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 flower experiences and flower fields near Brisbane where you can snap an Insta-worthy pic or two.
NOTE: Parental supervision at these flower fields is very important to avoid damage to the gardens or potential injury (eg. from spiky thorns and branches). These locations are also private properties, so please ensure you only enter areas intended for public access or as a paying visitor.
Tamborine Mountain Flower Farm
IMAGE CREDIT: Tamborine Mountain Flower Farm
Cabin accommodation surrounded by flower gardens
With brand new cabins opened in August 2021, Tamborine Mountain Flower Farm provides an overnight experience surrounded by lush flower fields. 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 family-friendly one-bedroom cabins, each complete with a small kitchen and laundry. During the day, guests can wander amongst the open-air gardens that include a wide range of flowers such as ranunculus, spring bulbs, dahlias, old fashioned fragrant roses and hydrangeas, or visit with the resident chickens and friendly miniature sheep or 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 this Gold Coast hinterland region has to offer, including cafes, restaurants and other activities.
1 Slingsby Road, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272 (Open only to overnight guests)
Elderflower Farm
IMAGE CREDIT: Genevieve Windley
Buy direct from the farm
Elderflower Farm is located within 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 and new flower experiences 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)
The Lavender Farm at Pottique
IMAGE CREDIT: Cath Johnsen
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 (Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4:30pm)
Curlew Ridge Flower Farm
IMAGE CREDIT: Curlew Ridge Flower Farm
Flowers and Views near Woodford
Based just outside of Woodford, north of Brisbane, is the picturesque Curlew Ridge Farms. Previously a horse property, the owners are now happily converting it to blooming flower fields, with a focus on sustainability.
The fields are filled with flower beds, rows of native trees, other trees for foliage and of course lovely views of the surrounding countryside.
Between Spring and Autumn pick your own events are offered, as are informative farm tours for those keen to learn more about the farm.
If you are part of a group and want to organise a visit to the farm, get in contact with the owners, who often welcome gardening clubs, disability support groups and other groups who want to experience the wonders of this property.
Curlew Ridge Farms also offer:
- Market stalls
- Farmgate stall
- Floral design workshops
- Local delivery
- Flowers for ‘make-your-own’ arrangements
- Subscription seasonal flower arrangements
- Wholesale options for local florists
If you want to enhance your farm visit, consider staying the night in the newly restored one-bedroom cottage. Snuggle by the fireplace and soak up the rural vibes without compromising the creature comforts. Even your family pet can join you, with the yard fully fenced for safety.
133 McCabe Road, Stanmore (near Woodford)
The Sunflower Trail
IMAGE CREDIT: Southern Downs Regional Council
Follow the sea of gold
Every summer, the sunflower fields of Queensland’s Southern Downs burst to life in a sea of golden colour. 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 (Annually – late December to March)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
30 days of flowers and flavours
Every year in September, Toowoomba bursts into life with the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
This popular event draws visitors from near and far to celebrate the truly amazing gardens and floral displays in this picturesque Queensland city.
Award-winning parks, street landscapes and lush private gardens are on display, decked out in a rainbow of colour, surrounded by divine smells.
In addition to the floral displays, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program features a variety of other events, including local food and wine experiences, internationally acclaimed musical acts, tours, artisan events and more.
Highlights generally include:
- Floral displays in parks and public spaces
- Festival of Food and Wine
- Regional food trail
- Grand Central Floral Parade
- Garden competitions
- Symphony Under the Stars
- Twilight Tours
- Ferris Wheel in the Botanic Gardens
- Sideshow Alley
- Cinema Under the Stars
While many events are free, some events do require tickets (paid and free), so get in early to plan your spring itinerary at the amazing Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Toowoomba (each September)
Brookfield Rose Farm
October 2024 – Brookfield Rose Farm is closed until further notice
Other flower experiences near Brisbane
- Girraween National Park – Combined with the stark backdrop of huge granite boulders, the wildflowers that blossom throughout this Granite Belt national park in spring are well worth a visit.
- Milton Park – With three different types of flowering trees all blooming in spring, Milton Park’s silky oaks, flame trees and jacarandas provide a gorgeous backdrop.
- 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.
- Jacaranda trees – Renowned for signalling 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 the Brisbane City Council website.
- 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.
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