South Australia’s first-ever and only Sunflower Festival is happening again this week at the picturesque Shimmering Pines Farm, located in the charming gateway to the Clare Valley. After a successful festival over the past two years since its launch in 2021, visitors are invited again to witness the beauty of the blooming season, with rows upon rows of sunflowers guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day.
Kicking off last Monday and running this week until this Sunday, the 17th of December, this family-owned farm transforms into a golden paradise, offering an idyllic escape to enjoy South Australia’s summer sunshine in a sea of sunflower beauty.
Owned and operated by Jane and Simon Hogan, Shimmering Pines Farm has a deep passion for gardening and flowers, and the team have nurtured this love into a flourishing festival, drawing visitors from all over to experience the farm’s beauty.
‘South Australia’s first Sunflower Festival in 2021 was very successful!’, said Jane. ‘Visitors came from all over the state to enjoy the experience.’
The highlight of the Sunflower Festival is the ‘Pick Your Own Mini Sunflowers’ event, where visitors of all ages can select their own sunflowers to take home. Adults can pick five stems for $15, children aged 5 to 14 can gather two stems for just $5, and babies and toddlers can join in for free, making it an affordable and fun family outing.
Catering to its audience, Shimmering Pines Farm will also offer professional private mini-photo shoots for visitors—a perfect addition to anyone’s Instagram feed or last-minute Chrissy present for family or loved ones.
Image credit: Jarred Walker.
Visitors to the farm can also enjoy live music, delicious food, and the stunning sunset, making the most of the warm December weather, and experience watercolours in the field workshops and the sunflower market, where they can purchase their own Little Box of Sunshine—complete with sunflower seeds and gardening tips for you to grow your own at home.
Bought in 2014 and located at the gateway to the Clare Valley region, Shimmering Pines Farm glows in hues of yellow, orange, and green and invites visitors to frolic and pose in the sea of flowers. The rural property and stunning sunflower field can also be an attractive venue for events and weddings.
The property hall features 360-degree views and an in-built bar, providing a unique setting for any special occasion, however, if you’re envisioning an event with sunflowers as your backdrop, keep in mind that the sunflower blooming season only occurs within a small window.
While Shimmering Pines Farm is open year-round, the Sunflower Festival is a special event celebrating the brief blooming season.
Remember to bring your own buckets and snips, and dress in comfortable, farm-friendly attire, like gumboots, and those with allergies shouldn’t forget their medication.
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity this week and want to escape the city and avoid the Christmas shopping frenzy, head north to the Clare Valley and enjoy nature’s beauty at the Shimmering Pines Farm.
Whether you’re picking flowers, enjoying a photo shoot, or simply basking in the farm’s serene atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at this delightful festival.
What: Shimmering Pines Farm Sunflower Festival 2023.
Where: 443 Finnis Point Rd, Tarlee, SA 5411.
When: Monday 11th December to Sunday 17th of December from 10 am.
To book your tickets and for further info, click here.
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