Visiting the Canola Fields in York

The canola fields near Perth usually bloom around August each year. It makes for an incredible sight whilst driving to see the rolling paddocks of endless gold. While there are no canola fields in Perth, they are just a scenic drive away in the quaint town of York. Read on for all you need to know about visiting the canola fields in York.

2023 Update: This blog was originally published in May 2021, and updated in September 2023

What is Canola?

Canola, also known as rapeseed, is grown for its seed which is crushed into an oil. The oil is used for a variety of industrial purposes, including environmentally friendly biodiesel and food use as a vegetable oil.

It is cropped once a year, so you have to make sure you time your visit to see the blooms.

Where to See Canola Fields Perth?

The best place to see canola flowers in Perth is take a trip to see the canola fields in York.

The small historic town of York is about 1.5 hours drive east of Perth. The drive is very scenic, with rolling fields of farmland along the way.  You will see a lot of canola fields on the drive on the way to York.

There are also a few wildflower hotspots near York which usually bloom the same time as the canola.

For more information and locations, check out my detailed Western Australia wildflower guide.

The three golden rules of visiting the canola fields York are to;
1. Park vehicles safely
2. Stay out of crops
3. Respect private properties

Please note that the roadside canola flower fields can be viewed from the fence line, but it is illegal to enter a farmers field without their permission.

Also keep in mind that the fields are working farmland, and entering it can contaminate and destroy the canola crop.

Unfortunately there have been a few articles over the years about farmers fields being trampled by visitors so please respect the farmers livelihood.

Where to Get a Photo in the York Canola Fields?

The best place to take photos in a canola field near Perth is at PetTeet Park York. This is a local, family-run business based just out of York that run a canola farm for tourism purposes.

Petteet Park purpose-planted canola field

PetTeet Park have a purpose planted canola field to walk in and take as many photos in as you like! Best of all, the canola is not sprayed with any nasty pesticides.

York canola field 2023 update:
I spoke to the owners and PetTeet Park is opening on weekends beginning August 19 and 20.
The last weekend to see the canola is September 23 and 24 this year. Stay up to date on the PetTeet Park Facebook page.

Generally the canola flowering season is from mid August to mid-end September.

There is no need to book at Petteet Park, just turn up at the farm on weekends during opening hours. Petteet Park are open on weekends from 10-4pm during the canola season only.

Entry fees for Petteet Park for the 2023 canola season are:

• $10 per child/ concession with card shown
• $15 per adult
• $40 family pass (up to 3 adults and 4 kids)
• Free for under 5-years-old

Included in the entry cost is a petting area, a playground and other farm animals. This is a great trip for the whole family. In 2022 they have added a pop-up cafe on the farm too.

Tips for Taking Photos in the Canola

Some of my ideas for taking insta-worthy canola field shots;

• Framing the shot: try framing the camera behind the canola
• Different angles: take shots from lower perspectives in the field to get more depth as well as higher angles to get more of the field in the photo
• Plan your outfit: consider wearing something that contrasts with the yellow – blue is on the opposite side of the colour wheel for example. White also tends to stand out amongst on the bright golden yellow.
• Aerial photos: if you have a drone this makes for amazing photo opportunities. If you are too high it can be difficult to capture the fields from a “top down” angle, these shots work better from an angle instead of directly over the top.

PetTeet Park in York is the only place where you can legally take photos in the field. For a small fee you can take as many photos as you want without damaging a farmer’s crop – it’s a win win!

When is the Canola Season in York?

Canola begins flowering in August and into September, but flowering times can vary depending on the season and location. I recommend contacting the York visitor centre before your trip or keeping up to date on Facebook.

PetTeet Park is usually open to visitors from mid-August until mid-September.

• In 2023, PetTeet Park was open from 19 August until 24 September
• In 2022, PetTeet Park was open from 27 August until 25 September
• In 2021, PetTeet Park was open from mid August until 19 September
• In 2020, PetTeet Park was open from mid August until 13 September

For up to date information on how the canola fields are looking and planned opening dates for the 2023 canola season, look up PetTeet Park on their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Other Things to Do in York

Make sure to stop in at York before or after your visit. This is one of my top day trips from Perth!

The Bakery is a great spot to grab some lunch. Located on the main street in York, you can walk down to the river at Avon Park to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Take a walk across the suspension bridge, admiring the views of the Avon River.

Before leaving York, make sure to stroll along the main street, Avon Terrace, to admire the historic buildings, including the iconic York Town Hall.

There are some cute Instagrammable places in York, such as the colourful doors at Honey and Fig Homewares and the beautiful Barclay Books bookshop.

Looking for more Instagrammable locations in Perth? Check out my 18 ideas on cute photo spots in Perth!

Another scenic spot is the Mount Brown lookout located just outside of town. Take a hike (or drive) to the top (7.5 km return) to be rewarded with panoramic scenic views over the rolling farmland of York.

You can detour past Northam on the way back to Perth to see the colourful silo art. Plus there are lots of canola fields between York and Northam to admire from the roadside.

Places to Stay in York

You can visit York on a day trip from Perth, but why not make a weekend of it and spend a night or two in town. There are lots of options for farm stays and B&B style accommodation close to York.

Some of my hotel recommendations in York are;

• Hillside Country Retreat: Surrounded by picturesque gardens and farmland, this retreat has a range of accommodation from deluxe guest suites to fully self contained cottages. A family friendly option for the whole family (dogs are welcome too!).
• Faversham House: This beautiful property is also a historic manor! Built in 1840, it is the perfect option for your visit to historic York. Only a 2 minute drive from town centre.
• The York Palace: Hotel accommodation, centrally located in York on Avon Terrace.

Where Else to See Canola Fields in Western Australia

The York canola fields are the closest to Perth. On a longer trip north of Perth to see the wildflowers at Coalseam Conversation Park there was fields of gold all along Brand Hwy between Perth and Geraldton.

You can’t get too close to these paddocks, but it makes for a beautiful sight on the long drive towards Geraldton.

Driving to Albany or Denmark from Perth along Albany Highway is another spot where you might see the golden paddocks.

After more flower photo opportunities? It’s wildflower season in the mid west of Western Australia from August. Check out my ultimate wildflower road trip guide.

More Perth Guides:

• Where to see jacaranda blooms in Perth in November
• Best places to stay in Perth
• Autumn in Perth: a local’s guide to the best spots
• Perth Hills Cider House guide
• Perfect Day Trip to Rottnest Island