28th February–8th March 2026. Prepare for a journey like no other.

From the sunlit shores of the Gold Coast to the bohemian charm of Byron Bay, the historic heart of Adelaide, the untamed beauty of Tasmania, and the dazzling skyline of Sydney- we’ll trace the aromatic soul of Australia.

Tea tree, lemon myrtle, sandalwood, buddhawood, white cypress, boronia, peppermint, eucalyptus – each grown in landscapes as diverse as the country itself, distilled into pure essence by master craftsmen.

We’ll walk among wild coastlines and ancient forests, breathe in scents carried on ocean winds, and witness the artistry that transforms nature into some of the world’s finest oils.

Eight days. Five regions. This is more than a Study Tour – this is Australia in its purest form.

Our itinerary includes visits to Australian Native Products, Blue Dog, Down Under Enterprises, Main Camp, Golden Grove, Wild Woods of Australia, G.R. Davis Pty Ltd., Australian Botanical Products and Southern Cross University where we will meet Researchers and Academics in Plant Sciences, the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) and Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia (EOPAA).
Come along and experience the vibrant spirit of Australia!

Participation in the AST 26 will be limited to 40 participants, IFEAT Members are advised to book early, as previous Study Tours have been extremely popular and sold out quickly.

Registration will be limited initially to one person per IFEAT Member company. Register quickly to avoid disappointment.

Registration will open on Wednesday 1st October 2025 at 12:00pm UK time.

The Study Tour to Australia in 2026 has several objectives:

• To gain insights into the production and processing of major Australian essential oils including, but not limited to; tea tree, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, boronia, sandalwood, buddhawood, white cypress, peppermint, parsley and fennel.
• Explore field cropping, packing and processing plants, greenhouses and nurseries.
• Gain insights into cutting-edge plant genetics and breeding programmes, including the cultivation practices of tea tree and cannabis plantations.
• Understand the growing importance of organic essential oils, including their certification and traceability.
• Provide delegates with opportunities to connect with Australian producers, processors, and exporters.
• Learn about Australia’s culture and heritage.
• Facilitate networking with F&F industry professionals, invariably from over 20 countries and diverse roles.
• Achieve all these objectives within an eight-day programme.

WHY AUSTRALIA IN MARCH?

The timing of the Study Tour has been carefully chosen to ensure delegates experience the very best of Australia’s unique crops and production processes. Based on harvest cycles and seasonal factors, late February through early March emerges as the most suitable period aligning with key harvests while still allowing participants to explore crops and processes that are available year-round.

The itinerary below provides a summary of the places and operations that we will visit during this Tour. This itinerary is subject to change. Click or tap the map image to download it as a pdf.

AIRPORT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

The upcoming Study Tour will commence on the Gold Coast and conclude in Sydney, offering participants a rich and varied experience across Australia’s eastern seaboard. To ensure smooth travel arrangements delegates should plan to arrive at Gold Coast Airport (OOL), which serves both domestic and international flights. This will be the starting point of the Study Tour. The tour will conclude in Sydney, with departures from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), which offers excellent global connectivity.

TOUR COSTS AND BOOKING

The cost of the Tour is $5,700 USD per person.

This includes 8 nights’ single room accommodation in quality hotels; all programme meals, drinks & receptions and domestic transportation.

IFEAT is not responsible for the cost and booking of flights/travel to the Gold Coast or from Sydney. This is the responsibility of the individual delegate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON PARTICIPATION

Initially participation is restricted to personnel directly employed by IFEAT Member companies and initially only one person per Member company will be permitted to attend.

To qualify, it is necessary that the Member company has paid its annual membership subscription to date including that current at the time of application for a place on the tour and at the date of the Tour. Delegates must be at least 21 years old at the time of registering. No accompanying persons are permitted. Bookings will be accepted by IFEAT on a first come, first served basis. Delegates will only be registered for the Tour once full payment has been received by IFEAT.

Please read the full terms and conditions here