The waratah is the official floral emblem of the state of New South Wales. It is well known for its crimson coloured flowers, which bloom from September to November.

Waratah, comes from the Eora Aboriginal word ‘warada’ meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘seen from afar’. Take a drive along Stoney Creek Road and you may spot one ‘from afar’! 

There are four other known species of waratah which grow in Australia with varying leaf shapes and placement.

The waratah has historical significance for many Australians, featuring in many arts and crafts produced in the late-1800s as a protest against mass-produced goods. It also nearly became our national, emblematic flower, pipped at the post by the iconic golden wattle we see today.