With wings that beat 200 times a second and a talent for creating honey, bees are an amazing insect that has populated every continent on Earth except Antarctica. with 20,000 species worldwide, Australia hosts around 1,500 native bees who often compete with the commercial honey bee which was introduced to our continent in 1822.
Recently we spotted what looked like a blue bee and were curious if our eyes were deceiving us. A little research and we discovered that Australian native bees can be found in many different colours outside the yellow/black combination we are familiar with from books and TV. Further research and we were able to identify native bees that live in our area.
With our curiosity now piqued we sought out an opportunity to learn more about bees and discovered the Bee Keeper’s Inn in Vittoria, NSW on our road trip to Bathurst.
Although the bees we spotted appeared to be introduced honey bee’s we were able to taste 10 different honey samples created by bees from native pollens. Each honey sample had a distinct taste that clearly defined it from the others. They were all delicious and we left with 4 jars!
Miss N found the live bee display most fascinating. She stood for quite some time watching the bees at work behind the glass. She was a little disappointed that she couldn’t spot the Queen Bee but was happy that she could count over 100 bees.
Originally built as a Hotel then a changing station for Cobb & Co, the Bee Keeper’s Inn also offers a wonderful cafe experience. Most ingredients are sourced locally and the site also produces it’s own ale which can be purchased on site in wonderful wooden crates. I ordered the pastie which came with the most amazing tomato and pistachio relish. It was so good I sent T off to source a jar in the Farm Shop. We were all super full when we went outside.
While T explored the antique shop, the kids and I played a little bocce on the outdoor bocce field. So much fun! We then had a quick look through the nursery and brewery before heading back to our hotel, our stomachs full.
You can vist the Beekeeper’s Inn by taking the Highway west out of Bathurst. It can be found at 2319 Mitchell Highway, Vittoria. If you would like to learn more about Australian Native Bees head to the Australian Native Bee Research Centre.
Excellent article. I tasted honey in a place called Lower Landing in Tasmania. Great experience for families as well as solo travellers.
Tasmania is such an amazing place to visit. Did you discover a favourite attraction when you were traveling there?
Hi Leah. I loved the west coast wilderness the most – places like Zeehan and Strahan – so gorgeous and remote. I also climbed the Nut at Stanley and enjoyed the wall murals in Sheffield! Too many highlights in my 5 months there.
Sounds like an ace adventure. I love Tassie. Can’t wait to take the kids.