Mother Nature gives spring a brilliant introduction with vibrant colours splashed across the landscape. As the days grow warmer and longer with more sunlight, step outside and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come from being in nature. Unpack the camera and head to these top spots right across Victoria for wildflowers in pretty, dainty blooms.

Pink Lakes, Murray Sunset National Park

Located in Victoria’s Mallee region, two hours drive south of Mildura, are wide sweeping plains covered in flowers - iridescent pink pigface and the whites and yellows of many daisies and wattles, all offset by the backdrop of white and pink salt-encrusted lakes.

Best time for flowers: early September to mid-October

Gorge Scenic Drive, Beechworth Historic Park

On the outskirts of Beechworth in north east Victoria, purple, yellow and white wildflowers abound. Take a slow drive or walk around the historic Gorge Scenic Drive. Walking tracks meander through the area and the bush is transformed with spring colour. If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, head to the nearby summit of Mt Pilot, 15 minutes drive away, for sweeping views and more flowers.

Best time for flowers: September to early October

Lerderderg campground area, Lerderderg State Park

Just over an hour north west of the Melbourne CBD is this remote park, which turns on a surprising display of colour. Check out wattles, peas, heath and orchids. Enjoy a sea of orange and white flowers off Upper Chadwick near the new Lerderderg campground.

Best time for flowers: late September to October

Wildflower Drive, Greater Bendigo National Park

The regional city of Bendigo is surrounded by forest that comes alive with wattle and other flowers from August onwards. In particular, check out Wildflower Drive just south east of Bendigo which is transformed with bright yellow wattle beneath the box and ironbark trees. Or in the middle of Bendigo, visit Salomon Gully Nature Conservation Area.

Best time for flowers: mid-September to October

Anglesea Heath, Great Otway National Park

Under two hours from the Melbourne CBD and home to about one-quarter of Victoria’s plant species, if you love orchids this is the place to visit. You’ll find flowers right throughout the Heath, but in particular try Bambra-Aireys Inlet Road and Bald Hills Road

Best time for flowers: mid to late Spring onwards

Fabians Block, Terrick Terrick National Park

In northern Victoria, 45 minutes west of Echuca, are colourful grasslands of daisies, peas and lilies. The best spot by far is Fabians block in the north western part of the main Davies grasslands. Access is via Ferris Road, off Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Road. Entry to the grasslands is by foot only as gates are locked.

Best time for flowers: September

For those who want to stay close to Melbourne there’s plenty of places to enjoy beautiful floral displays...

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda, Dandenong Ranges

Just a stone’s throw from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne lies an extensive display of spectacular flowers. Entry is free and you can walk around the gardens or catch a ride on the garden explorer before enjoying lunch at the cafe. Or to avoid the crowds, why not visit nearby George Tindale Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden or Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden.

Best time for flowers: throughout spring. See the daffodils, hellebores and camellias in September, and rhododendrons and azaleas later in spring.

Werribee Park, Werribee

For large scale formal floral displays you can’t go past the Victorian State Rose Garden and the grounds around Werribee Mansion. The parterre plantings near the Mansion will delight, and you’ll find every rose imaginable in the rose gardens.

Best time for flowers: roses from September to March, with the peak in November. Flowers around the Mansion from mid-September onwards.

If you don’t make it during spring, never fear, many areas are still flowering in summer, especially in the alpine region.

Falls Creek area, Alpine National Park

Take a walk along any of the tracks on the Bogong High Plains, in particular to Fitzgeralds Hut or Wallaces Hut, to enjoy colourful panoramas that would make photographer Ken Duncan envious. Masses of delicate daisies, everlastings, peas and flowering shrubs stretch across the high plains throughout summer.

Best time for flowers: December to January