Eucalyptus Oil History & Production
Only five per cent of the world’s eucalyptus oil actually comes from Australia. But in the towns of the Loddon Valley, it’s 100 per cent local. The purest, most potent oil comes from the blue mallee g...
Read MoreThe Loddon Valley was once Australia’s most famous eucalyptus oil region. The long-cooled distillery chimneys are still dotted throughout the bush, but you can learn all about this lost trade at the Hard Hill Tourist Reserve in Wedderburn. This authentic bush attraction features a working eucy oil stew pot. Volunteers fire it up by appointment.
Book ahead for this and other tours to get the most of your visit. Explore original relics from the gold rush, including a gold puddler and stamper battery. Walk to the top of Hard Hill and see the old gold mine from the diggings days.
The reserve is RV friendly and a favourite stop off site for travellers. There is plenty of peaceful, shady spots to camp, amenities (toilet and shower), barbeques and a picnic area. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash, and no power is available. If you require a dump point, access is allowed at the Wedderburn Pioneer Caravan Park. Just report to the office before entering the park.
Hard Hill Tourist Reserve is also the site of hotly-contested gold detector and gold panning competitions each Labour Day long weekend.
Hard Hill Tourist Reserve is on Wilson Street in Wedderburn.
