Tag:hot air balloon

Soaring High: Canowindra, Canola and Ballooning Magic

Nestled in the rolling hills of New South Wales, Canowindra is a charming town that offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Canowindra is an excellent destination at any time of year, but visiting during the canola season (typically between August and September) provides a particularly magical experience. The landscape transforms into a sea of vibrant yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for exploring this quaint town. This guide will take you through the highlights of travelling to Canowindra during canola season, from the golden fields to the town’s historical and cultural attractions.

The Golden Fields of Canowindra

During canola season, one of the most breathtaking aspects of visiting Canowindra is the vast fields of blooming canola. The bright yellow flowers create a striking contrast against the green countryside and clear blue skies, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Canowindra Cargo Road
Canowindra Cargo Road
Best Spots for Viewing Canola Fields

To fully appreciate the beauty of the canola fields, take a scenic drive along the country roads surrounding Canowindra. Some of the best spots for viewing and photographing the fields include:

  • Belubula Way: This scenic route offers panoramic countryside views and expansive canola fields. The rolling hills covered in bright yellow blooms create a picturesque scene that’s perfect for photography.
  • Gaskill Street: While mainly known for its historical buildings, the outskirts of Gaskill Street lead to beautiful rural landscapes with canola fields in full bloom.
  • Cargo Road: A popular route for wine enthusiasts, Cargo Road also passes through stunning canola fields. Combining a wine tour with canola viewing makes for a delightful day trip.
Canowindra Cargo Road
Canowindra Cargo Road
Photography Tips

To capture the best photos of the canola fields, consider the following tips:

  • Golden Hour: The soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset enhances the yellow hues of the canola flowers, creating stunning images.
  • Drones: If you have a drone, use it to capture aerial shots of the canola fields. The bird’s-eye view provides a unique perspective of the landscape.
  • Foreground Interest: To add depth and interest to your photos, include fences, old barns, or trees in the foreground.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out. A clear, sunny day will make the canola fields look their best, while cloudy skies can add drama to your shots.
Historical and Cultural Attractions

While the canola fields are a highlight, Canowindra is rich in history and culture and offers plenty of attractions to explore.

Ballooning Over Canowindra

Canowindra is renowned as the “Ballooning Capital of Australia,” and experiencing a hot air balloon flight over the canola fields is an unforgettable adventure. The sight of the golden fields from above, stretching as far as the eye can see, is truly breathtaking. We took a sunrise flight with Balloon Joy Flights during our visit. Balloon flights provide a unique perspective of the landscape. Flights typically occur at sunrise or sunset, when the winds are calm, and the light is perfect for viewing the canola fields. Booking your flight in advance is recommended, as canola season is a popular time for ballooning in Canowindra.

canowindra canola
Ballooning over Canowindra
What to Expect

A typical balloon flight lasts about an hour, but the entire experience, including setting up and packing away the balloon, can take three to four hours. Participants usually meet before dawn, and after a safety briefing, they watch as the balloon is inflated. Once airborne, you’ll drift gently over the countryside, with the pilot pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts about the area. Upon landing, a traditional champagne breakfast rounded off our experience in style.

Local Wineries and Dining

Canowindra is in a burgeoning wine region known for its boutique wineries and exceptional local produce. During canola season, the vineyards are surrounded by yellow blooms, creating a stunning setting for wine tasting and dining.

Wineries to Visit
  • Rosnay Organic Wines: This family-owned vineyard produces organic wines, olives, and figs. The cellar door offers tastings and tours.
  • Windowrie Estate: Known for its award-winning wines, Windowrie Estate provides a charming cellar-door experience. The picturesque vineyard makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
  • Wallington Wines: Specializing in handcrafted wines, Wallington Wines offers personalized tastings in a beautiful rural setting. The vineyard’s focus on quality and sustainability is evident in every sip.
canowindra canola
Dining in Canowindra

Canowindra’s culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its agricultural bounty. Many of the town’s restaurants and cafes emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their menus.

  • Finns Store: Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, Finns Store offers contemporary Australian cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
  • Taste Canowindra: Combining a restaurant, wine bar, and art gallery, Taste Canowindra provides a unique dining experience. Enjoy gourmet dishes paired with local wines while surrounded by works of art.
  • The Old Vic Inn: This historic pub offers a cosy atmosphere and a menu featuring hearty, classic dishes made with local produce. It’s an excellent place for a casual meal and a drink.
Exploring the Outdoors

Beyond the canola fields, Canowindra offers plenty of outdoor activities and exploration opportunities.

Bushwalking and Wildlife

The Canowindra Nature Reserve is a popular spot for bushwalking, with trails that wind through woodlands, along riverbanks, and up gentle hills. The reserve has various wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous bird species. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Lachlan River provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers can try to catch Murray cod, golden perch, and other freshwater species. The river’s peaceful surroundings make it an excellent place for a relaxing day on the water.

Accommodation Options

Canowindra offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from charming bed and breakfasts to self-contained cottages and historic inns.

Canowindra's main Street, 5.30 am
Canowindra’s Main Street, 5.30 am
Bed and Breakfasts

For a cosy and personalized experience, consider staying at one of Canowindra’s bed and breakfasts. Some popular choices include:

  • The Old Vic Inn: We stayed here and found it fabulous. This historic inn offers comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a central location. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast and explore the town’s attractions on foot.
  • Gaskill Street Cottage: A charming, self-contained cottage in the heart of Canowindra. The cottage offers all the comforts of home and a peaceful garden setting.
  • Montrose House is a beautifully restored heritage home offering elegant rooms and a warm welcome. It is known for its exceptional hospitality and delicious breakfasts.
Old Vic Inn 5.30 am - heading to our balloon flight
Old Vic Inn 5.30 am – heading to our balloon flight
Farm Stays

For a unique and immersive experience, consider staying at a farm stay. These accommodations allow you to experience rural life and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.

  • Rosnay Organic Wines: In addition to its vineyard, Rosnay offers farm stay accommodation in a cosy, self-contained cottage. Guests can enjoy farm tours, wine tastings, and peaceful surroundings.
  • Eddy’s of Canowindra is a working farm offering comfortable accommodations and a chance to experience farm life. Guests can participate in farm activities and explore the beautiful property.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit

Canola season, typically from August to September, is the best time to visit Canowindra to see the fields in full bloom. The weather is mild, and the countryside is most beautiful during these months.

canowindra canola Sunrise balloon flight
Sunrise balloon flight
Getting There

Canowindra is approximately 300 kilometres west of Sydney, making it a manageable drive for a weekend getaway. The town is also accessible by public transport, with train and bus services connecting it to major cities and regional centres.

Local Tips
  • Respect the Fields: While the canola fields are beautiful, they are also working farms. Be respectful of private property and stick to designated viewing areas.
  • Dress Appropriately: The weather can be cool in the early morning and evening, so bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Bring a Camera: The vibrant canola fields and picturesque landscapes provide plenty of photo opportunities.
canowindra canola

Visiting Canowindra during canola season is a truly magical experience. The golden fields, the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community create a perfect destination for a memorable getaway. Whether exploring the scenic countryside, floating above the landscape in a hot air balloon, or savouring the flavours of local wines and cuisine, Canowindra offers a unique and enchanting travel experience. So pack your bags, set out on a golden journey, and discover the beauty and charm of Canowindra in canola season.

© Bevlea Ross