Vera Scarth-Johnson Reserve:

Nestled between the Elliott River and the Coonarr coast, the Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve is a 93-hectare sanctuary bursting with diverse plant and bird life. 

While wildflowers bloom throughout the year, they are at their most spectacular in spring, with a display of species very different to those usually found around the region.

With well-defined walking tracks and plenty to explore, the main entrance to the reserve can be found on Coonarr Road.

Flora and fauna

Most of the vegetation in the Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve is known as ‘Wallum’, an Indigenous word for the Banksia aemula plant.

Banksia aemula grows well in deep, nutrient-poor acidic sandy soils and is often the tallest plant in the Wallum.

The reserve protects a large population of the threatened Melaleuca cheelii, with some impressive 10 m tall specimens found near the waterhole viewing platform.

It has papery bark, tiny leaves and creamy white flowers and its branches are very twisted and gnarled, enticing photographers and painters.

Many of the flowers you might find in the reserve are tiny, ranging in colour from whites and creams to purples, pinks and yellows.

Wildflowers to look out for include:

• Wedding bush (Ricinocarpus pinifolius): Produces masses of white flowers,
• Wallum boronia (Boronia falcifolia): Four-petal flowers of a rose-pink hue,
• Golden candlesticks (Aotus lanigera): Spikes of golden yellow flowers.
• Vanilla Lilly (Sowerbaea juncea): Grows in a grass-like clump to a height of about 40 cm producing a dense head of delicate mauve flowers with a delicious vanilla perfume.
• Wild May (Leptospermum polygalifolium): Displays white flowers with lemon-scented leaves.
• Eggs and Bacon (Dillwynia retorta): Bright yellow flowers with a red centre.
• Flying duck orchid (Caleana major): Features a remarkable flower that looks like a duck in flight.

Commonly seen bird species are the Brush Wattlebird, White-Cheeked Honeyeater and Noisy Friarbird.

Walks and tracks

Walking tracks offer easy, tranquil paths for visitors and a chance to hear native bird calls.

The walking track splits not far from the entrance, with a 1 km circuit track leading left past a viewing deck next to a waterhole and then on to the salt flats of the Elliott River.

The other track heads north for 900 m to the northern boundary of the reserve, and from there visitors return along the same track to the reserve entry point.

Every spring Bundaberg Regional Council also offers a guided walk for those interested in learning more about the reserve which is advertised on Council platforms.

Vera’s legacy

The reserve was named after Vera Scarth-Johnson, an artist, botanical collector and conservationist who lived in the region between from the 1940s until 1972.

Vera was passionate about Australian native plants, illustrating and publishing many books including two on wallum wildflowers.

She regarded a stand of Cypress pine (Callitris cupressiformis) found in the reserve as botanically significant and lobbied for its protection.

In 1995 Vera was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to art and the environment.

Her biggest wish was to give future generations the opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of this wildflower reserve.

Rules and amenities

All plants and animals in the Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve are protected and so visitors are reminded not to pick any flowers.

The reserve has a picnic table not far from the Coonarr Road entrance with more picnic facilities and public toilets available nearby at Coonarr Beach.

Visitors are advised to wear insect repellent, protective clothing and sturdy footwear, and to stay on the walking tracks.

Dogs and domestic animals, fires, vehicles and collecting firewood are not permitted.

Visitors are reminded bush fire season is from September to February and are advised to check the latest fire warnings and advice at the QFES website before heading out.