IN a region that is world renowned for its wines and culinary delights, there is a little hidden gem tucked into the gentle foothills of the Barossa Valley.

The Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Café is a multi-award-winning tourist attraction that has been entertaining visitors for more than three decades with its vibrant fields, warm hospitality and artisanal products.

The family-run destination offers an escape into a world of colour, fragrance and culinary charm, and is a must visit for a lavender enthusiast.

It also happens to be the largest-working lavender farm in SA and whether you’re looking for something unique, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this Barossa Valley gem is a destination worth exploring.

Being a family owned and operated business they also provide visitors with a great opportunity to visit a working lavender farm, where guests are able to purchase specialty goods in beautiful rural surroundings.

Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Café manager Mat Allanson said the business was great for families and complimented the wine experience of the Barossa Valley in a relaxed environment.

“Being in the Barossa is a big advantage tourism-wise and we are very fortunate that we get lots of people coming here, in particularly during our peak times between September and December,” he said.

“The Barossa Valley is very beautiful, and it is something different where people can relax at their own pace, and enjoy and have a look around.

“There is also a lack of things to do in the Barossa that are family focused other than the odd playground here and there… so that is another advantage that we have.

“It is also a pretty special location within the Barossa that has a good range of things, and hopefully with a five-star resort to be built in the next few years about 400m away, it will be good for business and hopefully still good to live here.

“We will see what happens there and see if it is a good thing for this end of the valley.”

The business was started in 1991 by Mat’s parents, Evan and Jill Allanson, in the same year that the first plants were put in the ground.

The shop was opened in 1994 and the business was taken over by Mat, and wife Leslie, in 2005 after they moved to SA from NSW, in 2000.

Mat said that customer service was one of the reasons behind them being a multi-award-winning company.

“We are really focused on providing a positive and memorable experience for our customers and so the way that we approach this is really important and we ensure that we are also employing quality staff that have a focus on providing outstanding customer service,” he said.

“We go out of our way to treat people well and that is our number-one priority, and we make sure that we can do that to the best of our ability.

“You’re not always going to please everyone, but we do what we can to provide them with a great experience and hopefully they will tell their friends and family to come and visit as well.”

Mat said the business had continued to grow, particularly since the café was opened in 2008.

“The business has continued to get bigger and better and in particular during the peak time from September to December when we are open every day, this is a great time as it is flower time and there are people everywhere, and lots of international visitors,” he said.

“There are opportunities for largely self-guided tours which gives people the opportunity to have a look around, whether that be small groups, or couples, there’s a whole heap of options for groups and there’s no rush, people can wander around in their own time.

“There is always something in flower and there’s an always an opportunity to look at different types of lavenders.

“Thankfully the council sealed the road four or five years ago and it’s also allowed better access previously we had dirt roads that created dust clouds, which was horrible, so that’s definitely been a bonus.

“We were lucky as well that Covid-19 didn’t affect us too much, we closed during a quiet time of year and this allowed us to upgrade a few things and we got new carpet, air-conditioning, furniture and fittings so that wasn’t a terrible thing.”

Mat said while the drought had been a challenge they were more fortunate than others.

“We are very lucky as almost everything is on drip irrigation, we are still watering more often than previously, but fortunately lavenders don’t need anywhere near as much water as vineyards,” he said.

“Things are very dry and we are going to have some losses of plants but we are managing that pretty well.”

Mat said he loved meeting people from all over the world, and was proud to see the business improve and continue to thrive.

Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Café spans more than 2.5ha and showcases more than 60 varieties of lavender, which creates a patchwork of purples and greens that shift with the season.

The farm’s gentle slopes and open spaces make it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection.

Visitors can wander through the rows, breathing in the calming scent and occasionally spotting local birdlife among the blooms.

The Lavender Kitchen café crafts a menu inspired by a delicate essence of lavender, this features lavender-infused ice cream, to subtly flavored toasties and apple strudel, with offerings providing a unique twist on classic favourites.

For those less adventurous, the café also offers a selection of non-lavender dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. 

For a deeper dive into the world of lavender, the farm offers guided tours that explore the cultivation, uses, and distillation of this versatile plant. 

These informative walks provide insights into the farm’s operations and the myriad ways lavender can be utilised, from essential oils to culinary applications.

The on-site gift shop is also a must visit and there is a magical variety of lavender-inspired products where visitors can browse a range of items including natural toiletries, household products, and gourmet foods, all crafted with the farm’s own lavender. These products offer a way to bring a piece of the farm’s tranquility into one’s own home. 

The shop and farm are open seven days a week, from 10am to 4.30pm, while the café is only open on weekends from January to August from 10am to 4pm. 

It’s worth noting that the café may have seasonal closures, so it’s advisable to check ahead before planning your visit.

To find out more visit the website (www.lyndochlavenderfarm.com.au/).