If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this September, jump in the car and take a drive through the beautiful Yarramalong Valley. You'll likely spot alpacas, calves, sheep and chickens along the way – but this spring, it's the scarecrows you'll really want to keep your eyes peeled for!
The annual Yarramalong Valley Scarecrow Competition is back from Saturday 5 September to Sunday 20 September 2026, with weird, wonderful and seriously creative scarecrows popping up along roadsides and outside homes and businesses throughout the valley.
And these aren't your average straw-filled farmers! Last year's creations included Minions and Where's Wally, Snoopy sitting atop his red kennel, a giant bee suspended from a tree and even a rather fabulous shaggy Highland cow. We can't wait to see what the locals come up with this year.
Want to make a day of it? Read on for everything you need to plan your scarecrow-spotting drive through Yarramalong Valley, plus a peek at some of our favourite creations from previous years.
The Yarramalong Valley Scarecrow Competition
Each year, locals across Yarramalong Valley get busy building their scarecrows, with creations popping up outside homes, farms and local businesses for visitors to find.
The fun is in driving through the valley and seeing what appears around the next corner – and as you can see from previous years, there's no telling what you'll find! Some stick with the traditional straw-and-floppy-hat look, while others go completely rogue with favourite characters, animals and wonderfully weird creations.
There’s no need to rush it either. Make a day of your scarecrow hunt, enjoy the drive through the countryside and stop in at some of the valley's local businesses along the way.
So, we recommend you get your homemade toilet-roll binoculars ready, have the "Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" blaring, and dust off your flippy floppy hat for a day of exploring!
Happy Scarecrow Spotting!
Where can I find the Yarramalong Scarecrows?
Most of the scarecrows can be found along Yarramalong Road. You'll also find some in some side streets, and these streets have signage letting you know you'll find more scarecrows if you turn in. An online trail map will be available once the event opens.
Vote for your favourite scarecrow!
You can vote for your favourite Scarecrow here.
How did the Yarramalong Valley Scarecrow Competition Start?
The Scarecrow Competition is part of Yarramalong's annual Spring Festival. The festival, which began in 2008, aims to bring the community together and introduce visitors to the Coast's beautiful hinterland. Plus, it allows multiple community groups to raise funds for their causes.
Yarramalong Scarecrows from previous years
Yarramalong Scarecrows 2024
Yarramalong Scarecrows 2022
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
