A truly unique experience awaits you at the Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, where they regale you with the story of how eucalyptus oil is distilled from the local Mallee leaves.
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Eucalyptus Polybractea, known as “Blue Mallee”, is native to the goldfields area and has been harvested for well over 130 years.
Watching the live demonstration of distilling in the working model and smelling the beautiful natural oil is memorable, and one of many exhibits to explore.
The old distillery is heritage listed, and the site where the Jones family distilled oil for about 100 years. The old machinery is still accessible and you can see the changes that occurred from the old days of cutting leaves by hand to the early versions of the modern automated processing.
There is a wide range of natural oils and oil-based cleaning and health products for sale, along with local crafts and products.
This is an ideal day trip from Bendigo, just a 30-minute drive west along the Calder Highway, where you will fetch up in the historic gold mining town of Inglewood.
With many post gold-rush era buildings still evident, several of which are home to collectables and antique shops, there is plenty to keep you browsing during your visit.
Time your tour to take in the distilling demonstrations at 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm. With plenty of available parking, wheelchair friendly access, toilets, a barbecue and playground area for the kids as well as a treasure hunt activity with “Bluey”, it is the ideal place to spend an hour or two.
For those with time mid-week, why not get a group together and organise a private tour?
The unique museum area can also be hired for events and functions. The centre is open five days from Thursday to Monday, 10am-4pm. The museum is at 20 Grant Street North, Inglewood.