Banalasta Visitor Centre – with their Lavender and Eucalyptus Farm, Vineyards, Cellar Door and Shop – has been acknowledged for their excellence at the Inland NSW Tourism Awards 2005.

They won the category of Tourist Attraction from a strong field of prestigious attractions spanning across Country NSW. The winners were announced at the Gala Dinner and presentation night, held in Tamworth recently.

Management and Staff from Banalasta waited in anticipation as the category of Best Tourist Attraction was read out. Hopes were high but everyone knew the competition was excellent.

“It was an absolute thrill to be recognised for all the effort given to make a visit to our farm an experience not to be forgotten by the touring public” said Manager John Wynan

Banalasta offers a unique experience. They have a Lavender & Eucalyptus plantation nestled in the rolling hills of the New England. They distil their own essential oils from which they have developed a Natural based range of beauty and skin care products. This is all showcased at their Visitor Centre, located at picturesque Bendemeer, halfway between Armidale and Tamworth on the New England Highway.

The variety of Eucalyptus Banalasta grow was chosen for its strong medicinal qualities and superior aromas, different to the common eucalyptus seen by most. Their plantation was recently certified organic. With these qualities, Banalasta Eucalyptus oil is excellent for use in their medicinal and natural based beauty and skin care range.

“Our organic Eucalyptus oil is now recognised worldwide and our range of personal care products continue to satisfy customers who access our website for more. Our uniqueness is that what we grow ends up as a finished product into the hands of the consumer” says John

Lavender is known as the balancing plant of nature and is well known for its healing and relaxing qualities. So combined, these two essential oils work wonders in their products. Banalasta would like you to sample their products and see for yourself. Call in for a coffee and learn about their range. The Visitor Centre offers light lunches and Devonshire teas famous with the locals! Take a stroll through the plants, or go on a behind the scenes tour with their friendly staff to see how they distil their oils.

Also, adding to their awards tally, Banalasta was awarded runner up in the category of Cellar Door and New Tourism Development!

“To cap off our diversification is our vineyards where we have 6 grape varieties and our specialty is our Sauvignon Blanc and our Pinot Noir” gloats John

Banalasta has 25 acres of vineyards. While the higher altitude and cooler climate coupled with the sandy granite type soils of the New England make farming a challenge it is also a great combination for producing certain varieties of grapes. So while producing the grapes is tough the results are fantastic. Their wines are fuller and fruiter.

“We were among the first vineyards to be established in the area and had to face challenges like hard winters with late frosts as well as drought conditions, but now we are rewarded by the quality of the wines we produce,” said Plantation Manager Marcus Weber.

Banalasta Visitor Centre offers wine tastings and cellar door sales. It’s a great place to visit with friends, relax on the verandah, soak up the stunning scenery and enjoy a wine tasting over a cheese platter.

Recently Banalasta have focused on developing their websites so that everyone, locally and abroad can have access to their products and wine. Their Beauty and Skin care range can be learnt about, complete with photos of their gorgeous Lavender plantation and background on their venture, as well an easy ordering system at http://www.banalasta.com.au

Their wines and vineyard story can be found at http://www.blickling.com.au If you are keen, it is worth joining their new wine club. A great way to keep up to date with any new releases and any special offers.

The beauty and diversity of this unique farming venture is well worth a visit.
But don’t take our word for it, pop in for a visit yourself. They are open 7 days a week from 9am til 5pm.

In Commercial category for Property Presentation
By Tamworth Regional Tidy Towns