Chasing sunflowers in South East Queensland

Each year over Summer in South East Queensland the farmers that live West of Brisbane plant out gigantic fields of sunflowers. Photographers and flower enthusiasts from all over the place make the annual pilgrimage to track them down. You never quite know where they are going to be and what fields will be planted but that’s half the fun of the adventure. Every year for the last four years I have ventured out here to immerse myself amongst the giant happy yellow plants. Lets go chasing sunflowers in South East Queensland. 🌻

Best time to go:

The flowers can start blooming from anywhere between November to April. Some years the fields can be flowering everywhere in December and other years you don’t hear about them until January/February. You are usually guaranteed to find some fields blooming toward the end of January though. You will normally start seeing images pop up all over Instagram when the first fields come out in colour and that’s when you know it’s time to go!

Locations:

It depends on which farmers decide to plant out their fields with sunflowers each year. You can usually find big fields of them anywhere between Toowoomba and Warwick. The most likely places are Allora, Clifton, Nobby and Felton. If you are lucky there will be a field planted around an old windmill or shed which adds some foreground interest to the shot.

Allora

Allora is the main area that the sunflowers are planted. You will find signs for the Sunflower Route around here too but don’t be fooled. It may have been the sunflower route once upon a time but not these days, so don’t bother wasting your time. Driving along the New England Highway from Toowoomba towards Warwick you will see big fields of yellow. There is sometimes a field planted at South Street which has a cool windmill in the field, or along Allora-Clifton Road which has a good shed in the field.

Clifton

Clifton usually has some fields planted out. Some years it does, some years it doesn’t. You will see them along the New England Highway or along Felton Clifton Road. The last time I saw the sunflowers at Clifton they were over six feet tall so it’s a good idea to bring a step ladder with you to get high enough to see the fields in all their glory!

Nobby

The last few years Nobby has been the best spot for sunflowers. Last weekend I went on an adventure with some friends and it was the only field left with flowers in bloom. It was the biggest and most beautiful field I had ever seen. It was located on Felton Clifton Road. They are planted perfectly in rows facing West which is a gorgeous scene at sunset. Best field ever!

Best time to photograph the sunflowers:

As with all photography the best time of day is around sunrise and sunset. Because most of the fields face West sunset is the best time to get amongst the flowers to take some photos. The soft golden light really compliments the beautiful yellows and greens. If you’re lucky you might get some pinks and purples in the sky just after golden hour.

During the day is another great time to photograph them as the blue sky in the background looks great with a close up of the vivid yellow flowers.

Respect:

If you do venture out to see the sunflowers for yourself, please be respectful while you are on any of the properties. The farmers make a living from growing the sunflowers. Don’t damage the flowers in an attempt to get the best selfie for Instagram and take your trash with you or the farmers will stop planting them and we won’t get the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful scene every year.

So that’s my guide to chasing sunflowers in South East Queensland. I hope you enjoyed it and get a chance to see this beautiful yearly event for yourself. If you have been out to see them already or know of any other fields, I would love to know, so leave a comment below! ☺️