Lavender evokes warm memories, safety, sunshine and cuddles. Catch a whiff and I am quickly taken back to my childhood. It has bloomed into an obsession to seek out Lavender farms when I am in southern Australia, and most recently on our 3 week trip to Tasmania.
Tasmania’s cool climate and fertile soil is perfect for growing Lavender. It is no surprise that the state boasts the world’s largest privately owned lavender farm. Yep, it’s bigger than any of those famous lavender farms in France’s Provence! Better yet, you can visit and walk among the lavender whilst eating lavender ice cream.
So Why Lavender?
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Lavender has been used for generations to remedy several ailments and to support relaxation. It is quite an eclectic flower and has been used in several forms:
- As an essential oil
- As an extract
- Dried (flower, stem and leaves)
- Tea
When it comes to aromatherapy, the scent of lavender is said to support sleep by improving your body’s melatonin levels, lowering blood pressure, relieving menstrual pain, and even reducing colic symptoms. Some even believe that topical use of lavender can reduce hair loss.
For those of you familiar with cleaning products, you would know that lavender has both antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
It is also a very common ingredient of perfume. I am certain almost every reader can recognise its scent.
I fondly remember filling little cloth pockets with lavender for our undie draw as a child, the scented pockets reputedly riding the cupboard of moths.
Have you used perfume?
What Types of Lavender Are Found in Tasmania?
There are three main varieties of lavender found in Tasmania: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).
What is the Best Time to Visit the Tasmanian Lavender Farms?
Lavender loves to flower in Summer. In Tasmania, the season runs a little later than the mainland, running from December through to early February, with the prime time usually falling between mid-December and mid-January.
Our most recent visit was in the second week of January and it was incredible!
Where to Find Lavender in Tasmania
Tasmania has a number of lavender farms to visit.
Bridestowe (Launceston)
Port Arthur Lavender Farm
Lavender House (closest lavender farm to Launceston)
Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot
Campo de Flori (Huon Valley)
Do You Remember 4711?
Visiting my grandparents in Cygnet, Tasmania was always one of my favourite things to do as a little girl. I fondly remember my Nan enveloping me in her warm embrace as I inhaled her No. 4711 perfume, playing in the glorious garden and stuffing little heart pockets with dried lavender to take home for my undie drawer. It is marvellous how scent can transport us to such delightful places.
It felt magical to explore Bridestowe in Tasmania; as if Nan was giving me one of her amazing cuddles.
Other Places to Explore Nearby
Where to see penguins in Tasmania