Olives weren't the plan. But then, the best things rarely are.
After years in the Goldfields, we went searching for a lifestyle business. We searched the whole state. Then Yirri Grove appeared — a lovely little olive farm overlooking the breathtaking Recherche Archipelago. It would prove to be just the sea change we were looking for.
HOW IT STARTED
In the beginning, there was a fair bit of maintenance — and a whole lot of learning.
There was some TLC and a fair bit of work to bring the olive grove into production. Not to mention a whole lot of learning about olives to do. Our first crop in 2010 yielded 110 kg and gave us the opportunity to make a few mistakes over 101 possible ways to debitter and preserve olives.
The following year's harvest yielded 330 kg — boosting our enthusiasm and giving us enough confidence to hit up the bank with a business plan. The Bonolio Olive Oil processor arrived in March 2012, just in time for the bumper 3,300 kg harvest.
"This lovely little farm overlooking the archipelago would prove to be just the sea change we were looking for."
Anne
BUILDING THE FARM
In 2014 we built the factory, the shop — and eventually, the restaurant.
The Olive Processing Factory and Farm Shop came first, eventually growing to include the Yirri Grove Restaurant too. It gave our customers the opportunity to pop out to the farm, enjoy olive tasting, high tea and delicious meals featuring the best of Yirri Grove — with views of the olive groves and the archipelago.
"We are firmly committed to promoting and supporting
locally grown and produced food"
We thoroughly enjoy our sea change. Cape Le Grand National Park is literally on our doorstep, and we are proud to supply a product that is grown locally in the sunshine, cared for with loving hands, and taken the time to mature properly.
ALWAYS GROWING
Over the last few years, we haven't slowed down.
A private runway has been built to encourage private pilots to land and discuss planes with Shane over his barista-made coffee. The buildings and cottage have been upgraded, and a windmill installed to supply constant water to the gardens.
We will continue improving Yirri Grove — with plans of accommodation in our quaint farm cottage still to come.
We'd love for you to pop out to the farm.
Olive tasting, high tea, and meals with views of the groves and the archipelago.
