Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Bridestowe Lavender Estate is a working lavender farm near the town of Nabowla in north-east Tasmania, about 55 kilometres from Launceston. The farm was established in 1922 by London perfumer Charles Denny, who recognised that the soil, altitude and climate of the Tasmanian north-east closely matched the conditions of the Provence region in southern France where the finest lavender oil is produced. He imported Lavandula angustifolia seeds from the French Alps and planted the first rows on a hillside at 200 metres elevation.

The estate now covers around 260 acres and contains approximately 650,000 lavender plants arranged in long, neat rows across gently rolling hills. When the lavender is in full bloom, typically from mid-December through late January, the fields turn an intense purple that stretches to the horizon in every direction. The visual impact of the flowering season has made Bridestowe one of the most photographed locations in Tasmania and a significant draw for international visitors, particularly from East Asia.

The lavender is grown commercially for essential oil, which is distilled on site using a traditional steam distillation process. Bridestowe lavender oil is regarded as among the finest in the world and is exported for use in perfumery, aromatherapy and pharmaceutical products. The estate's gift shop sells a wide range of lavender products, and the Bridestowe Bears - small teddy bears filled with dried lavender - became an unexpected international sensation, with more than a million sold.

The estate is open to visitors year-round, but the experience is dramatically different depending on the season. During the bloom (mid-December to late January), the fields are alive with colour and the air is heavy with fragrance. Visitors can walk through the rows, photograph the fields, and eat lavender-infused food at the on-site cafe, including lavender ice cream, lavender scones and lavender honey. Outside the bloom season, the estate is still a pleasant stop for the shop and cafe, but the fields are either green or harvested.

Bridestowe is a 45 minute drive from Launceston and combines naturally with a visit to the Bay of Fires on the east coast or the Tamar Valley wine region to the north. The estate charges an entry fee during the bloom season but entry is free at other times of year. Arriving early in the morning gives the best light for photography and avoids the peak visitor numbers around midday.