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History
Our History Emu Ridge, the only commercial Eucalyptus Distillery in South Australia, is owned by Larry and Bev Turner. Eucalyptus Oil distilling was once one of Kangaroo Islands major industries. It began in the 1880’s, and was a supplementary income for the farmers clearing their land for sheep farming. In the 1930’s it reached its…
Read MoreRefining Still History Kangaroo Island
Explore a captivating slice of Emu Ridge history that highlights Larry the founders exceptional ingenuity! From humble beginnings in 1991, Larry’s innovative spirit and creative thinking were crucial in shaping what we offer you today. His dedication and vision paved the way for our awesome Kangaroo Island agritourism business and products you see now! Larry’s…
Read MoreEmu Ridge part of SA History Festival 2025
Join us in celebrating South Australia’s History Festival from May 1st to May 31st at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery. A family-owned establishment since 1991, we’ve been a highlight of Kangaroo Island tourism. Centrally located and situated amidst the picturesque native bush, Embark on one of our captivating tours to delve into the journey of…
Read MoreGuided Tours
The guided tours run at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm during school holidays only.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery is a family-owned business and has been a popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction since 1991. We are the only commercial Eucalyptus Oil distillery in South Australia. Join us on one of our informative and interesting tours to find out how the unique Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee is grown, harvested, and distilled to produce our amazing and versatile 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil.
The 30-minute tour commences with a brief introductory DVD showing historical and recent footage of the oil production process and history of what was once the major industry on Kangaroo Island. From here you will head out to the distillery, passing our two curious resident emus and the original Macgillivray Post Office along the way while enjoying the natural bush setting and collection of antique farm implements, and equipment dotted about the grounds. At the end of the tour, we visit the charmingly rustic shop, partially constructed with materials from the old shearing shed, to discover our range of beautiful natural products.
From here you have the option to enjoy the local produce while you wander in the shop or try out the Cafe for a coffee, meal, or cider tasting, or on the back deck, you may catch a glimpse of some local kangaroos.
Family bookings are based on children over 6, if you have children under 6 use the adult and children under 6 options. If you are a family of 4+ then select family and add the number of actual family members with the + sign.
Please bring proof of your confirmation email for your booking, and show one of our friendly staff on arrival.
Emu Ridge Ultimate Experience
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a captivating 4-minute interpretive video unveiling the rich tapestry of our past and present history, as well as the intricate distilling process.
Following this, unwind and savor our signature in-house damper paired with infused eucalyptus butter & KI native currant jam, complemented by an apple cider tasting experience of our local KI Ciders.
Embark on a personalized 30-minute guided tour of our eucalyptus oil distillery, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. Gain deeper insights into the history of this unique Aussie product, gaining a comprehensive understanding of our business and process. Upon your return, indulge in an enlightening product talk, further acquainting you with our natural products.
Explore our craft gallery and farmgate shop at your leisure before relishing in a delectable 2-course meal and cocktail from our diverse menu in the café.
As you bid farewell, receive a special mystery gift as a keepsake to commemorate your visit to Emu Ridge.
Read MoreEmu Ridge Tour Taste and Local Gourmet Produce Bushmans Picnic
Enjoy a 1/2 hour guided tour of our eucalyptus distillery and an insight into the history of this unique product. Watch a 4-minute DVD that will show the history and distilling process. We will then give you an appreciation of our natural products with a brief product talk. After viewing our farmgate shop and craft gallery you will head over to the Emu Ridge Café where you will experience a Kangaroo Island Cider Tasting Paddle while you nibble on our Aussie Damper or Halloumi Muffin served with our KI Eucalyptus Butter and KI Native Currant Conserve. On leaving take a Bushman’s Picnic full of local produce for you to enjoy at a later time.
Choose if you would like to make your picnic basket filled with food to be eaten on the day, or one that can be taken and enjoyed at a later date.
This experience is $150.oo for a couple.
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A Brief History – Kangaroo Island Eucalyptus Oil Industry South Australia
A BRIEF HISTORY Kangaroo Island Eucalyptus Oil is an important and colourful part of Australia’s history. Eucalyptus oil was the first truly Australian product and Australia’s first distinctive Export. Eucalyptus Oil has been used by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The first settlers soon realised its potential in documentation by John White in…
Read MoreKangaroo Island History at Emu Ridge
The wind generator is joining the steam engine in the history shed Another piece of our history gone but not forgotten. 16 years of Wind Power. The wind generator can now join the steam engine in the history shed. One of the blades broke off of our wind generator. We are on mains power now and the wind cant…
Read MoreDusting off Australian History at Emu Ridge
Our Wwoofers Lea and Heather kept our place spick and span! This is our historical area with all the old bottles we have collected and been sent by lovely visitors and our Aboriginal display of stones we have found on our property. Heather who studied history, with help from Lea, has also restored the history…
Read MoreKangaroo Island Post Office Memorabilia
Historic Reeves Point Post Office Ink Pot Approximate age between 1836 – 1876 This historic ink pot was dug up at Reeves Point, by contractor Robert Patterson who was working for the council. The site was South Australia’s first European settlement and the first unofficial post office, which operated between 1836 to 1876. The post…
Read MoreEmu Ridges End of Year Re-Cap and Special
TIME FOR SOME NEWS Hi, Below, you’ll find the latest updates from all of us here at Emu Ridge, including news on the new directors. Plus, we’re excited to offer 15% OFF EVERYTHING, just in time for Christmas, perfect for stocking up on your favourite products! As always, we want to extend our sincere thanks to…
Read MoreBark Hut Sheep Stud Kangaroo Island
Introducing Mel and Justin Holman’s New Sheep Stud & Ram Sale Success We’re thrilled to announce that Mel, in addition to managing the café, has recently purchased her own sheep stud with her husband Justin, marking an exciting new chapter for the Holman family. In October 2023, they took over the Bark Hut Sheep Stud,…
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