Popular Bombala tourist attraction re-opens to visitors

Located next to the Bombala Visitors Centre on the Monaro Highway, Lavender House offers a window into what life was like in the Bombala region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Since its official opening in 1892, Lavender House has become one of Bombala’s most admired buildings. Throughout its 128-year history, the house has served many important purposes.

Initially the building was used as a convent for the Sisters of St Joseph where Saint Mary Mackillop stayed upon her visits to Bombala in 1899 and 1901.

“Lavender House has a fascinating history and a visit is a must when travelling through our beautiful region,” Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Peter Beer said.

“Our friendly and knowledgeable information centre staff can help visitors access Lavender House. They can provide plenty of interesting details to help you understand and appreciate the history of Bombala and the wider district.”

As its name aptly suggests, the building has played an important role in Bombala’s long standing affiliation with lavender.

The region’s climate is conducive to growing lavender and Lavender House become the headquarters for Australia’s first lavender society in the mid 1990s. The Monaro Country Lavender Cooperative used the building to display items and sell lavender products.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council Tourism Consultant Sandy Lewis is encouraging visitors to stop by the information centre and take in a tour of Lavender House.

“A visit to Lavender House is a must when visiting our beautiful region,” Sandy says.

“Our tourism consultants are happy to point out interesting items and can even assist people in researching their family history.”

Lavender House is open between 10am and 4pm each day of the week, except Sundays. Visitors are required to drop-by the information centre to access Lavender House with the centre’s tourism consultants on hand to assist.