Southern Ocean Lodge Kangaroo Island

Have you ever wondered how bees make honey, and what it is that makes Kangaroo Island bees and their honey so special?

Peter Davis local apier and owner of Island Beehive offers ‘factory tours’ showing the harvesting process and tastings. In addition Southern Ocean Lodge can arrange private field experiences into the “life of a beekeeper” to see the bees and their hives in action. http://www.island-beehive.com.au/

History: In the late 1800’s bees were brought to Kangaroo Island from the Italian province of Liguria, and an apiary was established in Penneshaw. Since then, no other breeds of bee have been introduced to Kangaroo Island. Because of the island’s isolation, all these honeybees are direct descendants of the first bees, which makes these bees pure Ligurian and quite unique. Ligurian bees are renowned for their gentle nature and productivity. These characteristics, and the purity of the strain, make them a valuable genetic pool for breeding purposes. Queen bees are regularly exported overseas. In recognition of this fact a bee sanctuary status was introduced prohibiting the importation of all bee products to the Island which ensures that these bees remains disease free.

The 'locals' at Vivonne Bay

Pelicans are very much at home on Kangaroo Island, and a jetty with its promise of a discarded fishermen’s catch is the perfect place to ‘hang out’ with your mates and watch the world go by. Pelicans have a large, distinctive beak with an elasticised pouch, ideal for catching and storing fish. These birds are large at almost 2 metres in height, and have an impressive wingspan of over 3 metres. The pelican can be seen cruising in the blue skies around Vivonne Bay, Hanson Bay and above  Southern Ocean Lodge.

21 March, 2010

A very handsome echidna was spotted today looking for lunch near the old bush turkey nest, just off the board walk on the way to the beach.