Sandalwood Factory - Kununurra

The Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory is on Weaber Plains Road, about 15 kilometres from Kununurra in Western Australia. We visited the Sandalwood Factory while staying in town and found it very interesting to learn about this product and its varied uses. A small theatrette runs a film explaining the uses of sandalwood, how is is grown and its export value. 

Indian Sandalwood is grown in the Ord Irrigation area and is a parasite, requiring a host plant to survive - the fields look quite messy as there are three types of trees growing together. Sandalwood is exported as the incense is considered important in some religious ceremonies, the oil is used in perfumes as well as skin care products, and the hard heart timber is very valuable.

The cafe serves light meals from local produce and the opening times vary during the wet season. There are a huge range of sandalwood products for sale at the retail outlet near the cafe.