When cult French fashion label Jacquemus held its spring 2020 runway in a field of purple lavender in Provence, Instagram went into a spin. Good news: you don’t have to fly 22 hours across the world to dance amongst a bed of blooms. Throughout the year Australia boasts its own lush floral displays, from WA’s annual carpet of wildflowers to dreamy jacaranda and wisteria canopies and vibrant golden canola fields. Insta-worthy yes, but also good for the soul.
In summer it’s all about lavender and sunflowers. Here’s where to get your flower fix…
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Tasmania
Where: Near Launceston.
When: The fields are at their most dazzling in summer.
Why: Go for the flowers (this is Australia’s most picture-perfect estate), but stay for the lavender-flavoured ice cream.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm
Queensland
Where: Two hours from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
When: The farm’s French lavender is in bloom nearly all year round.
Why: Make a day of it. The property also boasts a vineyard and restaurant, and doubles as a wedding venue.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Where: The farm is on Kangaroo Island, a 45-minute ferry ride from Adelaide.
When: Summer.
Why: These glorious mauve fields are an essential pit-stop if you’re heading to the sandy white shores of Emu Bay Beach.
Lyndoch Lavender Farm & Cafe
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Where: Just an hour from Adelaide’s CBD.
When: The lavender is in season nearly all year round.
Why: The cafe and gift shop are both stocked with delicious, heady-scented creations.
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
victoria
Where: Ten minutes north of Daylesford.
When: Summer.
When: There are 100 acres to explore, plus a trattoria serving wood-fired pizzas and lavender scones.
Crystal Brooks Garden & Lavender Farm
NEW SOUTH WALES
Where: In the Southern Tablelands, a few hours from Sydney.
When: From December through February, though prime season is mid-January.
Why: Go for the annual Lavender, Herb and Chilli festival (scheduled for January 9 and 10, 2021).
Allora and Cambooya
QUEENSLAND
Where: In the Southern Downs and Toowoomba regions of Queensland, respectively.
When: Drive through the countryside from January to March to see gorgeous golden fields of sunflowers.
Why: Go for the experience, not for the ’gram. These meadows have become overrun by influencers seeking the perfect sunflower selfie, with the police even called in to manage the mayhem last year.
Liverpool Plains
New south wales
Where: In north-west NSW, about four hours from Sydney.
When: The exact location and timing of these crops changes yearly, so sign up for sunflower alerts here.
Why: To pretend you’re in the south of France for a hot minute.
