Return to Kalbar Sunflowers.

2.5.25

The fact that sunflowers were growing on the Darling Downs, west of Brisbane, first came to the attention of the Hungry Hikers in early 2021. Google told us there was a sunflower trail, but little more. On one excursion we managed by good luck, rather than good research, to find several impressive fields. A lot of driving  for a few minutes of enjoyment.

In that year, Scenic Rim lucerne farmers, Jenny and Russell Jenner, were struggling to  keep their crops alive during a very long drought. When Russell brought home a bunch of sunflowers for Jenny, a light bulb moment occurred. Sunflowers don't need much water to grow and they look spectacular. The first festival was held in late 2021 and the event is now so popular that tickets can only be bought on-line. The moment they are released they are rapidly purchased. This year there were 12 000 visitors over three days.

My friend Jocelyn and I visited in April 2022. A sunny day, but the drought had been broken and the black soil after the rain clung to everyone's shoes. We were impressed not only with the spectacular fields of sunflowers but also total organisation of the event - food trucks, craft stalls, cut your own sunflowers, devonshire tea marque, yoga in the sunflowers at dawn, paths through the sunflowers,  a maze, art classes. Our cameras clicked endlessly.

Two weeks ago Joc, her two sisters and myself arrived at the farm for our 8.30 arrival time slot. It was a perfect sunny day, unlike the weather of the past week. We were greeted by friendly volunteers helping with parking. Had we needed it, sunflower decorated buggies would have transported us to the entrance. Later on we discovered that these buggies were taking people with disabilities through the fields. Just one of the extraordinary number of innovations since our previous visit. As you know, Hungry Hikers love to pose and wherever we walked, there was a new prop to use amongst the glorious, gold, shimmering sunflowers. [Marlene, Joc's youngest sister was the only non HH'er.]

Arrival.

The flowers - a sea of vibrant, golden hue, that constantly took my breath away.

In the middle of the maze we discovered Gaiter Girl Rachel, partner Marg and their 3 very photogenic Yorkies.

Beautiful quotes dotted the fields.

When we booked our tickets, we also booked a 9.30 timeslot for Devonshire Tea.

Refreshed, it was time to explore and discover all the clever props for posing. Being the first day, a Friday and an early start, it wasn't too difficult to snap photos without extras.

Al fresco dining.

Scarecrows

Zinnias, Cosmos, Sunflowers and a cubby house.

Bicyles

Bath tubs

A scarey maze.

Tractors

A last stroll.

Sunflowers to take home.

Just the best morning amongst these stunning blooms.

Farewell Kalbar until another year.

Russel Jenner passed away from cancer in 2023. 

This year Jenny's endeavours to honour Russell have raised an amazing $160 000, providing funds for a Cancer Care Coordinator at a nearby regional Mater Hospital, along with a Cuddle Bed for this hospital plus 2 more. 

Below is a link to Jenny's ethos for continuing this annual event.

https://kalbarsunflowers.com.au/about-festival

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