It’s that time of year again – when fields across Victoria are set ablaze with canola crops coming into full bloom. This year’s canola trip saw me head up to Northern Victoria and the countryside around Dookie. I visited in late September, which was probably a little too late as most of the canola had started to go to seed. The peak time for canola in this part of Victoria would have been mid-September.
The route starts in Shepparton and involves a large loop ending just before Devenish (which is after Dookie). All up it will probably take about 2 hours, not including time out to enjoy the scenery.
Managed to catch this scene off the side of the Midland Highway on my way to checking in to the hotel in Shepparton. As you can see, this particular field was in full bloom.
A big canola field out just past Dookie – driving down these quiet country lanes certainly reminded me of wandering around Provence in lavender season – definitely not a bad thing!
As you can see, the canola in the foreground has already started to go to seed. Catching this field at its peak would really have been an amazing sight.
This particular shot was taken facing west, into the setting sun. Getting there for sunrise would probably have provided more ideal lighting conditions.
Nothing like a great sunset to cap off a day wandering around the countryside.
If I’m not mistaken this was taken of McCormack’s Road near Dookie. When you’re in Dookie don’t forget to check out the Dookie Emporium, which sells all kinds of interesting curios and also has a small cafe attached. If you feel like a glass of wine, check out Tallis Winery (about 5-10 minutes past Dookie). It has some stunning views over the surrounding plains.
A lone tree in a sea of canola.
Another lone tree in a sea of canola. This one was taken on the Dookie Rail Trail (i.e. bike trail) which cuts through the heart of numerous canola fields and enjoys an elevated position over the fields. It’s a great way of enjoying the fields as opposed to screaming past them at 60 km/h in a car.
In summary, make sure to visit Dookie in spring – it’s amazing!