Hands-On Damask Rose Water Workshop at Killara Distillery, Richmond TAS

Killara Distillery & Apothecary Garden, at 32 Ogilvie Lane in Richmond, Tasmania, invites visitors into a small‑group, hands‑on workshop that distills the short Damask rose season into a focused sensory lesson. About 30 minutes’ drive from Hobart, the workshop runs 1.5–2 hours and is geared toward beginners and curious hands; participants harvest roses, learn steam‑distillation on a traditional copper still, and bottle a fresh 30ml of rose water to take home. The scene is practical and tactile: rows of pale pink Damask roses, an admiring hush as petals are gathered, and the soft clink of copper as the still is set. The key features are the Apothecary Garden itself, the living rose beds, and the working copper still used for steam distillation. Killara layers botanical education over farm practice, explaining plant properties, uses for hydrosols, and the distillation steps that transform volatile oils and floral waters from raw bloom to finished product. This workshop stands out in Tasmania because it pairs a living crop with traditional craft in a coastal‑temperate farming region where cool summer nights and rich soils favor fragrant roses. The experience is intimate: groups are limited to 10–13 people, children aged ten and up are welcome, and the session includes a guided tasting and the option to enjoy a cheese platter and mocktail in the garden. Beyond technique, Killara offers context. Guides share the site’s farming practices and the distillery’s history, giving practical tips for home distilling and ethical harvesting. The workshop is a great fit for creative travelers, botanical hobbyists, and anyone who prefers learning by doing rather than watching. Practical details are straightforward: book in advance—places are limited and sessions are scheduled seasonally around the Damask bloom. Wear closed‑in shoes and sun protection; the program begins outdoors in the garden. Accessibility is considerate: the site is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Pricing for the listed session is $145 per person or $279 for a couple sharing a still, and each participant departs with a freshly made 30ml bottle. If you’re in Richmond early, local cafes and historic streets make for easy pre‑workshop wandering. For those based in Hobart, Killara is a half‑hour escape into a focused craft experience that connects place, plant, and process. This is a short, rewarding way to learn a practical artisanal skill while taking home a fragrant, locally made souvenir. Sessions run periodically during the rose season; the workshop listed for Saturday 21st November 2026 gives an example of a full session calendar. Spaces are intentionally small to keep the process hands‑on, and the hosts often discuss local plant uses and sustainable harvesting. Bring curiosity and a willingness to get floral scent on your hands—those aromas linger as a pleasant souvenir. Always.