Western Australia’s spectacular wildflower season is expected to attract thousands of interstate visitors into remote rural areas from the northern Pilbara region through to Esperance on the South Coast.

The Department of Agriculture, Western Australia (WA) has issued quarantine advice to travellers to help protect the wildflower resource and clarify interstate travel regulations.

WA Quarantine Inspection Service officer Lesley Lally said interstate visitors could help prevent the introduction or spread of weeds, pests and diseases which threaten the State’s unique wildflowers and surrounding agricultural industries.

“As a general rule, Western Australia’s border biosecurity prohibits the entry of fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, flowers, soil, honey and seeds because of the risk of introducing serious biological threats,” Ms Lally said.

“Travellers can also assist by washing their vehicles clear of mud, soil and plant material when moving from region to region. This will prevent the spread of weeds, pests and diseases into new areas.”

Ms Lally said frequent washdowns would also protect against moving soil which may be contaminated with the parasitic fungi Phytophthora, known as ‘die-back’. This is particularly important in the South West.

Footwear, clothing, blankets, camping gear, fishing nets and equipment should also be cleaned of soil or weed seeds before moving from an area.

Ms Lally said travellers who were interested in buying Western Australia's wildflowers as tube stock would need to check with their home state’s quarantine requirements to ensure the plants were allowed entry.

“Although Western Australia is relatively free from exotic pests and diseases, some pests such as green snail, Western flower thrips and potato cyst nematode are of concern to other states of Australia,” she said. 

“Plants would therefore need to be inspected or disinfested and certified by the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia prior to export.

“If a Plant Health Certificate is required by other States, the WA Quarantine and Inspection Service (WAQIS) can provide it for fee of approximately $40.”

Plant export enquiries can be directed to WAQIS on (08) 9334 1800.

Western Australia’s wildflowers will also be on display at the Kings Park Wildflower Festival from 22-26 September. The Department of Agriculture’s Pest and Disease Information Service will be on hand to answer gardening questions and to identify pests.  Their Freecall phone is 1800 084 881.