La Trattoria of Lavandula

This lavender farm, is one place to have a wander around. There is a $4 p/p entrance fee. There is an onsite cafe with has some amazing food. I suggest the lavender scones. August is not this time to go if you want to see the bushes in full bloom, spring is the time for that. But its still worth a visit, they have many lavender related products on sale and there is a friendly emu that loves attention. The old home stead with hourly tours very interesting. According to their website they have concerts during spring and summer and after seeing the grounds I will be making my way back just to experance what they have to offer. This is a great place to have a look around.

After lining up for 10 minutes I waited for 40 minutes for the soup after my partner received his scones within 5 minutes. I reminded the waiter who told me it wouldn't be long followed by another waiter who said there were orders ahead of me. I asked if the soup was made fresh the waiter said no it was made this morning at which I replied isn't that the same as the scones. The waiter became inpatient with me. Another 20 minutes later and finally the soup arrives and the first waiter apologised and said the main chef was away. Now if soup was made early why was it so difficult to plate it up? After the 4.00 entry fee and delay in food I found the whole aspect fairly unprofessional and won't bother returning why charge entry fee when people buy food and products from there should be a discount for winter anyway. Very disappointing.

Lavandula is a lovely way to fill in an afternoon with a leisurely walk around the gardens followed by something lovely to eat and drink at the café. I had the spinach and feta pastie with a lovely pomegranate salad and a lavender champagne, which was so delicately fragranced with lavender. The experience is finished off with the perusal of the gift shop which has a lovely selection of skincare products made from local products including the lavender grown on site and an assortment of other gifts. A beautiful outing, no matter the season

So we arrive in August to find the lavender all browned off, having essentially died for the winter. It looks quite ugly. Torrents of water racing across the low lying road, not entirely sure we should approach the place by car or not. Very wet under foot as well. Sloppy and slippery. Not a good first impression.We walk into what looks to be a beautiful old barn. Dimly lit, poorly laid out, and limited things for sale. We tire of it quickly, and decide to grab a coffee before we head off. That'll be $8 to get in. To go the coffee shop? Really?They renege and let us in. Delightful, airy, light little restaurant, stuck in the back of this hellhole. What's it doing here?We order lavender scones, jam and cream, with a pot of tea. Yum.On our way out, the kids walk across the suspension bridge. Weird/awkward situation saved.With the fields dead and ground waterlogged, might be time for the owners to close the place and head to Europe for a couple of summer months.

Had a lovely time at the farm today, there was plenty to see and the food was fantastic and reasonably priced. Enjoyed exploring the extensive gardens stunning even in winter. Purchased the in house made strawberry jam after enjoying it so much with our lavender scones. It's a lovely place. Jenny.