ACCOMMODATION COOLJARLOO WA

The tiny town of Cataby is a popular road trip rest-stop - the ideal place to take a break, whether you're exploring the Everlastings Wildflower Trail, on your way to Geraldton, or heading for the otherworldly landscape of the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. Located two hours north of Perth by road and 32 kilometres north of Regan's Ford, Cataby sits on the first stretch of the Everlastings Wildflower Trail. Hit the trail in spring, from July to late September, to view some of the top flora hotspots in one of the largest collections of wildflowers on Earth, including the iconic blankets of bright yellow, pink and cream everlastings. Nearby Badgingarra National Park, 20 minutes south of Cataby, is a great place to view the local native flora. You'll find a rich diversity of endemic species in the 13,108 hectare park, including some of Western Australia's most extraordinary and rare species, such as yellow and black kangaroo paws, mallee, mottlecah and verticordia. Grab your camera and hit the two kilometre Badgingarra Nature Trail that winds through the national park, allowing at least one hour and 45 minutes if you want to include the one and a half kilometre detour. In addition to native flora, you may also see the resident emus, kangaroos, reptiles bustards and wedge-tailed eagle if you walk the trail in the early morning or late afternoon. While you're exploring the area, Cataby Important Bird Area is also worth a visit. Located just two kilometres south east of town, its home to a significant breeding population of short-billed black cockatoos. When it's time to refresh and recharge, Cataby has two roadhouses, both offering a range of snacks and meals, as well as picnic areas. The one adjacent to the Cataby Hotel offers unit-style accommodation if you're looking to take an overnight break from the road....