Thousands flock to Victorian canola farm chasing social media snaps

Shiraz Republic, a farm in Cornella, central Victoria, is bucking the trend by welcoming visitors into its canola crops. What began as a simple idea to tap into the social media photo trend has exploded into one of Victoria's fastest-growing agritourism destinations. Last season alone, the farm attracted 20,000 visitors, a fourfold increase from initial expectations.

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700 people came [in 2022] and we thought that was pretty cool. Then each year it's just doubled and more than doubled.

Owner Brian Spencer explained that the "canola walk" started five years ago, with just 700 visitors in 2022. "Each year it's just doubled and more than doubled," he said. While farmers often warn the public to stay out of their crops due to safety and biosecurity risks, Shiraz Republic actively invites people to experience the vibrant yellow fields during springtime.

Visitors like Shashika and Sachana Samith traveled two hours from Melbourne, seeking an escape from urban noise. "We live in a quiet place with a small garden, but this is something completely different," Mr. Samith commented. He found the landscape "so natural and beautiful" and appreciated the "calm and peaceful" atmosphere, describing it as "mesmerising."

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We wanted to experience the countryside. We live in a quiet place with a small garden, but this is something completely different. Seeing this landscape covered in yellow flowers is so natural and beautiful.

Deanne Jeffers, from Shepparton, found the experience of walking through the crops "exciting," offering a sensory immersion beyond just seeing the fields from the roadside. Her friend Jim Sutherland agreed, noting the "smell, the earth under your feet, and a totally different perspective" compared to driving by. The farm also offers wine and beer sales, extending its existing agritourism offerings.

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Around where we live there are lots of restrictions because of a nearby helipad. Here we can fly legally by following the regulations and capture amazing footage.

Spencer expressed his amazement at the public's enthusiasm. "Overwhelmingly, there's this sense of just being part of a joyful experience for a lot of people," he remarked. The farm's success highlights a growing demand for unique, nature-based experiences that connect people with the land and offer a respite from busy city lives.

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We see canola from the roadside all the time, but being able to walk through it is exciting. For people from the city, it's a chance to immerse themselves in scenery they don't usually experience.