Who we are and what we're about!
About Us
French Island Essential Oils began with a respect for the land and a willingness to pay attention.
In 2013, Celia and Leigh moved to French Island in search of a simpler, more self-sustaining life. The landscape was both generous and demanding, and over time it became clear that working with the land meant understanding its limits as much as its potential.
The summers of 2024 and 2025 brought extended drought. Grass growth declined, while native plants adapted to the conditions began to flourish. Removing them would have required chemical intervention, something we chose to avoid in order to protect the fragile ecosystem around us.
Instead, curiosity led the way.
In the autumn of 2025, the natural aroma drifting through the paddocks drew the attention of Celia’s son, Alan. The plants were identified as Kunzea ericoides (Yarra Burgan), along with native Melaleuca species long recognised for their therapeutic qualities. What first appeared as a challenge revealed itself as an opportunity.
With care, collaboration, and the guidance of Jeff Allen at Blue Moon Distillers, we learned how to distill these native botanicals in a way that preserves their natural character.
Our essential oils are produced slowly and thoughtfully, shaped by season, climate, and place.
When you open a bottle, you’re experiencing a quiet expression of French Island — its resilience, its simplicity, and the care taken to work in harmony with the land.
What We’re About
French Island Essential Oils operates on a property called Mandalaye Park Estate and is built on care — for the land, for the process, and for what we leave behind.
Our distillation operates entirely off-grid, powered primarily by solar energy. From the beginning, our aim has been to produce the highest quality essential oils while keeping our environmental footprint as light as possible.
We believe transparency matters. While we are constantly improving our systems, we also acknowledge that not every part of our process is perfect — yet.
Our still is currently heated using LPG. While firewood is abundant on the island, wood-fired heat produces significantly higher emissions and presents an unacceptable bushfire risk to the wider community. LPG allows us to distill safely and responsibly. As our solar capacity expands and reliance on backup diesel power is eliminated, we plan to transition away from LPG altogether.
Harvesting is carried out using a diesel tractor — a practical necessity in our remote location for now.
Where we have found solutions, we commit to closing the loop:
-Hydrosol is recycled back through our still unless otherwise requested as a product.
-Distilled plant material is returned to the land as mulch, supporting regeneration and future sustainability projects.
-Water for distillation and cooling is sourced from rainwater tanks or bore water and continuously recycled.
-All plants used are naturally occurring, requiring no irrigation, fertilisers, or intervention to thrive.
We don’t believe sustainability is a finished destination. It’s an ongoing practice — one shaped by honesty, responsibility, and respect for place.
Our Other Projects
Alongside the oils, Celia and Leigh continue to care for a small number of cattle and horses — animals that move freely across the land and are part of its daily rhythm.
The property also opens its gates to visitors. It is a place for slow stays and shared moments, offering guided tours, luxury farm accommodation, bed and breakfast experiences, and gatherings ranging from intimate celebrations to larger events. The venue is fully licensed, with a bar and commercial kitchen designed to bring people together.
Much of what guests experience has been shaped by Leigh, whose hands-on approach transforms former farm infrastructure into warm, rustic spaces that reflect both creativity and practicality.
Celia’s work extends beyond the property itself. She is deeply involved in local environmental and social initiatives and collaborates with various stakeholders on conservation projects to support endangered wildlife. The land is home to koalas and rare bird species, many of which reveal themselves to those who take the time to notice.
Together, Celia and Leigh host, guide, and nourish guests — sharing not just a place, but a way of living shaped by care, connection, and respect for the island.
