Originally from Sydney, Phil and Jane Dening had always imagined having a rural lifestyle and when they came to Tasmania in 1986 they realised it could be possible. They bought Coaldale in 1995 and planted the orchard in 1997 with 1500 trees.
Coaldale Walnuts became a multi-generation family business when Phil and Jane’s daughter Sophie and son-in-law Brad became business partners in 2021.
Following stints in Canberra and Adelaide in corporate jobs, Sophie and Brad (who is originally from Port Lincoln in South Australia) chose Tasmania as the best place to continue raising their young family – and what better place than on a walnut farm!
Phil and Jane retired from the business in 2024, handing over the reins to Sophie and Brad.
As business owners, we are committed to contributing to the fantastic output of the Coal River Valley, as well as participating in the great community the valley supports.
We are passionate about producing great walnuts in a sustainable way so that our land improves as we continue to produce better nuts. The flavour of our nuts surprises many people who have only ever tasted large-scale commercially produced imported nuts.
We’re also on a mission to educate people about the unique flavour and boundless culinary possibilities pickled walnuts present.