In the last few days, watching grass grow has become a spectator sport for visitors to the small town of Wangaratta, Victoria.
Many are flocking to see images such as those published by global media outlets in recent days, where weeds reach the ceilings of homes, choking their interiors.
The tumbleweeds have captured the imagination of the world's press too. If nothing else, for the name - "hairy panic".
Fox News anchors were tickled by the name, as they asked themselves aloud: "That is some crazy stuff. Is it worse than snow? I dunno I can't decide."
Another host described hairy panic as a "dandelion on steroids".
Over on CNN, the hosts were similarly amused, likening the appearance of the weed in homes as "something out of a wild-west movie."
The internet joined in, as Twitter users around the world took particular delight in the imagery.
For residents of the two streets affected, if ever there was a sense of novelty, it seemed to have worn off by Friday.
Resident Jason Perna told Channel 7 it took hours to clean the grass from his property.
"It is frustrating. You know that you've got a good couple hours work ahead of you and that's always sort of displeasing," he said.
There is speculation the phenomenon was sparked by the effect of high temperatures on unkempt neighbouring farmland, however the landowner has not been identified.
A spokesperson for Wangaratta Rural City Council told SBS the council was attempting to contact a farmer who may be able to assist in the overgrowth, but that there would be no legal process involved.
On Friday, the council was in discussions with a neighbouring shire, to borrow oversize leaf vacuum equipment to assist with the clean up.
Share
