves. These leaves, however, end up belonging to the Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta). This is a widespread orchid which occurs between Perth and Israelite Bay. These flower earlier so are nearing the end of their season, being June to August.
Thin spreading petalsGreen ground hugging leafUp to 8 flowers per plantFull plant shot
At the end of the track/s before reaching the granite another species of snail orchid is found. This one is likely to be the Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis voigtii) which flowers from July to September. It occurs between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid, growing in shallow soil pockets over granite.
20-100mm in heightShortish lateral sepals1 or 2 cauline leavesFlared petalsNice hood of snailsRosette of 4 to 6 leaves
Moving onto another coastal location 11 . Here we first find some more snail orchids. Some had the slight clubbing to the lateral sepals whilst others did not. I believe the former are Southern thick-sepaled snail orchids whilst the later are Eastern granite snail orchids. Pics of both recorded.
Deb is excited to find a shell orchid. From the location of the orchid, I believe it to be the Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii). These orchids flower from June to August between Binningup and Esperance in coastal woodlands and shrublands. Another one is found nearby which is greener in colour but appears to be the same species.
Stands only 70-100mm in heightThe more common brown coloured formThe rarer green coloured formProminent hairy curved labellumWhite striped flowersObvious “Common name”
An orchid found in various shades was the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia). A common orchid found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, flowering during the months August to December.
Can grow up to 450mm in height50 Shades of pink: Pale to ….50 Shades of pink: … to BrightCommon name alludes to the winged labellum and column resembling a fairySide view showing upright dorsal sepal
Another 3 species of orchid are also found. 1 of which have been found previously today: The Mosquito orchid. Newly found are the rosette of a Bird orchid and the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). Pictures taken for future reference.
Bird orchid emergingBanded greenhoodMosquito orchid – Up to 8 flowers per plantLeaf size. 20 -50 mm wide, 30-60mm longHeight indication 90mm – Can grow to 300mmBroad, elongated labellum
Moving onto our third location for the day.12 Here a quick inspection turns up some more Curled-tongue shell orchids.
Labellum protrudes giving the common nameLong thin upright lateral sepalsBrown or green and white striped flowers
Last location of the day provides wonderful views over Pink Lake. 13 Here we are amazed to find the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) growing so close to the coast. I believed it was an inland orchid as it’s range is listed as being between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay. These stunning orchids flower from July to September.
Broadly-oval to rounded petalsNarrow, often crossed lateral sepalsSide view. Lateral sepals not crossed this timeRelatively short mid lobe to labellumBright yellow and mauve flowers
Another less colourful donkey orchid is also found. Due to our location, I believe this to be the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis). Florabase’s map indicates they can occur in coastal locations. Also, their range is listed in my orchid books as being between Denmark and Esperance. The flowering season is July to early-September so it all fits.
Narrow, often crossed lateral sepals. though not is this case.Yellow, brown and mauve flowersOblong to elliptic petalsBroad dorsal sepalRange in height from 180 – 300mmTri-lobed labellumUp to six flowers per orchid
Further along the track we come across some more Pink fairies. These ones seem to be pink and white striped which is interesting. Also found a lone Snail orchid, ID unknown. Pics take for recording purposes.
Bloated appearance, thin lateral sepals and 2 cauline leavesRosette of unknown snail orchidInteresting pink and white striped appearanceSide view highlighting the coloured stripesSmaller flower, same interesting colouringUp to 4 flowers per orchidTwo converging rows of yellow lamina calli
The final orchids found for the day were the large white spider orchids. I now need to decide if they are all the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) or maybe different species. What are your thoughts?
We spend several hours exploring our coastal and near coastal locations. Then, we return home happy as we have located so many different types of orchids.
The Sand hill helmet orchid being the find of the day.
I’ll finish this post with one of the beautiful scenes we enjoyed today…
Debbie is working this afternoon. I am now retired, so I decided to explore two locations close to Esperance solo. Helms Arboretum and Myrup.9 Not much to report so I will just list the orchids found.
?? Snail orchid (Pterostylis sp.)
Found at Helms and is un-named. Have posted numerous pics of orchid flower, full plant and the rosettes to assist identification.
These orchids vary in their appearance. This can make positive ID difficult as the co-occurring (C. heberleana), also flowers during September and October. They also hybridise with (C. longicauda subsp. crassa) producing various coloured flowers. This also confuses identification
Well, it has been quite a while since we went orchid hunting. A holiday to celebrate my 60th Birthday was enjoyed from mid-July to yesterday. No orchids included LOL.
So, what better place to see how the season is progressing than to pop out to Helms. We were not disappointed!!
Another school holiday day with the grandkids. We decide to go out and check Monjingup Reserve. First up we check out the reserve on the town side of Telegraph Road. Here we have a picnic lunch and check out the large chess game. It had seen better days.
After a quick look around, we move onto to the Lake part of the reserve. Located on the other side of Telegraph Road. Here we take the boardwalk to the bird hide. As the water level is low the birds were a long way away so could not tell what they were. However, there was a nest in the bird hide, which was a good find. The grandkids decide to play on the lake banks for a bit. Then we continue on the walk trail which goes over the lake via a boardwalk. Here we see some little colourful birds.
Disappointingly only one orchid species was found flowering. The Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is a common widespread orchid which flowers from late April to early September. The are listed as occurring between Perth and Israelite Bay.
To finish the day off with the grandkids we took them to the creek crossing on Quarry Road. Here we attempted to catch some more fish for our outdoor pond. As these are introduced fish to Australia, we are happy to do this as an adventure.
Another wonderful day spent with the grandkids in the great outdoors.
