Australia So Much to See
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Above right is Caladenia hirta subspecies rosea, Pink Candy Orchid.
At right is Caladenia dimidia, known as Chameleon orchid due to colour variations
At right is Caladenia dimidia, known as Chameleon orchid due to colour variations
The lovely orchid, Pheladenia deformis, known as Bluebeard and sometimes as Blue Fairy orchid, were prolific, particularly on the
west side of Totadgin Rock.
See more about the Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) industry in Western Australia
A Living Link
Sandalwood is a small tree with olive green leaves that are greasy to touch. Highly valued for its aromatic
oils, sandalwood was the colony's primary export in 1818.
In those early days the wood had to be hauled to the coast by bullock
or horse team. With the opening of the Eastern Railway in 1896, the 'pullers' gained access to large areas of uncut sandalwood
in the interior. Fremantle Harbour was kept busy. Sandalwood harvesting provided essential supplementary income for many
prospectors and gold miners.
The surrounds of the rock feature wildflowers favouring seasonally wetter soils, from the water run-off from the rock when
it rains. Merredin has an average annual rainfall of only 314 millimetres per annum but the amount on the ground after running
off the rock would amount to significantly more on the ground.
Vegetation at the base of the wave face (eastern
side) is bushy along a water flow line.
Land is flat to the west side and numerous orchids and other wildflower species
can be found seasonally.
Coming down from the rock towards the car park, there was an overgrown wet area with different vegetation again.
Some of the flowers we saw on to the west of the rock are depicted here. Orchids and other wildflower species were also seen on the east side.
Looking south east from Totadgin Rock, across farm paddocks with flowering canola, and wheat crops.
Leaving the rock, we crossed a wetter area of thick scrub, with twining plants as well as other plants that favour damp areas.
Above left is the shrub Anthocercis anisantha subsp. anisantha.
Above right is the twiner Muehlenbeckia adpressa, which was eye-catching with some leaves turning bright red. It is also known as Climbing Lignum. It has tiny green flowers with red centres along the dark red stems, but they are hard to see in this photo.
Above left is the shrub Anthocercis anisantha subsp. anisantha.
Above right is the twiner Muehlenbeckia adpressa, which was eye-catching with some leaves turning bright red. It is also known as Climbing Lignum. It has tiny green flowers with red centres along the dark red stems, but they are hard to see in this photo.
At the car park there is and information stand and picnic tables. No other facilities. It is an enjoyable location to
visit, with or with picnicking.
Being fairly close to Merredin, it has always been a popular picnic spot. When we
picnicked here around 45 years ago, I recall the parking area was near the wave face.
There is a small dam within the conservation
park, age and original purpose unknown, but that is accessed from the other side of the Merredin-Bruce Rock Road.
Above are the fungi Coltricia cinnamomea. These small hard fungi have a beautiful timber-like texture.
Above right are Caladenia roei, known as the Common Clown Orchid, Clown Orchid, Ant Orchid, Man Orchid and Jack-in-the-Box. Their wide labellum, like a clown's collar, flutter in the slightest breeze with these cute and tiny orchids.
Above right are Caladenia roei, known as the Common Clown Orchid, Clown Orchid, Ant Orchid, Man Orchid and Jack-in-the-Box. Their wide labellum, like a clown's collar, flutter in the slightest breeze with these cute and tiny orchids.
At right is Drosera andersoniana,
Sturdy Sundew (Drosera are known as Sundews), one of several delicate Drosera species growing on and around Totadgin Rock.
There were masses of the pink everlasting paper daisies growing, Lawrencella rosea on the west side of Totadgin Rock.
Merredin RV Park, free, 24 hour limit, no facilities, all waste water to be contained and removed from the site. At the base
of Merredin Peak, a large area to spread out amongst trees. Pets permitted.
Merredin Tourist Park, a lovely caravan and camping
park, which has numerous cabins as well with varying degrees of facilities. Good and well maintained amenities, a
modern laundry complete with baskets, pegs, irons and ironing boards, swimming pool and barbecue pergola, and two well provisioned
camp kitchens (one principally for the basic donga style cabins). Outdoor shower by swimming pool. Free WIFI, book and
DVD library. Large sites, many are drive though. Pets permitted. Public dump point. Friendly and helpful staff.
The only drawback was noise, being close to the Great Eastern Highway and the railway line the other side of the highway.
We paid $25 unpowered, with powered sites being $30 in 2021, but prices have increased. See Merredin Tourist Park Accommodation for
latest rates and accommodation options.
Hotel and Motel Accommodation. There are several choices, see Merredin Accommodation
Hotel and Motel Accommodation. There are several choices, see Merredin Accommodation