East of Bundaberg, surrounded by sugarcane fields, there’s a very different crop that shoots from the rich volcanic soil on the Griffin’s third generation cane farm.
Amandine Lavender is an established tourist attraction that sprang from the family’s need to diversify.
It makes for a pretty picture of purple as bees buzz around five varieties of lavender shrubs, which Helen Griffin tends with care. She’s always happy to share her knowledge of growing the herb with visitors.
The highlight of a visit is to step into her lavender-filled cottage shop. The scent is simply divine, and the range of locally-produced items, and other gifts and homewares, is extensive. It includes eye pillows, sprays, honey, and even a lavender flavoured ice cream.
Amandine Lavender is open daily from 10am-4pm.
Less than five minutes down the road on the Bundaberg Coast is Kellys Beach Resort.
The eco-resort is set in over two hectares of leafy green space, so each of the 40 self-contained,stand-alone holiday units seem very private. Some of them can sleep up to six family members.
Facilities include a licensed restaurant, tennis court, bbq areas, pool and spa. It’s also a very short walk to a swimming beach.
It’s managed by a family who moved to Bundaberg from Melbourne more than a decade ago, and fell in love with the lifestyle. Loni Hammond and her relatives are always happy to share suggestions about what else guests can do while they’re in the region.
