Flowers & Fields

SURROUND SURROUND YOURSELF YOURSELF WITH WITH FLOWERS FLOWERS

Elderflower Farm IMAGE CREDIT: Genevieve Windley

With flowers bursting to life in early spring all over South-East Queensland, there are plenty of opportunities to see many different blossoms in bloom. From jacarandas to roses, here are some of our favourite places to surround yourself with flowers and snap an Insta-worthy pic or simply just enjoy the moment.

NOTE: Parental supervision at these locations is very important to avoid damage to the gardens or potential injury (eg. from spiky thorns and branches).

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN FLOWER FARM

Cabin accommodation surrounded by flower gardens

With brand new cabins open for bookings from September 2021, Tamborine Mountain Flower Farm provides an overnight experience surrounded by lush flower gardens. The farm is a small, family-run business, set on 5 acres of established gardens which staying guests are welcome to explore. The self-contained accommodation consists of two familyfriendly one bedroom cabins, each complete with a small kitchen and laundry. During the day, guests can wander amongst the open air gardens that feature a wide range of flowers including ranunculus, spring bulbs, dahlias, old fashioned fragrant roses and hydrangeas. The kids will also enjoy a visit with the resident chickens and friendly miniature sheep and the chance to feed the many goldfish within the three lily ponds. Being so close to North Tamborine Village (around 10 minutes’ drive away), overnight guests can also enjoy all the Gold Coast hinterland region has to offer, including cafes, restaurants and other family friendly activities.

1 Slingsby Road, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Open only to overnight guests www.tamborinemountainflowerfarm.com.au

IMAGE CREDIT: Tamborine Mountain Flower Farm

BROOKFIELD ROSE FARM

Pick your own roses

Opened in 2020, Brookfield Rose Farm provides a truly unique ‘pick your own’ rose experience. Visitors can stroll amongst the red, white, pink, yellow and mauve blooms, picking as they go or just enjoying the heavenly scent. There are over 1,400 rose bushes in around 20 different varieties! Guests to the farm are encouraged to take their time to enjoy the rose garden experience and are even welcome to pack a picnic and stay a while longer, with a sheltered patio to escape to if the sun gets too hot. There are no toilets on site, but public ones are located nearby at the Brookfield Showgrounds. Pricing for the pick your own experience is based on a ‘pay as you feel’ system, with guests encouraged to pay a minimum of $2 per stem. Buckets and secateurs are provided, though bringing a bucket of your own will help with transporting your roses home (recycled newspaper is also available to wrap your roses). It’s highly

recommended that you bring your own gloves to protect from thorns (gloves are not available on site). 10 Massey Place, Brookfield QLD 4069

Check website for opening times (bookings recommended) www.brookfieldrosefarm.com

IMAGE CREDIT: Genevieve Windley

THE LAVENDER FARM AT POTTIQUE

Relax amongst the lavender fields

Located just 5 minutes outside the town of Kingaroy, The Lavender Farm at Pottique is an established lavender farm that welcomes visitors on the weekends. Guests can wander amongst the many rows of lavender growing in the surrounding fields, with the opportunity to pick their own as they go. Featuring the largest lavender shop in Australia, Pottique has a huge range of lavender-based products on offer including essential oils, soaps, dried lavender, jams and lavender liqueur. These products are also available for home delivery year-round on their website. Visitors to Pottique can taste local wines through their cellar door and an onsite antiques warehouse adds another element to the experience, with french country style homewares and antiques for sale. Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to The Lavender Farm at Pottique without trying their renowned devonshire tea with lavender scones, or tasting some lavender tea, lavender soft drink, lavender ice cream, or even lavender cheese! All these delicious menu items are available to sit down and enjoy amongst the beautiful garden setting.

15645 D'Aguilar Highway, Kingaroy QLD 4610

Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4:30pm www.lavenderfarm.net.au

ELDERFLOWER FARM

Buy direct from the farm

Elderflower Farm is located in the beautiful grounds of Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Cafe. With lovely established gardens and century old trees, the property is surrounded by agricultural growing fields and offers a lovely rural outlook just an hour from Brisbane. Elderflower Farms’ flower field is hedged with old briar roses and has a real ‘Peter Rabbit’ feel to it. Visitors are welcome to stroll the lawn paths between the flower beds, enjoying the colour and fragrance of all the different flowers and watching the busy bees collect pollen. As the owner, Rach, mostly grows annual crops, there’s always something new growing and flowering with each visit. Just near the flower field is Elderflower Farms’ cute old tin shed flower and garden shop. Rach stocks loads of fresh cut flowers in bunches and vase arrangements, plus some beautiful rustic garden goods and flower based gifts. She also keeps the shop well stocked with her popular Floripops (edible flower lollipops that she hand makes every week) and sells edible flowers and pot plants too. With acres of green lawn and a fantastic cafe and farm shop alongside it, Elderflower Farm is a perfect location to visit with kids (and on lead fur kids).

541 Kents Lagoon Road, Kalbar QLD 4309

Open Friday to Sunday, 8.30am - 4.30pm www.elderflowerfarm.com.au

QUEENSLAND’S SUNFLOWER TRAIL

Follow the sea of gold

Whilst they don’t flower in spring, in summer the sunflower fields of Queensland’s Southern Downs burst to life in a sea of golden colour and are a definite must-see. Attracting tourists and influencers alike, the fields that border highways and other country roads around Warwick and Allora provide a stunning backdrop for photos and are an awe-inspiring experience. It’s important to remember that the sunflower fields of the Southern Downs region are all privately owned and the fields remain private property. Luckily, these fields are so expansive and breathtaking that there’s no need to jump a fence to get your perfect shot! Timing is vital when planning your treasure hunt for this gold. Sunflower fields only bloom for 3 to 4 weeks and the weather can impact this exact timing, but, generally speaking, the sunflower season runs from December to March. Before heading off on your sunflower adventure, get in touch with the Warwick Visitor Information Centre or head to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt Facebook page for some guidance about which fields might be currently in flower.

Allora to Warwick QLD

Late December to March, annually www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/southerndowns-summer-sunflower-guide

IMAGE CREDIT: Southern Downs Regional Council

TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

30 days of flowers and flavours

Host to over 60 amazing events and experiences throughout September, Toowoomba bursts to life with their annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The carnival provides an opportunity to visit this South Queensland city to enjoy the award-winning parks, street landscapes and lush private gardens decked out in a rainbow of spring colour that brings visitors from far and wide. Floral highlights include: • Floral displays in all parks and public spaces, as well as floral chalk art • The Grand Central Floral Parade (Sat 18th Sept) • Night Garden in the Botanic Gardens • Twilight Tours in Laurel Bank Park • The dog-friendly Petals and Pups event • Ferris Wheel in the Botanic Gardens (Fri 17th - Sun 19th Sept) The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program also features a variety of events including local food and wine experiences, internationally-acclaimed musical acts performing live and more. Whilst many events are free, most events do require booking, so get in early to plan your spring itinerary at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Toowoomba QLD

Wednesday 1st Sept to Thursday 30th Sept 2021 www.tcof.com.au

OTHER FLOWER EXPERIENCES NEAR BRISBANE

Girraween National Park

With the stark backdrop of huge granite boulders, the wildflowers that bloom throughout this Granite Belt national park in spring are well worth a visit. www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween

Milton Park

Displaying three different types of flowering trees all blooming in spring, Milton Park’s silky oaks, flame trees and jacarandas provide a gorgeous backdrop for family photos. www.brisbanekids.com.au/milton-park

Roma Street Parkland

From exotic subtropical species to rows of brightly flowering favourites set amongst hedges, water features and sculptures, Roma Street Parkland provides a stunning display. www.brisbanekids.com.au/roma-streetparklands-playground

Jacarandas

Renowned for signaling exam time at Brisbane universities, flower-covered jacarandas bloom in spring before dropping to create a mauve carpet later in the season. For locations, check out www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/ clean-and-green/natural-environment-and-water/plantstrees-and-gardens/brisbanes-trees/brisbanes-beautifuljacarandas-and-other-flowering-trees

Bougainvilleas

With red, white, pink, purple or orange blooms, bougainvilleas create a splash of colour in home gardens and public spaces alike. Check out the Grand Arbour at South Bank Parklands, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha or Sir John Chandler Park in Indooroopilly for large expanses.