Allora sunflower crop a blooming draw for tourists
SUMMER is sunflower season on the Southern Downs and visitors are encouraged to get out and about to see the last blooms before autumn.
Phil and Lisa Crothers, along with Phil's father Jim, own the only currently flowering sunflower crops in the Allora district, having grown the flowers for almost 30 years.
The crop farming family has been in the district for decades and owns fields at Allora Racecourse, along Browns Rd at Willowvale, and at Loch Lomond.
"It's bizarre to me that they are so popular but Allora is well known for being on the Sunflower Route," Mr Crothers said.
"These sunflowers at Willowvale and Allora Racecourse are an Ausi Gold 62 black sunflower grown for oil seed, and we've got grey stripe for bird seed at Loch Lomond.
"The ones here will deteriorate in a week or so, that's just to do with when they're planted."
Destination Southern Downs agritourism co-ordinator Amy Walker said potential visitors often phoned the Warwick and Stanthorpe visitor information centre to ask about the bright blooms.
"They're one of the most popular attractions for the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region during the summer months," Mrs Walker said.
"The crop, when in full bloom, are a magnificent sight and we are lucky to have photographers flock to the region to shoot.
"Photographers should pack their camera and hit the road to the Allora Racecourse to catch the final days of this year's sunflower bloom."
