VISITOR INFORMATION

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Located just ten minutes north of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is nestled in the picturesque farmlands of Shepherds Flat. Our 100-acre property offers a delightful blend of European charm and rural beauty. 

OPENING HOURS

We are open from 10am - 5pm daily, including Public Holidays. We are closed on Wednesday's and Thursday's.

Maria's Trattoria is open from 10am. Our kitchen closes at 4pm, however our woodfired pizza, coffee and cake is usually available until around 4:30pm. 

HOW TO FIND US

We are located at 350 Hepburn Newstead Rd, Shepherd's Flat. You'll see signage along the way for "Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm" in Hepburn. 

Follow these until you reach the sign and driveway towards the farm. 

Take care on the roads to the farm - Kangaroos, Wallabys, Foxes and Ducks can be found regularly crossing the roads without warning.

GATE FEE

A Gate Fee applies to all visitors including those who have made a reservation at Maria's Trattoria and Events as follows:

$5 for Adults

$1 for School Aged Children

All proceeds from our Gate Fee are used to feed our animals and continue to maintain our buildings and gardens for visitors to enjoy.

Ticketed events and special celebrations may attract a higher Gate Fee, determined at our discretion. 

ENTERING THE FARM

We are ask that you drive slowly as you enter the driveway. You will cross a one-way ford (bridge over the Larni Barramal Yuluk Creek) into our carpark. 

Please be alert and mindful of other visitors, making way for each other to enter and exit the property. 

PARKING 

When parking, we ask that you choose a space next to another parked car with a reasonable minimal distance to allow for others to park over the course of the day day. If parked in a way which does not allow for fair access of others, you may be politely asked to re park your car by a friendly team member

ACCESSIBILITY 

The farm is accessible with sufficient ramp access and paths for wheelchairs and prams.

For any accessibility concerns, please contact us prior to visiting so that we can best assist with you with entering the farm. 

PET FRIENDLY

We welcome all pets on lead at Lavandula. We kindly request that you do not enter the inside of the cafe with your pet and do not leave them unattended and tied up at any time.

WHAT TO WEAR

Lavandula is a working farm in rural location. Considerations must be made to the type of clothing and footwear you wear. 

Uneven and wet surfaces exist throughout the property and you do enter at your own risk. Closed toed, sturdy and sensible footwear is a must.

Snakes are present in any rural setting during the warmer months. Pant's and durable clothing will minimise your risks. Please keep a sharp eye on where you walk, sit and stand at all times. 

There are many shady spots in the farm to enjoy, however sun protection is strongly advised. 

You will not be refused entry if dressed inappropriately however, you may be cautioned at the gate. 

BATHROOMS AND BABY CHANGE

We have all gendered bathrooms on site and welcome all visitors wholeheartedly. 

A baby change is located in the bathrooms closest to the Homestead for your convenience. 

EXPLORING THE FARM

Gardens

Explore our decades old gardens inspired by European design.

Maria's Trattoria and Events

Our eatery is perfect for families, special occasions, lunches, groups and afternoon tea. Open daily and exclusively to our visitors. 

Historic Stone Buildings

Wander through the heritage buildings that tell the story of our farm’s rich history.

History Tours

Join our informative tours at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM to learn about the Swiss Italian origins of Lavandula and the renovations of house and land that followed,

Farm Friends

Meet our friendly farm animals including Highland and Swiss Brown Cows, Emus, Alpacas, Geese, Bantom Chickens, Guinea Fowl and Pheasants.

Lavender

Enjoy our full bloom in January and into late autumn. Stroll through our beautiful rows of lavender and enjoy the calming scent. In the summer, the courtyard is filled with the scent of lavender as we hang bunches to dry and distill fresh lavender into our signature Lavender Essential Oil.

Farm Shop

Discover over one hundred handcrafted aromatherapy products, created right here on the farm. You might even catch a glimpse of our Still Room where these products are made.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Lavandula Farm is available for professional photography sessions.

We recommend booking in advance via the website, however if not booked, you will be able to pay the fee at the gate.

Please note that an hourly charge applies for photoshoots:

$150 - Hourly Rate

$1500 - Day Rate for Brand Shoots