Exploring Queensland’s sunflower fields with your dog and take the best photos
As a pet photographer, I’ve explored some of Queensland’s best sunflower fields with lots of different dogs, from Great Danes to tiny Dachshunds who disappear between the flowers and here’s our guide to visiting sunflower fields with your dogs and how to get the best photos! If you’re planning a sunflower adventure with your dog this season, here’s our guide to where to go and what to bring.
WHERE TO GO:
Sunflower on Kents - Located in Kalbar in the Scenic Rim, Sunflowers On Kents is one of the most popular sunflower locations in Queensland. This is a smaller, family run Sunflower farm and is a lot quieter than the others I have been to. (Best to avoid holidays such as mothers day and easter if you want to avoid crowds). Open almost all year round - check out their social media for weekly updates.
Kalbar Sunflower Festival - Only open for one weekend of the year. If you’re after a full day experience, the Kalbar Sunflower Festival is worth the trip. Alongside the sunflower fields, you’ll usually find market stalls, food trucks, live music, and plenty of photo opportunities. It is a very busy event, best suited for the social butterfly, confident dogs.
Warraba Sunflowers is another beautiful farm that is open on different seasons, check their social media for updates of when they open. They have different fields open, so if you find one of them busy you can go further down and find your own spot.
WHAT TO BRING
If you are visiting the Sunflower fields you are most likely visiting in the warmer QLD weather.
Here’s a list of things to pack for your Sunflower adventure with your dogs.
Water bowl/water bottle
A lead - all Sunflower farms require your dogs to stay on lead
Treats - the best way to get those beautiful photos of your dogs!
Poop bags
Towel - the fields can get super muddy! Have a towel in the car to clean those muddy paws for the drive home
Gum boots/Waterproof Shoes - The fields can get muddy! Wear shoes that are easy to clean
Hat and sunscreen- You’ll forget about the time whilst you explore the fields of sunflowers and easily get burnt
Secaterus - bring your own! Most farms will allow you to pick a certain number of Sunflowers to take home that is included in your ticket price.
TIPS FOR VISITING WITH YOUR DOGS
Pick the Sunflower field location that best suits your dogs personality. Pick smaller, quieter farms for the shy, nervous dogs.
Visit during sunrise or golden hour for cooler weather and softer lighting
Avoid extremely hot days
Keep dogs out of flower rows where requested
Monitor your dogs and ensure they are not eating anything off the ground.
Watch for bees if your dog loves sniffing flowers - there will be lots of bee’s busy working
Be respectful of private property and farm rules
Take your time and let your dog enjoy the experience
Keep your dogs on lead!
Tips for taking the best photos
Bring accessories - we brought these stunning sunflower bandanas from Byron and Co - use our code COURTRAITS for a discount. Here’s the link
Use the haybales! Most farms have Haybales around the farm for the perfect photo opportunity!
Get down to your dogs level!
Cut some sunflowers and hold them in the photo (If the farm allows you to cut them)
Aim to arrive first thing in the morning or late afternoon for the best lightning
Have a look at some of our photos below for some cute poses to do with your dogs!
