If you’re looking for that perfect Instagram picture, your next date night, or an outing for the family, look no further than the Majura Valley Farms Sunflower Maze.
Nestled off Majura Road is a quaint little farm putting on a spectacular show of colour and nature. For 16 days, the family run farm opened its paddock to visitors for this one of a kind experience.
As soon as you exit the main road onto a dirt track, you notice a blazing yellow hue in the paddock to your left. After a quick walk from the carpark and a lovely greeting at the gate, you emerge into a golden sea of sunflowers.
To begin with, you’re met with the option of browsing the Majura Valley Farm Gate Shop, or wandering through the sunflower maze. I opted to explore the maze first.
The term ‘maze’ is used to describe the paths cut in the sunflowers. However, if you’re looking for a traditional hedge maze that challenges visitors, then you may be disappointed.
Upon entering the maze, I wandered up and down the rows of sunflowers at my leisure. Aiming to find the perfect spot for a photo, I was overwhelmed by the number of potential options.
The rest of Canberra appeared to have the same idea as me. Golden hour emphasised the beauty of the event, with the sunflowers illuminated by the early evening light. Despite the crowd, it was hard to find a bad spot to take a photo.
The tranquility of the maze was only broken by the occasional roar of an aeroplane from above, or the excited squeals of children exploring.
The back of the maze displayed signs detailing the regenerative techniques the farm uses, and explaining how it utilises the local bee populations. The bees enjoyed the sunflowers as much as the visitors, occupying every second flower.
After a relaxed wander, I found myself at the back of the maze where I was greeted with a variety of games. Giant chess, corn hole, Connect Four, and Jenga ensured there was an option for everyone.
After a couple games of corn hole I went perusing the farm shop for a drink and a sweet treat. My wishes were granted, as I was met with a selection of cakes, slices, and brownies. Better yet, they were two for one on weekdays!
Knowing it would be rude not to use this deal, I opted for a brownie and a caramel slice, as well as a local beer for good measure. I found a cosy table under the marquee looking out at the sunflowers.
After refuelling, I browsed the local products in the farm shop. The shop contained goodies including local coffees, jams, and chutneys, as well as crocheted sunflowers and postcards. The shop table also had the award winning Majura Valley farm eggs available for purchase.
My last stop was the ‘pick your own sunflower’ field. Disappointingly, most of the great sunflowers had already been picked by previous visitors.
This was probably for the best, as my success rate for keeping plants alive is zero percent. However, for those more horticulturally skilled, the large selection of younger sunflowers available had the potential to bloom into life.
I stayed with the sunflowers as long as the sun did, leaving as dusk began to settle. I embraced the beauty of the fields one final time, intent on returning next year.
Photos by James Whybrow