Featured in The Mercury
Family’s dream lavender farm in Huon Valley opens for pick-your-own days
From 400 trial plants to thousands of thriving lavenders, a Mountain River farm defies the typical Tasmanian apple-growing tradition with aromatic rows and artisan ice-cream collaborations.
Kristoff and Marcelle Bakkes with daughters Lara 7 and Milla 8. Huon Valley Lavender Farm at Mountain River are about to welcome people to come and 'pick your own' lavender. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Rooted in a South African country childhood and built for their daughters to share, a family-run lavender farm in the Huon Valley is opening for pick-your-own days for the first time, inviting visitors to wander the rows, snip blooms, and watch aromatic oils come to life.
Marcelle and Kristoff Bakkes bought the 16‑acre block at Mountain River in 2021, a former hay paddock once linked to the Oats family’s apple‑growing past.
After trialling 400 plants across seven varieties, they settled on two thriving angustifolia types and planted 4,500 in the spring of 2022. In 2024, 4,000 of another variety were planted.
Lara Bakkes 7 and sister Milla Bakkes 8. Huon Valley Lavender Farm at Mountain River are about to welcome people to come and 'pick your own' lavender. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
For Mrs Bakkes, who grew up on a farm in South Africa, lavender was a natural fit — a scent her great‑grandmother wore and her mother planted at every home.
She wanted the same hands‑on life for their children, and their daughters aged seven and eight, are already part of the operation, from helping harvest to running the point‑of‑sale system in the farm shop.
“We don’t spray anything,” Mr Bakkes said, outlining an organic, regenerative approach with sheep, chickens, cover crops, and minimal tillage to build soil health.
Distillation and product making happen on farm, led by Mrs Bakkes, a qualified aromatherapist, with products including a children’s line, bath salts, lip balm, insect repellent, and room sprays.
Visitors begin with a short tour before heading into the field with a galvanised vase and scissors to pick at their own pace.
Huon Valley Lavender Farm at Mountain River are about to welcome people to come and 'pick your own' lavender. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
The farm also hosts picnic tables and photo‑only access for those chasing colour. Blooming peaks through January.
Next year the couple will plant a further 7,000 plants in April, with plans for hands‑on workshops in distillation, soap making, and wreaths ahead.
Mr Bakkes is a QantasLink pilot, and moved to Tasmania when the Hobart base opened.
With QantasLink’s Hobart base closing, the family hopes the farm becomes their full‑time future.
“We love Tasmania; it’s become our home,” Mr Bakkes said.
For details and to book your own pick-your-own adventure visit huonlavender.com.au
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