Tolga Sunflower Farm opens to public

Lovers of the world’s happiest flower have been making their way to the Atherton Tablelands, where the latest field of sunflowers is open to the public. But time is running out to see the spectacle. 

UPDATE: Time is running out for sunflower fans to visit a beautiful field of the flowers at Tolga.

Farm owner Anthony Trimarchi has revealed this weekend - October 30/31 - are the final days the field will be open.

"Unfortunately this will be our last weekend for our sunflowers due to the heat," he said.

EARLIER: Lovers of the world’s happiest flower have been making their way to the Atherton Tablelands, where the latest field of sunflowers is open to the public.

Currently open from 10am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy the novelty of strolling under towering sunflowers and taking wonderful photos, or take a wagon tour at the popular Tolga Sunflower Farm.

Just a short drive to the Tablelands, visiting the sunflowers provides an ideal day trip up.

You’ll know you’re at the flower farm on the corner of Dawson Rd and Kennedy Hwy, Tolga, when you see the massive handmade sunflower made from an old satellite dish perched on the side of the road by the farm.

Autumn Woods, 5, and Harmony Woods, 3, at the Tolga sunflower fields. Photo: Supplied

Not to mention the people smiling as they take a sunflower selfie.

Anthony Trimarchi of Redhill Farming made the announcement on social media and confirmed they would open the newest sunflower paddock on Saturday, October 16.

And there’s talk the new field will feature a range of different varieties including sunflowers for seeds and oil.

In May this year, the sunflowers attracted about 400 people and Mr Trimarchi said locals and visitors had been rushing to the fields for photo shoots and to hand-pick their own stems.

Mr Trimarchi said over the Labour Day long weekend he reached $1000 of gold coin donations from visitors that would be sent to the Ronald McDonald house.

Earlier this month, Mr Trimarchi confirmed they were adding wagon tours to the activities at the sunflower farm.

“We are excited to announce our beloved wagon is being transformed into a hayride” he posted.

“Farm tours will be available on weekends while the sunflowers are blooming.

“Share the journey with us, from planting to harvesting and learn more about what we do at our farm.”

Cairns residents Lola Pastrana, Indigo Edmonds, 1, Jack Edmonds and Miranda Price at the Tolga sunflower field in May. Photo: Mattea Kearney

Tablelands Regional Council Councillor Bernie Wilce said local businesses appreciated interest from visitors who wanted to explore the beautiful region and have a wonderful day out.

“It’s fantastic to have a wide range of experiences, like the Tolga Sunflower Farm, to attract visitors to our region,” he said.

“Our natural landscape, markets, restaurants and cafes, shops, museum and galleries make the region a great weekend getaway for north Queenslanders.”

And feedback on social media has been overwhelmingly positive.

Samantha Mackey posted: “Cannot wait to get in there.”

Kaila Joy posted: “So Beautiful! I love it and need to go.”

Sophie Bozzo said: “Looking forward to our photos soon!”

The new farm hayriders also attracted comments indicating the old-fashioned activity would be popular.

Noela Olofsson posted: “What a brilliant idea. Loads of fun for the family.”

Lisa Jean McGregor posted: “What an awesome idea … can’t wait for Sunflowers again.”

Originally published as Tolga Sunflower Farm opens to public