A Queensland farmer's sunflower crop has become a social media sensation after surprise crowds of thousands flocked there over the recent Queensland long weekend to admire the flowers.
Peter Foxwell decided to sell some of the sunflowers he grows on his Alton Downs property, near Rockhampton, to raise money for cancer research.
He said people had swarmed the property to take pictures in the bright fields and buy a bunch of flowers, donating to charity at the same time.
"It's been non-stop from daylight to dark, this is the third day now," Mr Foxwell said.
"There would have to be at least 10,000 people who've come through.
"Something that's grown out of nothing, I don't know how it happened. [It was] unintended and unintentional, but goodness, it's been a fantastic result."
The total amount raised was $25,000.
"It's a remarkable amount of money that's going straight to cancer research," Mr Foxwell said.
Sunflowers brighten lives during pandemic
The Queensland Labour Day long weekend saw some coronavirus restrictions lifted in Queensland, with people now allowed travel up to 50 kilometres away from their homes.
For many who visited Mr Foxwell's farm, it was their first time away from home in more than a month.
"People are really enjoying themselves, [there's been] smiles on everybody's faces — it's been great," Mr Foxwell said.
Yeppoon woman Kristy Walsh came to see the flowers with her parents.
"They've been closed up for quite a while now, so they need to get a bit of fresh air," she said.
"This is lovely for something to do outside."
'They just want to look'
Farmers have expressed frustration at tourists in the past, for walking in sunflower fields, destroying paddocks and crops for the perfect photo.
But Mr Foxwell said he was not concerned about all the attention his crop was getting.
"They're not pulling heads off, they just want to look and smile and have photos," he said.
"They're a pretty hardy plant.
"You can walk around the plants quite easily, there's gaps around the rows."
COVID-19 social distancing maintained
Mr Foxwell said visitors had been respectful of coronavirus social distancing rules while visiting the farm.
"The sunflower paddocks are big and spacious — people had room to spread out for photos," he said.
"I'm just blown away at the support of the community."
Queensland Police officers attended the property to ensure people were abiding by social distancing rules.
"It was for a good cause and it was the crowd spread out over a number of hours," Inspector Mark Burgess said.
"People exercised reasonable restraint."
