The world’s largest oil plantation has just opened its doors to tourists.

How could this be a eucalypt plantation I thought, scanning the paddocks as we approached the farm along a dirt driveway? Where were all those tall, towering busy gums I expected?

“Everybody looks for tall trees,” says John Wynan, the manager of Banalasta Plantation, “it’s a common misconception.”

Situated on the New England Tablelands, 55 kilometres from Tamworth, the 260-hectare eucalypt plantation was established in 1997 and just opened its door to the public for the first time. The total property comprises 600ha and has been owned by the Blickling family since 1979.

With my first assumption quickly proved wrong, I listened carefully to Mr Wynan’s information about the way eucalypts are grown, the oil extracted, and finally, its myriad amazing uses.

Eucalyptuses grown for harvesting only grow to two metres high before they are cut back to half a metre. What you’ll see is a clumpy, bushy tree with green and red leaves.

Within a few hours of harvesting, the leaves are placed into large stainless steel distillery units that operate on a warm bath principle. They boil for 60 minutes and as the steam is released, the oil is gently extracted. Using this soft extraction technique results in finer, more aromatic and fuller bodied oil.

It takes about 50 bushes to produce 15 litres of eucalyptus oil. Banalasta produces five tonnes, or 5,000 litres of oil per year.

“Much of the eucalyptus oil comes from Third World countries,” Mr Wynan says. “In Australia we actually import more oil than we produce.”

The species gown at Banalasta produces oil that is particularly good for cosmetics and medicinal purposes, as opposed to the stuff used in household cleaners and the like. Banalasta’s own products include essential oils, soap, face creams, antiseptic, shampoo, chest rub and gift lines. It also supplies finely crushed leaf, which is used in things such as food flavourings and soaps.

Besides eucalyptus trees, there’s also plenty of room for lavender and wine grapes on this diverse property.

The high altitude creates the cool weather that lavender loves and the 12,000 plants cover about one hectare, which is expected to produce just over 50 litres of oil.

The six varieties of wines – Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir – are produced under the Blickling label.

If You Go:

Banalasta Plantation is on the New England Highway, 55km northeast of Tamworth heading towards Armidale. It is opened daily from 9.30 – 4.00pm. Contact the Banalasta Visitors Centre (02) 6769 6659.

For information on accommodation, phone Tourism Tamworth on (02) 6755 4300

For Unwooded Chardonnay of category Class 35 Dry White Chardonnay By Cowra Wine Show