Lavender farms a tourism opportunity

through ‘destination farming’, featuring value-adding traditional agricultural industries and niche marketing.

“The Australia wide growth in lavender production and AgriFutures adopting it as one of its emerging industries has seen an amazing interest shown in our local region,” Monaro Country Lavender’s Jan Illingworth said.

“Traditional lavender tourism involves busloads of day trippers, but MCL is working towards adopting a different concept to hopefully encourage longer-stay visitation, particularly in our small towns and villages.

“A ‘Lavender Trail’ of specialty niche products produced from different varieties on each farm will make for a unique country visit, adding another attraction to the Snowy Mountains experience.

“Our vision is for an expansion into other traditional agriculture value-adding production and workshops so the Trail can co-ordinate and showcase our region to prospective tree-changers and city people craving that special country experience.”

There are already several lavender growers throughout the

Bombala area including Bibbenluke, Craigie and Delegate, while there are also prospective growers in Bredbo and Berridale.

“The idea is that visitors would travel around seeing the different aspects of lavender farming. Each farm would be growing different varieties, and therefore producing different goods,” MCL’s Karen Cash said.

“Growers would be matching what they produce with the most suitable varieties of lavender, and this in turn would add to the different appeal of each farm to visitors.” its popularity required the Olivier and Jacquie to employ a farm hand to help with running the farm, and also to help with farm stay guests and day visitors.

Bookings are essential for day visits, but for a very reasonable $60, a family visiting for the day can see the farm, experience unforgettable interactions with the friendly animals and enjoy a great meal. Visit www. avonsidealpineestate.com. au for further information and/or to make a booking.