Emu Ridge Experiences on Kangaroo Island
Things To Do Macgillivray, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, was established in 1991, a unique tourist attraction producing essential oil from a tree found indigenous to Kangaroo Island. This distillery not only offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s history but also features a retail craft gallery showcasing a range of local and their own natural products.
Emu Ridge is perfectly situated for island exploring, just 15 minutes from Kingscote, American River, and Parndana.
Visitors can explore the distillery through self-guided, guided, or private guided tours, each providing an engaging experience of the eucalyptus oil production process, both past and present. Guided tours are available during school holidays at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm, lasting approximately 25 minutes. Private guided tours can be arranged at any time with advance booking.
Emu Ridge also hosts a charming Café, where guests can enjoy delicious breakfast and lunch options. The Café doubles as the Cellar Door for Kangaroo Island’s award-winning apple cider, offering a perfect blend of history, flavour, and local culture.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the guided tour, browsing the shop, and using the facilities. Those who wish to dine at the Café are encouraged to allow extra time to fully enjoy the experience
Services
Self-guided tours are available anytime and take approximately 10 minutes.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery is a family-owned business and has been a popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction since 1991. They invite you to take yourself on their informative self-tour so you can enjoy the sights at your own pace . Learn the history and how the unique Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee is grown, harvested, and distilled to produce their amazing and versatile 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil and natural products.
One of their friendly staff will get you started with a delicious Eucalyptus and Honey sweet, you will enjoy a short presentation and a brief four-minute video showing historical and recent footage of the oil production process of what was once the major industry on Kangaroo Island. After the video, you will be provided with a map and informative booklet that will lead you through your tour.
Beginning at the shop, 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.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Non Smoking Pet Friendly - Enquire Public ToiletExperience a personal guided tour from one of their knowledgeable, friendly guides.
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery is a family-owned business and has been a popular Kangaroo Island tourist attraction since 1991. On your tour you will learn the history and how the unique Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee is grown, harvested, and distilled to produce their amazing and versatile 100% pure Australian Eucalyptus Oil and natural products.
One of their friendly staff will get you started with a delicious Eucalyptus and Honey sweet, you will enjoy a short presentation and a brief 4-minute video showing historical and recent footage of the oil production process of what was once the major industry on Kangaroo Island. After the video, you will learn the history and see the present process of eucalyptus oil distilling and some behind-the-scenes processes.
Emu Ridge offers personalized private escorted guided tours. These are only available if they are booked at least 24 hours prior – Times 9, 11 or 2.30
Most visitors allow an hour if they are having a guided tour, shop visit and toilet stop, and allow extra time to enjoy the Cafe and Cellar Door if feeling thirsty or hungry.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Non Smoking Pet Friendly - Enquire Public ToiletIndulge yourself with this package, perfect for couples or friends. You will enjoy the full Emu Ridge tour and farmgate shop experience, followed by a cider tasting and tasty treat in their rustic cafe, and a takeaway local produce hamper
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 video that will show the history and distilling process. They will then give you an appreciation of their natural products with a brief product talk.
After viewing a short video and their 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 their Aussie or Halloumi Damper served with 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.
You will be given a picnic hamper filled with delicious local produce that can be taken and enjoyed somewhere special on the island.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Non Smoking Pet Friendly - Enquire Public ToiletJoin them for the ultimate half day experience where you will learn about Emu Ridge’s history and products, and enjoy great local food and drinks!
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a captivating four-minute interpretive video unveiling the rich tapestry of their past and present history, as well as the intricate distilling process.
Following this, unwind and savour their 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 their eucalyptus oil distillery, led by one of their knowledgeable guides. Gain deeper insights into the history of this unique Aussie product, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their business and process. Upon your return, indulge in an enlightening product talk, further acquainting you with their natural products.
Explore their craft gallery and farmgate shop at your leisure before relishing in a delectable two-course meal and cocktail from their diverse menu in the café.
As you bid farewell, receive a special mystery gift as a keepsake to commemorate your visit to Emu Ridge.
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Non Smoking Pet Friendly - Enquire Public Toilet$38.95
Experience the charm of Kangaroo Island with a guided tour of our eucalyptus distillery, all set in a beautiful rustic bush setting. Learn the fascinating history of our distillery, discover the art of eucalyptus oil production, and finish your visit with a delicious Aussie breakfast and a comforting hot drink on our back deck.
Your experience includes:
4-minute video presentation on the distillery’s history and eucalyptus oil production
Beverage of your choice: freshly brewed tea, hot chocolate, or coffee made with Kangaroo Island’s award-winning roasted coffee beans
20-minute guided tour of the distillery, including the Post Office Museum, learning about the Turner family and pure eucalyptus oil production
Presentation on our products and their uses, plus information about other local produce from Kangaroo Island
Browse our craft gallery and farmgate shop
Delicious Aussie breakfast with a comforting hot drink
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours per person
Under 5 years: Free (food and drinks available at own cost from our menu)
Schedule: 9:00 AM, Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays
Disabled Access
Carpark Family Friendly Pet Friendly - Enquire Public Toilet