After some dark days during the pandemic, the sun is finally out in Timmering in northern Victoria, where one million sunflowers dance in full bloom.
Adam and Claira Whipp usually harvest the flowers for oil or cattle feed, but the dairy farmers have become a social media sensation, with Instagram enthusiasts and young families travelling from far and wide to see their golden crop.
The couple decided to open their farm to the public last year after seeing Victorians endure months of tough lockdowns.
"They're beautiful, and it's just a bit of fun," Mr Whipp said.
One million to choose from
With secateurs or a camera in hand, visitors from all over the state have one million sunflowers to choose from.
"People spend three hours in the sunflowers, taking drone footage, having picnics," Mr Whip said.
"We have to chase them out at 12pm when we want to shut the gate."
Mr Whipp said it was not difficult to pick out those visiting from the city.
'Beauty doesn't usually get seen'
Claira Whipp said it was gratifying to see people really enjoy themselves while learning about the farm.
"The beauty doesn't usually get seen, we've kept the paddocks to ourselves for years," Ms Whipp said.
"It's great to be able to educate people."
Local Greta Zegelin visited the farm with her best friend, and enjoyed spending a day in the sunshine getting the perfect shot.
"I even colour coordinated with flowers."
Kyabram resident Bronwyn Faisst came along to pick flowers for her mother who passed away last year.
"I thought these would look lovely on her grave," Mr Faisst said.
"It's just so nice to get out into nature and look at these flowers."
Life on the land tough
The move to sunflower farming was a big change for the Whipp family.
Drought conditions and failed canola crops three years ago, made life on the land tough.
"You wouldn't have been standing in a paddock of sunflowers and it wouldn't have been green.
"It's a great day here."
