Collection: Sheepskin Rugs - 100% Natural Long Wool Australian Merino Sheepskin

Our sheepskins are ethically sourced as a by-product of Australia’s meat industry. In 2024, more than 38 million sheep and lambs were processed across the country. Unfortunately, a large portion of sheepskins are discarded or end up in landfill due to changing market demand and the rise of synthetic materials.

At Yellow Earth, we see value in what others might waste. By tanning and repurposing these hides, we extend the life of a natural, biodegradable material and reduce environmental impact.

With roots as a Melbourne-based tannery and decades of experience, our second-generation family business is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and functionality of genuine Australian sheepskin—making the most of every hide.

Not at all. At Yellow Earth, we’re committed to offering high-quality sheepskin products that are safe for you and your family. That’s why our sheepskins are regularly tested to ensure they are free from harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides.

We’re proud to say our products now meet the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD, a globally recognised certification for leather products tested to be safe in close contact with human skin—including babies. Our factory follows strict testing protocols and maintains low levels of only safe, approved chemicals throughout production.

We’ve also significantly reduced our water usage in the tanning process, which means fewer chemicals overall. This helps preserve the natural qualities of the sheepskin while reducing our environmental footprint.

It’s all part of our mission to create sheepskin products that are not only luxurious and long-lasting, but also environmentally responsible.

Yellow Earth began as a traditional sheepskin tannery in Melbourne, founded by our family over two generations ago. Tanning sheepskin is both a science and a craft—one we’ve spent decades perfecting right here in Australia.

The tanning process involves stabilising the collagen proteins in the hide using a carefully developed formula. This preserves the wool fleece and ensures the leather side stays strong, flexible, and built to last. Our method is gentle on the skin and better for the environment, and our products meet the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD for safety.

Unlike many other brands, we don’t just sell sheepskin—we make it. Our roots are in tanning Australian sheepskin hides, and it’s what we do best. With years of hands-on experience, we know exactly how to bring out the natural softness, strength, and comfort of genuine sheepskin. Simply put, we know what we are talking about when it comes to sheepskin.

At Yellow Earth, we believe customers should feel confident about where their sheepskin products come from and how they are made.

For over 30 years, Yellow Earth has specialised in working with sheepskin through our own factory operations as well as carefully selected manufacturing partners and specialist tanneries. Together, we follow internationally recognised standards for product safety, ethical sourcing and quality control.

These certifications help ensure the sheepskin used in our products is processed responsibly while maintaining the softness, durability and comfort that genuine sheepskin is known for. With decades of experience working with sheepskin, our team understands how to select, process and craft materials into products designed to last.

Please refer to this article for a full list of our earned standards and certifications.

For regular upkeep, shake the rug outdoors and brush the wool gently to keep it fluffy. For deeper cleaning, we recommend our specially formulated Woolskin Shampoo, which is designed to clean the wool without stripping its natural oils. Always air dry away from direct heat or sunlight, and avoid machine washing or tumble drying, which can damage the fibres and leather backing.

Our long wool sheepskin rugs come in single, double, quad and larger sizes to suit different spaces — a single works well as a bedside mat or chair throw, while double and quad sizes suit larger floor areas or layering across a sofa. If you're unsure, measuring the space you have in mind is the easiest way to pick the right fit.

Genuine sheepskin is a natural, biodegradable fibre that's been perfected by nature to protect sheep through extreme weather conditions, which makes it ideal for home furnishings — breathable, durable and naturally comfortable. By contrast, synthetic rugs rely on non-renewable resources like crude oil and natural gas, and can take decades or even centuries to break down, while also tending to flatten and wear out sooner.

Yes — wool fibres naturally help regulate temperature, keeping warmth in during winter while still allowing air to circulate as the weather warms up. That's why it works equally well as a cosy bedside mat on a cold morning or draped over a chair year-round.

Genuine sheepskin is naturally hypoallergenic and free from harsh synthetic additives, making it a popular choice for family homes. As with any soft furnishing, we'd recommend supervising very young children or pets around any rug, and checking our care instructions to keep it clean and fresh with regular use.

With proper care, a quality Australian sheepskin rug can last for many years. Wool fibres are naturally resilient and tend to bounce back rather than flatten over time, so regular brushing and the occasional wash with a wool-safe shampoo will help it keep its plush look and feel for the long haul/