Cornella Canola Walk combines flower fields and local brews

There’s nothing more freeing than frolicking through a field of flowers, and this official walk makes it easy to do so.

We’re slowly emerging from the depths of a particularly cold winter, and it’s time to reignite our excitement about the wonders of spring: baby animals, warmer weather and flowers galore. Sprawling fields around Victoria and Canberra will soon be covered in a golden yellow blanket of canola flowers – some you can visit, and some that you can’t, without trespassing on private farms. So there’s no better place to start than the Cornella Canola Walk.

About an hour’s drive from Bendigo – or two hours from Melbourne – in the Heathcote region, you can wander through more than 40 hectares of canola fields surrounding Shiraz Republic and Cornella Brewery (handily, at the same location). This special track and viewing platform provides a full 360-degree view of the flowers, and drones are welcome. Along the way, you’ll find places to stop for your new profile picture, like a working piano and a rusted-out ute.

man walking on path through Cornella Canola Walk — Be sure to pack a camera for your walk. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

This is the only walk-through canola experience in the state, and it’s been designed to protect the crop while allowing revellers to soak in the landscape up close. So you can feel good about doing it for the ‘gram.

Like any good walk, the best part is a cold drink at the end of it (even when it’s relatively short and completely flat, like this one). So it’s great news you can end the trail with wine or beer and woodfired pizza at Shiraz Republic’s cellar door. Sit down in the rustic vineyard setting and even enjoy some live tunes on weekends.

table spread of pizza, wine and beer at shiraz rebulic — End the walk by treating your taste buds. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Want to really make a trip of it? Book a stay at Shiraz Republic’s single or double bedroom private units to wake up with golden views. Each is self-contained, fitted with a full kitchen, bathroom, living area and decking overlooking the vineyard.

This is a working farm, so while dogs on leashes are welcome, be sure to stay on the provided track. The Cornella Canola Walk is open from 29 August to 28 September, from 10am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per kid, or $30 for a family of two adults and kids.

man playing piano in the middle of Cornella Canola Walk — Stop for a moment by the piano. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Discover more floral delights at this cherry blossom festival or check out some more canola fields in New South Wales.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

This Vic walk through golden canola fields ends with beer and wine