Growing & distilling rosemary essential oil and rosemary hydrosol in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.
I am a small-scale distiller, primarily of Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), producing essential oil and hydrosol. All the botanicals I use are grown on the farm and distilled with steam in traditional copper stills.
I open the farm up to visitors during the distilling season (spring through summer), offering one and two-day essential oil distilling workshops.
"I am an experienced Aromatherapist and have to say that the quality and aroma of your Granite Bar Rosemary oil and hydrosol is beautiful. The rosemary and geranium co-distilled hydrosol is exquisite!"
Vanessa's Wild Botanicals Tathra, Eden & Canberra
South Gippsland, Australia
Hi, my name is Bridget and I am Granite Bar Rosemary. I am a qualified aromatherapist and a multi media artist. Six years ago my partner and I started looking for a property in South Gippsland where we could grow rosemary and distill for essential oil and hydrosol. We found the perfect property in the foothills of the Strezlecki Ranges with an open area for planting to the northeast, views to the sea, and embraced by bush. We planted 500 Salvia rosmarinus (rosemarinus officinalis) tubes in April the following year, then armed with a small copper still set about learning the art of traditional steam distillation.
It has taken time; waiting for the rosemary to grow, learning how to distill, and setting up the distillery. Although the intention was to limit ourselves to one plant species of course the temptation to experiment is always there. Last year I did a co-distillation of rosemary and geranium with superb results. I have done small batches of chamomile and clary sage, which I will do again, bearing in mind that one of our core values is only to distill plants we grow here in South Gippsland. My partner passed away last year which has led to my opening the farm up for visitors to be able to share with others, the farm, the joys of distilling, and the products.
"A beautiful product for skincare. I use the hydrosol as a toner for brightening and soothing properties. I originally bought a rosemary hydrosol on holidays in Croatia, and when that ran out required an Australian supplier. I am in my early 50's and have very sensitive skin and this product is a key part of my skincare regime. I have been using Granite Bar Rosemary Hydrosol now for nearly a year, it is a quality product and the service is excellent."
Julie a return customer
Prom Coast Collective
For those in Victoria you can order online through the Open Food Network and get your local produce from South Gippsland at the same time.
Delivered to your door once a week.
The Handmaker's Store
The Handmakers store has a vast array of the best handmade goods from South Gippsland. Perfect for original gifts for that special person.
17 Falls Rd.,
Fish Creek
Open Thurs - Sun 10-3