Road Trip to the Sunflowers
Grab your best summer look and your camera because the sunflowers bloom every year in South-East Queensland from January until March. The race is on to find these Insta-worthy fields that lie a two-hour drive from Brisbane in the small townships of Nobby and Allora. But why drive two hours for just one photo? Follow this road trip guide between Brisbane and the Sunflower Trail for a full day exploring the Brisbane region; we guarantee you’ll come home with more than just sunflower pictures.
Morning:
First stop, Ipswich
Fuel up for a big day ahead and check out the historic city of Ipswich.
Drop in for breakfast
For those who like to take it easy in the morning with freshly brewed coffee and a sweet or savoury treat to banish the hunger pangs, you can’t go past one of Ipswich’s delicious cafes. Grab Campos Coffee from Fourthchild, all-day breakfast at Chai House, or eggs with house-made chutney from Rafter & Rose. Hungry for more?
Shop your way through Ipswich Antique Centre
Occupying a restored 1895 heritage-listed building downtown, Ipswich Antique Centre is home to plenty of dealers with a massive range of collectible furniture, pottery, clothing, jewels and more.
Move on through the Scenic Rim
It has the word “Scenic” in its title so don’t expect anything less than epic mountains, lush valleys, dry plains and wide-open roads. Named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2022, the Scenic Rim showcases spectacular landscapes, national parks, fresh local produce and eco-adventures.
Pitstop at Kalbar
Make sure to stop at Kalbar, a town rich with German history and attractions including heritage-listed buildings, cafes and art galleries.
Morning hike up Mt Edwards
Climbing a mountain may be no easy feat, but when you reach the summit, the gain makes the pain all worthwhile. The climb up Mt Edwards takes about three hours return but you’ll do anything for that picture-perfect view of Lake Moogerah, right?
Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim
Afternoon
Feeling peckish?
Drop into Bunjergan Estate for wine tasting before heading to Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm for a picturesque lunch by the vines. Stroll through the vineyard, visit the chooks, wander the olive grove and snap an Instagram moment in the rows of lavender fields. By now, you’ll have room for the lavender ice-cream dessert and possibly a craft beer paddle from Scenic Rim Brewery down the road.
Golden treasure hunt: Sunflower fields
Ah, the moment you've been waiting for. Driving through Allora and up to Nobby, both townships sport a sea of yellow fields coating the countryside. As the season changes and different fields start blooming, stop into the local Southern Queensland Country visitor information centres for tips on where the best golden fields are.
Also, please respect the farmers and stay at the edge of the fields – you can still snap an epic shot from there.
The sunflowers are generally in bloom from early January until March; however, this is weather dependent. Check with the local tourism offices before you go for information on the sunflower fields.
