The Canola Fields in Cootamundra NSW Are Bloomin’ Gorgeous

Searching for canola fields in NSW? Making the four-hour drive from Sydney to witness the iconic Cootamundra canola fields in full bloom, turning the paddocks a vibrant fluorescent yellow, should definitely be on your bucket list!

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

About NSW Canola Fields

The blindingly bright canola fields across southern NSW bloom every year around the start of spring, mostly throughout September, and they light up the countryside like no other time of year. 

Safety note: Please don’t enter the canola fields. You risk trampling the fields and ruining the crop, ingesting pesticide, or carrying pests on your shoes into the crop.

Exploring Cootamundra’s Canola Fields

Cootamundra is a charming country town nestled in the heart of New South Wales, renowned for its breathtaking canola fields that burst into bloom each spring. As the season unfolds, the town is slowly surrounded by the bright yellow flowers.

The golden fields, with their bright yellow petals swaying gently in the breeze, is nothing short of stunning. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply appreciate natural beauty, the canola fields in Cootamundra offer a visual feast that is sure to leave you in awe.

Is visiting a canola field on your bucket list? It should be!

NSW Canola Fields History

Canola was first grown commercially in Australia in 1969 and the country is now the world’s second-largest exporter of canola seed.

Canola Season Tours in Cootamundra

The canola season in Cootamundra typically spans from August to October, with the peak blooming period usually occurring in September.

Visitors have the option to embark on a self-guided canola tour, allowing them to explore at their own pace, or join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the canola crops. Whichever option you choose, the experience of witnessing the canola fields in full bloom is truly unforgettable.

Seeing canola from above is also an option! | Shot by Cowra Tourism

Best Time to Visit Cootamundra

For those planning a trip to Cootamundra’s canola trail, the best time to visit is during the peak blooming period in September. However, the fields are generally in bloom from August to October, providing a generous window for visitors to experience their beauty.

To capture a canola field at its most vibrant, consider visiting during the golden hour, just before sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the landscape. This is the perfect time for photography enthusiasts to snap some truly stunning shots of the canola fields.

How to Get to Cootamundra Canola Fields

Sydney to Cootamundra is around a four-hour drive.

Head out of Sydney down the Hume Highway and turn off at Jugiong.

The canola fields are located on Old Gundagai Road, and Rosehill and Jugiong Roads near Cootamundra.

If you’re heading to Cootamundra from the western side of NSW, consider taking the scenic route along the Mid Western Highway.

Bikepacking the Central West Cycling Trail enjoying views of stunning canola along the way | Shot by Patrick Tangye

Where to Stay in Cootamundra

Cootamundra Caravan Park

For cheap, easy and kid-friendly accomodation, Cootamundra Caravan Park is the way to go. It has deluxe cabins, powered and unpowered campsite. It’s also pet friendly so you can bring your pooch too!

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Cootamundra Heritage Hotel

Situated right next to a country club and gulf course, this heritage listed building offers the ultimate deluxe stay. Treat yourself and relax in the Kind Spa Suite

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Woodies Cottage

For a self-contained, country chic cottage vibe, Woodies is the way to go. Located in central Cootamundra, the cottage is fully furnished, has four bedrooms and accommodates up to nine people.

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Where to Eat in Cootamundra

The Central Hotel

For classic pub style food, check out the central hotel. Equipped with indoor and outdoor seating and offering everything from steak and chips to vegetarian pasta.

Maxim’s Chinese Restaurant

Every country town has one and this one’s a ripper. Offering classic Chinese dishes and impeccable service.

Bah Bah Food & Wine

For something a little bit fancier, Bah Bah Food & Wine is the way to go, showcasing the beautiful produce of the region!

Skill Level

Beginner

What It’s Like to Visit Cootamundra Canola Fields

Visiting the Central West and southern areas of NSW during the start of spring is an absolute delight. If you’ve never witnessed the fluorescent yellow canola in person, you may think your eyes (or even the farmers) are playing tricks on you. But this is all real, baby! 

Rolling hills of green pastures are suddenly contrasted by a bold line of yellow, with some paddocks making a patchwork effect or leaving gaps in the crop for towering gums to pockmark the countryside. Start counting now how many times you say, ‘Wow!’.

If you’ve got some spare cash to throw around, viewing the canola fields from a hot air balloon or on a scenic flight offers next level views of places like the Fields of Gold and Wyangala Dam.

We can’t guarantee the flowers will be blooming, so do your research before you go!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Flying overhead you’re likely to see planes spraying the fields. Crop dusting refers to dropping actual dust on crops, so the pilots generally prefer the term ‘aerial application’ or ‘ag application’.

Regardless, these guys are really well trained and watching them in action from a distance is quite a spectacle. However, I suggest you stand back as the chemicals they drop are quite toxic and shouldn’t be breathed in!

Essential Gear

• Hat
• Camera
• Enclosed shoes
• Water
• Snacks

Canola Field Safety and Etiquette

When visiting Cootamundra’s canola fields, it’s essential to respect the farmers’ property and adhere to basic safety and etiquette guidelines. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the fields while preserving the integrity of the crops.

Respecting Farmers’ Property

The canola fields in Cootamundra are situated on private property, and visitors are kindly asked to respect the farmers’ land and crops. This means staying on designated paths, refraining from entering the fields, and avoiding any actions that could damage the crops. Additionally, it’s important to keep vehicles on designated roads and not drive onto the fields.

From germination to seed production, the life cycle of a canola plant takes about 3.5 months, depending on temperature, moisture, sunlight and soil fertility. There’s a lot of factors involved and you don’t want to be the guy that ruins it.

Visitors should also be mindful of biosecurity risks by not bringing any plant material or pests onto the fields. This helps protect the canola crops and ensures a successful harvest. By following these simple guidelines, visitors can help preserve the beauty and integrity of Cootamundra’s canola fields, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Tips For Visiting NSW Canola Fields

• Don’t enter the canola fields – this is private property and someone’s livelihood. Admire from a safe roadside zone or the car as you drive past
• Canola fields can be found in regions across southern NSW, so if you’re visiting somewhere where there’s lots of other people, go for a drive and find a quieter spot, there are plenty around
• Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! 
• Make a road trip out of it and stop in at all the country towns along the way

NSW Canola Fields FAQs

Where are NSW canola fields located?

You can find canola fields across country NSW around towns like Young, Boorowoa, Temora, Harden, Cootamundra, Cowra, and Canowindra.

How do you get to NSW canola fields?

Take the Hume Highway out of Sydney and continue for a few hours until you reach the turn-off for either Boorowa, Harden, or Cootamundra. You’ll find canola fields sprawled along the back roads between all of these towns. 

When are the NSW canola fields open?

The canola is in bloom around the start of spring each year, however that doesn’t mean the fields are open for the public to come in.

Find More Fields of Gold

• Cowra’s Canola Fields are Starting to Bloom – This is the Best Way to See Them
• York Canola Fields Are Just 1.5 Hours From Perth
• 9 Places to Find Wildflowers Near Sydney (and Around NSW)
• Muogamarra Nature Reserve – Family Day Trip to Sydney’s Exclusive Wildflower Park