A Deep Dive into the History of Perfumery in Australia

Australia’s perfumery landscape is a rich and evolving tapestry, shaped by ancient wisdom, colonial legacy, and a modern creative renaissance. Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous Australians were already deeply attuned to the land’s aromatic resources—burning native resins, leaves, and woods in spiritual ceremonies and healing practices. These ancestral traditions echo the earliest forms of natural perfumery in Australia , forming a sacred connection between scent, place, and purpose. Ingredients like lemon myrtle , boronia , blue cypress , and wattleseed are not only culturally significant, but continue to influence and define the unique character of Australian scent profiles today.

With colonisation came imported materials and classical European fragrance traditions , which slowly layered over existing Indigenous olfactory culture. Over time, however, something uniquely local began to emerge. Early artisans and modern creators alike started blending these traditional techniques with the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian landscape . From the sun-scorched outback to lush coastal rainforests, perfumers began composing fragrances that felt wild, textural, and unmistakably Australian. This fusion has given rise to a style of perfumery in Australia that is both grounded in heritage and boldly forward-thinking.

In recent years, artisan perfumery in Australia has experienced a powerful resurgence. Independent fragrance houses—from Bondi to Byron Bay, Melbourne to Margaret River—are rising as olfactory storytellers. These perfumers aren’t simply replicating international trends; they’re bottling emotions, landscapes, and lived experiences. Their scents are portraits of place: the stillness of a eucalyptus grove after summer rain, the salty rush of a southern beach at dawn, the smoky trails of desert fire in the Red Centre. Australian perfumery is now celebrated for its authenticity—blending native botanicals with sustainability, transparency, and creativity.

The global fragrance community is starting to take notice. Perfumery in Australia is no longer on the fringe but is instead pushing the boundaries of what scent can mean. It’s not just about crafting something that smells beautiful; it’s about storytelling through aroma. These perfumes capture more than notes—they encapsulate culture, landscape, memory, and the evolving Australian identity. From eco-conscious sourcing to small-batch production, Australian perfumery is leading the charge toward a more grounded, mindful, and soulful fragrance movement.

In essence, perfumery in Australia represents a new frontier. It is bold yet respectful, experimental yet grounded. As the world seeks more meaning from its luxuries, Australian perfumery offers an olfactory journey deeply rooted in place, people, and purpose. It’s a celebration not only of scent but of spirit—where every spray tells a story, and every note is a nod to the ancient and ever-evolving beauty of this remarkable land.

Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous Australians had a profound connection with the land, utilizing native plants for medicinal, spiritual, and practical purposes. While not perfumes in the modern sense, these early plant-based applications laid the foundational philosophy for what would become a uniquely Australian approach to fragrance and perfumery . The smoke of burning eucalyptus leaves, the resin of acacia trees, and the oils extracted from lemon myrtle were used in rituals that embodied both healing and storytelling—principles that still echo in the perfumery industry today.

These natural, intentional practices represent some of the earliest forms of scented self-expression, long before alcohol-based perfumes as we know them existed. In many ways, the Indigenous use of botanicals created a sensory blueprint that continues to inspire contemporary perfumery in Australia . Today’s perfumers often return to these native ingredients not only for their aromatic beauty but for the rich cultural history they represent—anchoring modern Australian perfumery in deep tradition and place.

As the art of perfumery evolved in Australia, this deep respect for land and scent laid a unique foundation for a fragrance identity that is both soulful and distinctly local. What began as sacred, smoke-infused rituals has now transformed into a vibrant perfumery culture —one that celebrates authenticity, connection, and the enduring legacy of nature’s aromatic gifts.

• Eucalyptus: Widely used for its medicinal properties, eucalyptus leaves were often crushed to release their aromatic oils.

• Sandalwood: Indigenous communities utilized sandalwood for ceremonial purposes, its rich scent adding a spiritual dimension to rituals.

With European settlement in the late 18th century, settlers brought with them their love for European perfumery and the refined elegance of imported perfumes . However, the harsh Australian climate and the continent’s geographic isolation made the importation of such luxuries both difficult and expensive. This challenge sparked the early beginnings of local perfumery in Australia, as settlers and artisans began to explore native botanicals and adapt traditional techniques to suit the environment. Over time, these adaptations laid the groundwork for a uniquely resilient and resourceful Australian perfumery industry—one shaped as much by necessity as by creativity.

• Early Attempts: Some early Australian perfumers attempted to replicate European scents using locally available ingredients, though these efforts were often limited in scope and success.

• Botanical Gardens: The establishment of botanical gardens in cities like Sydney and Melbourne introduced a variety of European plants, some of which were used in early perfumery experiments.

The 19th century saw the emergence of local perfumery , driven by the availability of native botanicals and the growing demand for locally produced goods. This era marked the beginning of an Australian perfumery identity, blending imported techniques with the country’s distinct natural resources. As the industry developed, perfumery in Australia began to take on a character all its own rooted in place, yet open to global influence.

• F.H. Faulding & Co.: Established in 1845, this company began producing essential oils from native plants like eucalyptus and sandalwood. Their products, including fragrances such as Lavender & Musk and Old English Lavender, became household names in Australia .

• Prue Acton: In the 1960s, fashion designer Prue Acton ventured into the world of perfumery, creating fragrances that complemented her clothing lines. Her efforts marked one of the early integrations of fashion and fragrance in Australia .

The 20th century witnessed a renewed interest in Australia's native plants, leading to the development of unique Australian fragrances.

• Australian Sandalwood: By the 1990s, Australian sandalwood oil experienced a resurgence, with its rich aroma becoming sought after in global fragrance markets. However, over-harvesting has led to concerns about its sustainability .

• The Ashes Perfume Bottle: In the early 20th century, the perfume bottle known as "The Ashes" became a symbol of Australian luxury. Commissioned by Janet, Lady Clarke, it was crafted to commemorate the 1882 Ashes Test series .

The 21st century heralded a new era for Australian perfumery , characterized by a blend of traditional perfume craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. This period saw a rise in niche perfume houses that embraced native botanicals, sustainability, and storytelling to create uniquely Australian scent experiences.

• Goldfield & Banks: Founded in 2016 by Dimitri Weber, this Sydney-based brand draws inspiration from Australia's diverse landscapes, creating fragrances that capture the essence of the country's natural beauty .

• Chasing Scents: Established in 2021 by Sandy Wong, a Sydney-based scientist, this perfume house focuses on capturing the essence of tea through fragrance, blending scientific expertise with olfactory artistry .

Australia's perfumery history is a testament to the country’s remarkable biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and unyielding spirit of innovation. Long before the arrival of European settlers, Indigenous Australians were already using native plants in their daily lives burning bush resin for ceremonial purposes, creating balms from native oils, and incorporating aromatic leaves and flowers into their healing practices. These early uses of native flora laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a sophisticated and deeply rooted tradition of Australian perfumery. Indigenous botanicals like wattleseed, sandalwood, and finger lime were highly valued for their aromatic properties, and they remain central to Australia’s fragrance identity today.

As European colonists settled on Australian shores, the practice of perfumery began to evolve, blending the Old World traditions with the new and unfamiliar scents of this diverse continent. European settlers introduced the concept of formal perfumery and began importing essential oils from exotic flowers like lavender and rose, integrating them with the native Australian flora. This intersection of European perfumery traditions and Australian plant life set the stage for the country’s future fragrance innovations, giving birth to a unique and often experimental approach to scent.

The 20th century marked a significant turning point for Australian perfumery, as global interest in natural and sustainable fragrances began to grow. Australian perfumers embraced this global shift, pioneering a more sustainable approach to fragrance-making by incorporating native botanicals into their formulations. The rise of contemporary Australian fragrance houses reflects a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and a genuine respect for the environment. These artisans have become renowned for their ability to blend traditional and contemporary techniques, crafting scents that capture the essence of the Australian landscape. Whether inspired by the crisp scent of eucalyptus trees, the heady fragrance of jasmine flowers, or the complex layers of desert resin, Australian perfumes now offer an evocative sense of place and time.

What sets Australian perfumery apart from its international counterparts is its ability to reflect the vast, untamed beauty of the country itself. Australia’s diverse ecosystems from its coastal rainforests to its dry outback provide an extraordinary palette of ingredients that are unique to this land. Australian perfumers are masters of capturing this complexity, infusing their creations with elements that are both evocative and nostalgic, while also entirely new and innovative. By focusing on native plant materials, Australian perfumers also ensure that their craft is sustainable, supporting local farmers and distillers while preserving the natural habitats from which these plants are harvested.

In recent years, Australian perfumery has gained a well-deserved spotlight on the global stage, as more fragrance lovers are discovering the beauty and originality of these scents. Australian perfume brands have made a name for themselves for their fresh, distinctive, and often bold interpretations of fragrance, creating products that speak not just to the nose but to the soul. With a growing global market, these perfumers are poised to continue their rise, offering scents that are as diverse, complex, and captivating as the country itself.

As the global fragrance industry continues to evolve, Australian perfumers stand ready to make their mark. Whether it’s through the use of native Australian botanicals, sustainable practices, or a modern twist on classic fragrance techniques, Australian perfumery is a force to be reckoned with. Their scents are more than just perfumes—they are stories captured in bottles, each fragrance an exploration of Australia’s landscapes, history, and future. For fragrance lovers around the world, Australia’s perfumers are offering an opportunity to experience something truly unique, a fresh perspective on the art of scent-making that is both innovative and deeply connected to the natural world.

Explore More:

• Lore Perfumery: History of Fragrance

• Harper's Bazaar: The Rise of Australian Fragrance Industry

• The Guardian: Australian Sandalwood's Global Demand