A trip to Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania’s north-east during peak flowering season is not only a delight to the senses, it’s also an instagrammers wonderland, with soft purple swathes contrasting perfectly with terracotta soils to create the perfect backdrop to capture gamboling children, wedding couple smiles, snazzy selfies or the ubiquitous ‘ice cream shot’.
As I was vaguely in the area to meet and greet my impending new puppy addition, I took myself, my mother and my very photogenic but utterly uncooperative spaniel for a quick tour and sample of the sights, tastes and smells of all things ‘lavande’ – with a wistful hope that it would recapture a little of some old summer holiday memories in Provence. While the Provençal lavender fields of over a decade ago were notably devoid of the throngs of tourists winding their way through a sea of purple, the site is large enough that you can easily create an impression of emptiness. It may be cliche but there’s something enduringly soft and romantic about lavender bushes, which is a little ironic considering how tough and drought tolerant they are.
The best time to visit is of course during flowering season (December-January) but the farm is open all year round for tours and workshops. It’s also dog-friendly, and while the standard entry fee is $10 during peak season, it’s free for Tasmanian residents!
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