As spring is upon us, it is a great time to go out and explore the golden fields. Today I am sharing the best canola fields NSW has to offer to help you get started. Read till the end to find the location details for each canola trail around Sydney.
Canola fields are just the perfect aesthetic for Spring photography and also a great day out. The gently rolling fields studded with sheep, country vibes, and the happy colors of green and yellow canola trials are breathtaking and feel a world away from city life. With plenty of canola fields around the NSW state, you won’t have to look too hard. That being said, a car is a must to go see these beauties or a bike if you are a rider or cyclist. Alright without further ado, here is the list.
How to arrive at the canola fields near Sydney NSW
1. Cowra to Canowindra and Gooloogong
The central coast is the place to be in spring. There is a train that goes from Sydney to Cowra but takes almost 6+ hours and the canola fields are way further away from the station. Hence recommend getting the car.
Cowra has lots of cafes and organic farms as well if you want to grab a coffee for the road or snacks. There is a 100km loop you can do that guarantees the Canola fields in the Cowra region. Recommend driving on the Canowindra Road for the 34 km drive to the township of Canowindra, taking in the spectacular gold views of Canola fields along the way. Then as you arrive in Canowindra, take a break, wander around the historic main street. Some of the must-sees are the heritage buildings, art spaces, explore the Age of Fishes Museum, boutique stores, or take a stroll over the ‘swinging bridge’ hidden away from the main street.
If you drive further along onto Nangar Road for the 30km, you can enjoy the gorgeous drive to the village of Gooloogong. There are not many canola fields here but if you are into wineries make advance booking at Wallington Wines or end the day at the Gooloogong Hotel with some sundowner.
2. Cowra to Greenethorpe, Landra, and Grenfell
Another canola fields NSW has to offer starts from Cowra also. You can take the Mid-Western Highway and enjoy the beautiful 35km drive to the village of Greenethorpe from Cowra. Call Circa 1935 to book in advance so you can enjoy your morning coffee and brunch followed by the south route to Iandra Castle. This is one of the must-sees, check if you can go in if not, even from outside it is an outstanding historic castle, a iconic landmark.
So where are the canola fields? They are pretty much in between from Cowra to Greenethorpe, Landra, and Grenfell. You can’t miss it while on the road. Just stop and ask for the farmer’s permission. After Landra, if you head along Tyagong Hall Road, also check out the henry lawson and the painted silos at Grenfell.
3. Cowra – Woodstock- Wyangala Dam
Alright, another canola hot spot on the central coast starting from Cowra again. The recommended route is to head east from Cowra on the Mid-Western Hwy towards Bathurst, and shortly on the road, you will be greeted with a scenic and beautiful green and yellow canola fields.
About 2 KM on the Sydney side of Purcell Drive (this is the 1st turnoff to Woodstock) there is a hill that has an area where you can pull off to the side of the road. There are some large fields in the Woodstock / Holmwood (about 6 KM northeast of Cowra) areas. At Woodstock, don’t forget to check out the historic buildings offering a glimpse of a time gone by. Then from there follow Reg Hailstone Way for 22 KM, then turn left onto Elliott’s Lookout Road for 1 KM. You will be delighted by the breathtaking panoramic views of Wyangala Dam. When at its full capacity, the dam is 2 1/2 times the size of Sydney Harbour! Another interesting stop before you head back home or stay overnight at Holiday Park.
4. Cowra – Watamondara – Morongla
Okay, so you can take another detour from Cowra to check out gorgeous Canola fields. This route offers wide-open spaces and spectacular fields of not only Canola but also wheat, barley, and lucerne. All of which makes it the iconic countryside photo backdrop for any Instagram or wallpaper.
It is recommended that you head south along the Olympic Highway for 14km until you reach the village of Wattamondara. Then make your way through the picturesque countryside and turn left into Warrangong Road/Waddell Street, turn right over the old railway line, then right again, eventually turning left onto Morongla Road. Take the time to view the historic Wattamondara railway platform and silos (another great photo opportunity!) Lachlan Valley, Lachlan river and Quarry Restaurant & Cellar Door are also worth stopping by.
5. Boorowa, Harden, and Young
Last but not least another canola fields NSW has to offer is between Boorowa, Harden, and Young. There are no hints to tell you exactly which fields will allow access, so the advice is to drive up or walking up to the farm owner for permission. Usually, they will be busy but if you ask nicely it should work as they tend to be welcoming and enjoy visitors.
The Canola fields in Harden are the most popular and located just 30 minutes from Young and 90 minutes from Canberra. Harden and Murrumburrah are the two twin towns that are must-see along the way too. The self-drive Hilltops trails will lead you through stunning landscapes via pretty heritage towns packed with local food and wine including stone fruits, olives, and fudge.
Some other canola fields NSW has to offer are around Cootamundra canola fields, Wagga Wagga and Merriwa. There were also some smaller fields on Braidwood Road in Bloom. Think somewhere before Lake Bathurst if I remember correctly.
Let me know in the comments –
- If you’ve had any questions or know of another canola fields NSW has to offer that should be added in this list.
- Check out the best travel gadgets 2021 has on offer
- Sydney itinerary 5 days is here.
- 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful.
- Read best day trips from Sydney by train
- Check out how you can explore Adelaide South Australia the best way.
- Heading to iconic Alice Springs for that unique Uluru trip?
- Here I share must do in Darwin, Australia.
- Solo travel guide to Brisbane (Insta worthy places included!)
- Heading to Melbourne next, check out Melbourne travel guide for first timers.
- Heading to Perth, read things to do in Perth
- Review of Captain Cook Cruises whale watching Sydney
- Next Stop? check out the most beautiful places in New Zealand South Island.
- Going to Vietnam after Australia? Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide.
- If you need to book accommodations for your next travels, get a $76 discount with Airbnb here.
- Alternatively, you can check hotel prices and book it through trusted Agoda, or Booking.com
- Read the most wanted travel resource here.
- If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest, but most importantly sign up to my e-mail list to keep up with updates and travel posts!
Those are so bright and beautiful! It would make a fun day to take a trip out there. I think Cowra would be my first choice!
I haven’t been in any Canola fields yet in New South Wales! I always want to have a photo. Can’t wait after pandemic!
wow I simply love the little yellow flowers, seems like a beautiful place for a day out especially for family picnics or solo adventures. I can’t wait to go once I could get out of VIC!
Wondering what are the months/season we will be expecting to see it please?
Hi Rosa, there is generally a 4-8 week window usually around September – October in which the canola crops are in full bloom with bright yellow flowers.
Hi
We are only free to visit these fields in the middle of Oct 2022. Wonder during this time if the flowers are still there and attractive ? Thank you.
Hi Hooi,
Usually, these flowers bloom in spring, generally from late August to October so the middle of Oct should be alright. Have fun!
This is amazing article. Also, any information on where to book for the canola field tour etc.
Thanks