Business Name and what it does
We are one of only a few eucalyptus oil distilleries remaining in Australia, our business is called Emu Ridge Eucalyptus.
Founder’s/Owner’s story and what motivated them to start the business
“In 1991 thirty two years ago we started with nothing but salvaged material and a lot of initiative, the business certainly has come from some very humble beginnings. “We had moved back to the island to take on the family sheep farm, but the collapse in the reserve price scheme and the massive wool stockpile hanging over the industry, was making the going very tough, my husband Larry was always coming up with weird and wonderful ideas – and this was one of his really good ones.”
Emu Ridge is a unique attraction where you can find out how a traditional Aussie bush product is made, if you visit us we will show you the past and present process of eucalyptus oil distilling.
Eucalyptus oil was Australia’s first true export overseas and one of Kangaroo Islands major industries. We are proud to have preserved a major part of Kangaroo Island and Australia’s heritage and history and produce a eucalyptus oil that is unique to the world. At its peak in the 1930s, the island was home to 48 stills, employing more than 600 people. But across the oil distilling era on the island there had been 100 different stills. Emu Ridge manufacture and retail Eucalyptus oil and associated natural products in their retail farm gate store and you can also purchase online.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery is a family owned business and a popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction. We produce 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oil from the Kangaroo Island Narrow Leaf Mallee, Eucalyptus cneorifolia, Our tree makes our oil unique to the world, and has so many uses, Breathing for colds, so many uses for the body and its fantastic for cleaning so many things. Along with a range of natural products available through our farm gate retail shop, craft gallery and online store. which we sell – along with a diverse range of associated natural products through our online store.
This hidden gem is nestled in the Australian bush. We offer guided or self-guided tours on the manufacturing of Eucalyptus oil and associated products, we have a retail farmgate shop, we also have a Café that does delicious breakfast and lunches, we are the cellar door for Kangaroo Island Ciders and sell our products online.
Local Art Craft & Produce
Our own Natural Products
Tours
KI Ciders Cellar Door
Cafe
Family Friendly
Pet Friendly
Picnic and Kids Play Area
Our craft gallery and retail area not only for our own art, craft and products, but we provide an outlet for more than 20 other local producers. We have a broad range of locally produced souvenirs available, and we market a range of other Australian-made oils and natural Australian products.
“We built our business from scratch, and now it is moving into the next generation with our 3 children Melissa, Tristan and Tiffany, working heavily in the business learning and growing, working and helping alongside us our 8 grandchildren are little helpers to.”
Bev said their vision for the business was to work towards environmental sustainability, land management and revegetation. “These ideals have created a truly rare and exceptional style of
business an the positive response from our customers has further added to developing this philosophy,” she said.
Business Strategies
Develop some great new cleaning products and continue working on our natural range and make people more aware of our products. We have proudly developed the recipes for our Natural Range over the years. All of our products are made at our Emu Ridge Farmgate factory or a local business in Adelaide for us. We source Kangaroo Island and Aussie ingredients as much as possible. This range is only available in-store or online, making them all unique to us!
Our products are Cruelty-free, and we do not use nasty chemicals our products are free of No Parabens, No Sulphates (SLS/SLES), No Formaldehyde, No Propylene Glycol, No synthetic fragrances, No harsh detergents, No Silicone, No Phthalates, No Sodium Chloride
The challenges the business/market is facing
Competing against overseas product 90% of Australia Eucalyptus oil now comes from China and Brazil. And Australia post whom we use for our freight will not allow us to post eucalyptus and t/tree oil overseas. Hopefully we can produce more and sell to a wider audience in
Australia
Advice to others about business
Believe in yourself and be willing to work hard. Try to make time for yourself otherwise you will work 24/7 and make sure that you love what you do!
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