Lavendar Farm, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Nov 21st, 2005
If you're looking for a dose of lavender a little closer than the south of France, head to Bridestowe Lavender Farm in Tasmania. People from all over the world travel to the south of France to see the lavender fields - but Aussies don't have to, because near Launceston, we have one of the oldest and largest lavender farms in the southern hemisphere.
The farm has fields and fields of lavender and is considered one of Tasmania's most spectacular sights during flowering from November to January.
The Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm was started by the Denny family in 1921. Mr and Mrs Denny arrived from England with their two young sons and a bag of lavender seeds from southern France. They choose this area because the climate and landscape was similar that of Provence. Today, the lavender farm tucked away in Tasmania has proved to be a very lucrative business.
Bridestowe Lavender Farm has 120 acres of lavender fields. Guests are invited to observe how the lavender is turned from flowers into oil. The distillery, which was designed and built by the Dennys, operates three stills. Steam is passed through the flowers, causing the oil to vaporise. The vapour then flows to the condenser tubes, reverting to a liquid form where it enters the separator. After separation, the oil is stored in stainless steel drums, where it continues to improve for several years after.
Lavender oil has a variety of uses. It can help with insect bites, burns and blemishes, is a powerful antiseptic and has many calming and balancing properties. Emotionally, lavender helps support a calm composure and self-expression. It reduces irritability, insomnia, nightmares, apprehension, panic attacks, stress, nervous tension and hysteria, and is balancing to the psyche as well as the body.
For the true lavender lover, there's a shop on the property that sells everything lavender, from lavender ice cream to lavender muffins, lavender fudge and even lavender cheese. And there's no better way to enjoy to a lavender feast then in the fields of purple, with the aroma of lavender all around.
Further information
Qantas holidays have packages to Launceston including return flights with Jetstar and three days car hire starting from $226 a person ex Melbourne, $286 ex Sydney & $327 ex Brisbane.
Qantas
Telephone: 13 13 13
Website: www.qantas.com
Prices correct at 20/10/05
Best of all Bridestowe Estate is only $5 per person, or $12 a vehicle during peak season - that's December to January - and that includes the distillery tour. Entry is free the rest of the year.
Bridestowe Estate
Telephone: 03 6352 8182
Website: www.bridestowe.com.au
Anabel's of Scottsdale has rooms starting from $70 per person twin share including breakfast.
Anabel's of Scottsdale
Telephone: 03 6352 3277
Prices correct 21/11/05
