![hot-air balloon](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/08/DJI_0015-1200x675.jpg)
See the Riverina’s spectacular canola fields this spring with a hot-air balloon ride over the golden paddocks. Photo: Temora Shire Council.
With the canola fields in bloom, the hot-air balloons are coming back by popular demand.
The Canola Trail has teamed up with Goldrush Ballooning to offer sunrise flights over the canola fields this September.
Each year when canola fields bloom, the region welcomes visitors to the Canola Trail, which covers Junee, Temora and Coolamon.
The trail winds its way through the spectacular fields of gold, allowing visitors to explore charming towns and quaint villages overflowing with hidden gems.
Temora Shire Council economic development manager Craig Sinclair said this year’s season was expected to be a great flowering one, with some canolas planted early and starting to come into bloom.
“September will be the best time to see the canola in full bloom throughout the month,” Mr Sinclair said.
“Normally, it would wrap up around the October long weekend, but there are plenty of crops this year and we’re excited that it’s going to be a great season.”
Mr Sinclair said there were plenty of new things for people to be part of this year.
The Canola Trail is set to kick off its first festival, Hello Yellow, which will run in September and part of October.
“Hello Yellow will have one event in each of the shires [Junee, Coolamon and Temora] and will showcase the best of each shire,” Mr Sinclair said.
![Canola fields in full bloom](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/08/IMG_2614-1-1200x900.jpg)
Canola fields make a memorable sight in full bloom. Photo: Temora Council.
“Temora Aviation Museum is hosting ‘A Day at the Lake’ at Lake Centenary with usual aircraft displayed over the lake.
“There will be live music by Baker Boys Band, markets stalls, food vendors, Borambola Wines and Coolamon Cheese.”
Mr Sinclair said the day would be a great place to bring the whole family with an air show and plenty of ground entertainment.
In Coolamon, as part of the Hello Yellow Festival, the annual Yield Festival will be in full swing to celebrate the shire’s creative arts.
In Junee, a Food and Wine Festival will be held at the Licorice Chocolate Factory.
![hot-air balloon in canola field](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/09/RemoteMediaFile_6553618_0_2021_09_14_07_30_40-1200x675.jpg)
The Canola Trail has teamed up with Goldrush Ballooning to offer sunrise flights over the fields this September. Photo: Temora Shire Council.
Mr Sinclair said the additional events this year would give locals more reasons to invite their family and friends to the region to experience the Canola Trail and the other attractions.
He said the organisers loved seeing people visiting the Canola Trail, interacting with the farmers and producers, and taking photos.
He urged visitors to be respectful of biosecurity and not trespass on properties.
“You can get a great photo from outside of the paddock – don’t jump fences and be mindful of biosecurity,” Mr Sinclair said.
“We don’t want any increase in weeds or noxious weeds being taken into properties.
“Damage can occur to people and property if visitors aren’t careful – come and enjoy but also be respectful of people’s properties.”
The Canola Trail is a joint marketing initiative by the Temora, Junee and Coolamon shires and aims to promote the trail and grow the visitor experience.
The trail is a collection of the Riverina’s biggest attractions, within 30 to 40 minutes’ drive of each other.
To book the experience of viewing the canola fields from the skies, visit Goldrush Ballooning.