9 picture-perfect places to go sunflower picking in Australia

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Let brilliant blooms light up your life with the country’s best seasonal sunflower-picking spots.

The most feel-good flower of them all, sunflowers burst with golden optimism. It’s why sunshine-flushed fields, awash with rows of the beloved yellow blooms, are the stuff of dreams, creating ethereal backdrops as you snap photos or snip a bunch to take home.

Most sunflower farms across the country open their gates for just a small period at a time, ensuring the seasonal destinations are well-trodden no matter where they’re located. Here, we collate the best sunflower-picking spots in Australia to help you catch them when you can.

1. Sunflowers on Kents, Qld

Sunflowers love the sun (crazy, right?) so it makes sense that Australia’s Sunshine State keeps them blossoming longer than other states can.

a sunflower farm in full bloom
Sunflowers on Kents flourish during summer. (Image: Bonnie Kittle)

At Sunflowers on Kents in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, pretty petals flourish during summer but also at other times throughout the year.

Located in the farming town of Kalbar, home to an annual Kalbar Sunflower Festival and several other sunflower-picking fields, this place features a coffee van that also serves snacks so it’s a fabulous morning out.

a bee pollinating a sunflower
Snap photos of these beloved yellow blooms. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best time to visit: It’s open for various windows throughout the year, so check their Instagram for details.
Price: $15 per person, which includes five sunflowers to take home.
Address: 10 Kents Lagoon Road, Kalbar

2. Farm & Co, NSW

Committed to keeping their sunflowers thriving all year round, the team at Farm & Co rotate their crops so there’s always new growth gearing up to bloom. Located in Cudgen, within the Tweed Shire on NSW’s north coast (and very close to the NSW-Queensland border) this hot spot isn’t just a magnet for flower fans.

the sunflower field at Farm & Co, NSW
Sunflowers thrive all year round at Farm & Co. (Image: Sal Singh)

Its restaurant is one of the best farm-to-fork dining experiences in the region and the farm itself is also dotted with macadamia trees (you can crack their shells right on site) and farm animals, making it extremely family-friendly.

sunflowers at Farm & Co, NSW
Farm & Co is a magnet for sunflower fans. (Image: Sal Singh)

Best time to visit: All year round, however January to March brings the best conditions for growth.
Price: $7 per person, and it’s $4 per stem to take home.
Address: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

3. The Paddock, WA

The team at The Paddock have created the ultimate Instagram moment, building a sunflower-emblazoned door into their flourishing sunflower farm.

a sunflower-emblazoned door at The Paddock, WA
Spot a sunflower-emblazoned door at The Paddock.

The south west WA hot spot near Busselton is only open for a flash in the heat of summer so plan ahead to catch the sunnies in all their towering glory. Cold drinks and snacks, including locally cooked pastries, are also on hand to help quench January’s heat.

touching a sunflower at The Paddock, WA
Catch the sunnies in all their towering glory.

Best time to visit: It’s open for a small window each January, so check the website for details.
Price: Choose from a $10, $20 or $30 donation per bucket of stems you snip.
Address: Boyanup Picton Road, Crooked Brook, two hours south of Perth

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4. Majura Valley Sunflower Maze, ACT

For about three weeks each year, the Majura Valley Sunflower Maze opens its doors at the Majura Valley Free Range Eggs farm in Canberra.

An incredible outdoor adventure for nature lovers, it’s wheelchair accessible however be warned that the track isn’t always even.

a woman strolling along the Majura Valley Sunflower Maze
Swoon over golden-topped blooms at the Majura Valley Sunflower Maze. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s also a produce store to help you stock up on fresh farm goodies, plus you can bring a picnic rug and supplies (for a fee) if you’re keen to stay a while.

the produce store at the Majura Valley Sunflower Maze
Find fresh farm goodies at the produce store onsite. (Image: Shots By Sal Photography)

Best time to visit: It’s open for a small window around March, so check the website for details.
Price: $10 per person, and it’s $3 per stem to take home, with no more than five stems per person.
Address: Majura House, 728 Majura Road, Majura

5. Warraba Sunflowers, Qld

A family-run hot spot in rural Toowoomba, Warraba Sunflowers is a sunflower-picking farm that lets visitors take home as many as they can carry.

a family enjoying sunflower-picking at Warraba Sunflowers, Qld
Pick Warraba Sunflowers during peak season. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

As a reward for all that hard work, you might even find woodfire pizza ovens roasting up an assortment of delectable varieties — the team have been known to bring in the snacks when peak sunflower season rolls around.

a woman picking sunflowers
Take home as many sunflowers as you can carry. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

Best time to visit: It’s open for various windows throughout the year, so check their Instagram or website for details.
Price: $10 per person, and you can pick as many sunflowers as you can carry.
Address: 439 McNallys Road, Cambooya

6. Pick Your Own Sunflowers, Vic

One of the few destinations in Victoria to let you get your sunflower on, Pick Your Own Sunflowers is a farm that’s open once a year. But don’t go thinking the quality of its crop isn’t as mighty as those found further north.

a woman holding a bunch of sunflowers at Pick Your Own Sunflowers, VIC
Get your sunflower on at Pick Your Own Sunflowers farm. (Image: Ballarat City Council)

Located in Dunnstown, just outside Ballarat, the farm is robust and grows ridiculously tall blooms, much to the delight of thick crowds who swarm when the timing’s right.

a close-up shot of a sunflower at Pick Your Own Sunflowers, VIC
Pick Your Own Sunflowers grow ridiculously tall blooms. (Image: Frank Carol)

Best time to visit: It’s open for a small window between February and March every year, so check the website for details.
Price: $10 per person, and it’s $4 per stem to take home.
Address: Corner Howards Road and Navigator Dunnstown Road, Dunnstown

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7. Atkins Farm, SA

Make your day out in the Adelaide Hills even more special during the summer months with a visit to Atkins Farm in South Australia.

the sunflower field at Atkins Farm, SA
Atkins Farm is awash with rows of golden blooms.

The sunflower-picking farm is open for a couple of weeks at a time with the most vibrant blooms ripe for snipping during early mornings or late afternoons.

A ticket will give you 50 minutes to stickybeak the golden-topped stems with photography highly encouraged.

Woman at the Atkins Farm sunflower farm in Adelaide Hills
Pick Atkins Farm’s most vibrant blooms in early mornings or late afternoons. (Image: @our_wandering_life)

Best time to visit: It’s open for a small window each January, so check the website for details.
Price: From $32 per person, which includes a bunch of stems to take home.
Address: Near Meadows, Adelaide Hills

8. PetTeet Park, WA

Their sunnies only bloom once a year but PetTeet Park in Western Australia’s Gilgering on the Great Southern Highway is a great day out for plenty of reasons. Home to bright yellow canola fields, the farm is also known for its fresh produce store and kid-friendly farm animal encounters.

a vast sunflower farm
The sunflowers at PetTeet Park are picture-perfect. (Image: Josh Geelen)

To get amongst the very rare experience of sunflower picking on this side of the country though, you’ll need to wait until Easter.

a close-up shot of a sunflower
Sunnies only bloom once a year at PetTeet Park but they’re worth the wait. (Image: Aaron Burden)

Best time to visit: It’s open for a small window around April, so check the website for details.
Price: $20 per person, and sunflower picking is only allowed at the end of the seasonal window.
Address: 1625 Qualen West Road, Gilgering

9. Glenbernie Family Farms, NSW

A totally slick spot for sunflower picking in NSW, Glenbernie Family Farms is a one-hour drive from Sydney and worth every inch of effort. They tend to open for a few weeks in the cooler months and when they do, expect all the bells and whistles to help celebrate their field of dreams. A jumping castle, farm animal encounters, firepit sessions, great coffee and hot food are typically onsite.

a woman exploring Glenbernie Family Farms, NSW
Make your sunflower fantasy come to life at Glenbernie Family Farms.

Best time to visit: During winter and spring, but check the website for specific details.
Price: $10 per person, and it’s $5 per stem to take home.
Address: 610 Bells Line of Road, Kurmond

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Why Hamilton Island is perfect for multi-gen travel

Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.

Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.

Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.

Getting there, and around

Hamilton Island multi-gen travel on a buggy
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.

The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.

Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).

Where to stay

Reef View Hotel Pool Terrace hamilton island multi-gen travel
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)

Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.

Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.

Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.

pool and sup boarders at The Sundays hamilton island
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.

The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.

For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.

Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.

Where to eat

coca chu on hamilton island
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.

Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.

Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.

Catseye Pool Club hamilton island
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.

For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.

Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).

Where to explore

hamilton island couple running on trail
Explore the island’s walking trails.

There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.

One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).

For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.

E-mountain biking on hamilton island
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.

Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.

Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.

Where to play

heart reef
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.

Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.

Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.

Parents seeking a stress-free night out can also make use of Hamilton Island’s babysitting services, which start from $40 an hour.

Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.

More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.

Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.

To plan your family island escape, visit hamiltonisland.com.au.