If you are planning to travel from Perth towards the Great Southern in late winter and early spring, consider this an essential guide to seeing the canola fields. From around Arthur River and Kojonup, through Cranbrook and towards the Stirling Range, flashes of yellow burst to life with each passing kilometre.
At first, they might be little more than a streak of colour in the distance. Then another appears. Soon, brilliant fields of canola unfold beside the road, their golden flowers glowing against the surrounding countryside.
Canola season is a beautiful addition to a Great Southern road trip, but these fields are more than a photo opportunity. They are chance to discover the rich agricultural history of the region.
So, when should you go? Where might you see them? And how can you enjoy them while respecting the land and the people who work it?
Here’s a guide to experiencing the Great Southern when the countryside turns gold.
What is Canola?
From a distance, canola can look like an enormous field of yellow wildflowers. But these tiny blooms are part of an important agricultural crop grown by farmers across the South West.
Unlike a garden flower planted for its beauty, canola is grown for the tiny seeds that develop after flowering. Once harvested, those seeds are crushed to produce canola oil, while the remaining meal can then be used as a protein-rich feed for livestock.
When can I see the canola?
Across the South West, canola generally begins flowering from late winter into spring. August and September offer some of the best opportunities to see those unmistakable yellow paddocks.
Exactly when they bloom can change from year to year though, depending on where the crop is growing, when it was planted, and the weather and soil conditions that season.
Where can I see the canola?
There isn’t one particular canola field or lookout to type into your maps. The beauty is in the drive.
Across the South West, canola is grown throughout many agricultural areas. In particular, the towns such as Arthur River, Kojonup, Cranbrook, and eastwards towards the Fitzgerald River National Park.
How can I admire the canola?
When you see a field of canola stretching towards the horizon, it’s easy to understand the temptation to pull over, step between the flowers, and capture that perfect photo.
But as beautiful as they are, these golden paddocks aren’t tourist attractions. They’re working farms, and every plant is part of a farmer’s livelihood. Walking into a canola crop without permission can damage the plants, disturb farming operations, and potentially introduce weeds, pests, or diseases.
The good thing is though from the comfort of the car, you can watch ribbons of yellow appear and disappear through the countryside. And if you do want to stop for a photo, find somewhere you can pull completely and safely off the road without entering private property.
How about seeing the canola differently?
If admiring the canola fields through the car window leaves you wanting a little more, there’s another way to take in the colours.
On a clear day, consider making the climb up Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Range National Park or the Granite Skywalk in the Porongurups. The walk to the summit is an adventure in itself. As you climb higher, the landscape slowly unfolds around you, until the roads, farms, and paddocks below become part of a much bigger picture.
During canola season, the agricultural country surrounding the ranges can take on a patchwork appearance. Deep greens, earthy browns and flashes of unmistakable yellow stretch across the landscape in the distance.
The climbs can be challenging, so come prepared, check the weather and conditions before setting out, and give yourself plenty of time.
Where to stay when canola hunting?
Staying locally gives you the chance to admire the region and its bloom without restraints. Wake to cool country air, take the back roads after breakfast and spend the day exploring without feeling like you need to be somewhere else.
Around the Stirling Range, The Lily Stirling Range and Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park put you close to the mountains and surrounding farming country.
You could also make Mount Barker or Porongurup your base. Both being within reach of the surrounding countryside, with plenty more to discover beyond the canola. Make a long weekend out of it and discover the local produce, wineries, and those wonderfully quiet stretches of South West road.
