Eucalyptus oil in the Sturgess family’s blood

Paul and Andrea Sturgess took over the property from Paul’s father and together they operate Yesteryear Plantations, one of the only privately owned growers and distillers of pure radiata eucalyptus oil in Australia.

The couple offer a wide range of products made from their pure oil including cleaning products, soaps, shampoos and body washes, room deodorisers, throat lozenges, animal shampoos, and gift packs.

“Paul’s father bought the property in the early 1950s upon returning from the war,” Mrs Sturgess said.

“It is a beautiful location, situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains on the Snubba Range.

“The name is very appropriate; it is called Valley Views as it overlooks the picturesque Gilmore and Blowering Valleys,” she said.

Valley Views is 167 hectares, half of which is used for Yesteryear Plantations and half to run about 50 head of Angus cross cattle.

The eucalyptus plantation takes precedence over the cattle and is a big job for the couple, who have been married for 29 years.

“We selective cut various patches of natural bush every two to three years,” Mrs Sturgess said.

“We use most of the tree, in varying ways.

“The branches we use to extract the oil from the leaves and we now use the timber from the tree trunk as firewood as well.

“We have a couple of trees we get seeds from for replanting, but predominantly we allow the cut areas to naturally regenerate.

“Unfortunately sometimes the stumps have had their day, either because they are just too old or the cattle have rubbed them the wrong way. 

“When that happens we need to replant using the seeds. It is all a very natural process, so much so that we only use natural irrigation.”

According to Mrs Sturgess, it was only natural for her husband to take over the family eucalyptus oil business.

“Paul has been involved in the business since he was a toddler,” she said.

“We really wanted to keep that family tradition going and it has been hard work, but well worth the effort.”

They are not looking to retire anytime soon and have some grand plans for the property.

“We are currently in a transitional period with the Valley Views, replanting the gardens and other tasks which add to the ambience,” Mrs Sturgess said.

“We have a plan to be a tourist attraction within three years.

“Paul and I are even looking at adding some unique cabins further into the future.

“We have worked hard to drought-proof the property and have it set up so Paul can manage it by himself.”

The couple also showcase their products at a handful of field days and some events held in the local area.