West Melbourne and Beyond

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is an enchanting escape into a world of aromatic bliss and rustic charm. Nestled in the heart of Australia's lush countryside just ten minutes north of Daylesford, this lavender farm offers visitors a unique experience that is both sensorial and historical.

What is there to do

There is plenty to see and do at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm has approximately 100 acres of gardens for you to explore, convenient dining at La Trattoria Eatery & Bar or bring your own food for a picnic, a number of farm animals to visit and view, historical tours of the original homestead built in the 1850's and an onsite store selling a large range of handcrafted aromatherapy products made on the Farm with many utilising the lavender harvested onsite.

A wonderful feature of Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm are the historic buildings. Rather than demolish the old structures and replace them with new buildings the buildings on the farm have been lovingly restored. There is a real rustic charm and you feel like you are transported to a different time and place. The word 'cottage' really springs to mind when you visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm.

There is a range of animals at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm that the kids will just love. While they aren't particularly exotic we all know that children love animals! There are geese, bantams, ducks, emu, alpacas, a hairy coo (okay cow), guinea fowl and many are allowed to roam free. It's funny that the guinea fowl and many geese actively follow you as you walk around the farm.

Walking The Grounds

The grounds of Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm at 100 acres is great for wandering around. There are decorative gardens, lavendar plantations, watering hole and water storage lake, rustic old buildings, olive grove, sculptures and more.

If you are willing to do a moderate climb you can walk up to the olive plantation and view the sculpture of Jesus overlooking the farm. The best time to visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm to enjoy the lavender in full bloom is mid summer. January is generally the best time to view the lavender although some lavender flowers will still be out in autumn.

History of the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

For history buffs there is a historical tour of the original homestead built in the 1850's. Just pay attention to the timings so you don't miss out or have to wait an extensive waiting for the next tour. The old homestead while small is worth waiting around for to do the tour.

It is quite interesting hearing about the original pioneering family, seeing the small living quarters and appreciate the innovative design and implementation of their own equivalent of air-con. The cellar area real is nice and cool!

The farm began its life as a diary farm set up by Aquilino Tinetti in the 1860s orignally a native of Biasca in Ticino, Switzerland. Aquilino Tinetti, with his wife Maria Virgilia Martina Capriroli had 13 children and worked the high country farm. The farm remained with the Tinetti family for 130 years.

Dining

You can enjoy the La Trattoria Eatery & Bar for a wood fired pizza, glass of wine, sharing platter, lavendar scones, cakes, other sandwiches, coffee, cold drinks, beer, wine & lavender champagne and more. There is a great selection of wine as well.

The cafe area is nicely setup and very bright. Depending on the weather this may be popular but really most people do try to dine outside.

The outdoor dining area under the trees is very popular overlooking the small water storage lake. This is a great area is relax and enjoy the country atmosphere. A bonus is you are allowed to bring your own food to Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm which can really make a visit here great economically for the value conscious or those with large families.

Shopping

The Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm shop is beautifully setup. The stall with an extensive range of products to choose from and is one of the prettiest shops you will ever see.

The shop has an assortment of items ranging from soft toys, soaps, dried flowers, bags, ornaments, cushions, hats, ceramics and more.

The standout product though is the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farms range of aromatherapy products, massage oils and creams.

Location

The Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is located at 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat VIC 3461.

If staying in Daylesford then Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is only 12 minutes drive away.

When

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is open Friday through to Tuesday. Hours as follows:

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

WARNING: Closed Wednesday & Thursday.

WARNING: La trattoria hours may vary.

Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Winter closure period is from 1 July until 1 August.

Fees

Gate fee is $5 per adult & $1 per school-aged child. Please note that this is subject to change.

In A Nutshell

The Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is a fantastic lavender garden and much much more. A visit here is highly recommended if you are visiting Daylesford. The kids will love the farms animals and you'll love the beautiful surroundings and tucking into a wine. A beautiful and relaxed setting and a great place to unwind. If you are really here for the lavender though we suggest coming here from January through to autumn.

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm Website

For more information the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm website is here.

Nearby Attractions

Other Gardens to Visit

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Visit Castlemaine

If you've enjoyed Daylesford there are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the region. Why not visit Castlemaine? Check out our guide on the great things to do in Castlemaine.