Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Sea Days - 28-29-30 December 2018

28 December 2018

Friday

Kangaroo Island

Sunrise as we approach Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island, located in the State of South Australia, is the third-largest island in this country.   Not always an island, it was inhabited by Aborigines, who are thought to have mysteriously disappeared when sea levels rose and the island was formed more than 10,000 years ago.    

Welcome to Kangaroo Island, South Australia

 In 1802 Captain Matthew Flinders made the first recorded European sighting of the island -- naming it for the large numbers of roaming kangaroos -- giving his crew their first fresh food in many months.    By 1836 as the colony of South Australia was being established, whalers and sealers began to permanently settle on the island, which is 90 miles long, and between 1 and 34 miles wide from the narrowest to the widest points.   Agriculture has been and still is a main industry but a lobster fishery and tourism are growing.  

Today Phil and I are on a tour to visit three family businesses that have been thriving on Kangaroo Island for generations: Clifford's Honey Bee Farm, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Emu Bay Lavender Farm.    

At Clifford's Honey Farmwe learn that in the early 1880's the first honeybees were imported from the province of Liguria in Italy.   The intention was to provide a future source of purebred queen bees for the beekeeping industry.   By 1885 the South Australia Government proclaimed Kangaroo Island a bee sanctuary for these bees.  

At Clifford's Honey Farm.

Clifford's tagline is "Over 40 years of Experience in Producing Pure Ligurian Honey".  Our guide is a woman who is in the 3rd generation of the Clifford Family -- she educates the group on the operating systems of a honey farm including how honey is extracted from the hive and the life of a honeybee -- workers and queens.      

Clifford's has 1500 acres with 300 hives that produce basic honey foodstuffs from ice cream to ale as well as household items from candles to cosmetics -- all sold in their gift shop where samples are available. 

Hello to an Emu!

Moving on to the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery & Craft Gallery.  This is quite the place -- we are met by Larry Turner, a 4th generation islander and the owner of this establishment, one of four eucalyptus distilleries left on Kangaroo Island.  In the 1890's distillation of the eucalyptus oil began with dozens of stills -- making Australia a major exporter of the oil.   By mid-century -- wool prices were more attractive so farmers turned to sheep as a livelihood.   Larry explains that he turned back to the 1890's technology and the eucalyptus trees to make ends meet when wool prices dropped.       He also raises Emu's and has an elaborate shop which incudes a cafe -- barbecue areas and all kinds of products -- not just from his operations. 

Larry Turner, Owner of Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery

There are 300 eucalyptus trees on the property -- harvested on a staggered schedule.  Once harvested, the trees are cut to the ground and ready for another round three years hence.   This place is self-sustaining to the point that Larry manufactures and maintains his own machinery --- much cheaper than purchasing custom made rigs.      Larry has embraced the internet -- although you might not think so to look at him. He is a smart cookie with a successful and evolving business.

Young Kangaroo at Emu Ridge Eucayptus Distillery

Eucalyptus oilis used for a disinfectant, deodorizer, cuts, burns, abrasions, and in the workshop for cleaning paintbrushes and removing stains. Emu Oilhas been used for Australian Aborigines for thousands of years.  It uses include:  moisturizer, massage, arthritis, inflammation, dermatitis, bits, burns and cuts. Both oils sound like miracle products -- however Phil and I did not see a need to purchase any -- we couldn't fit it in our suitcases.

As we enter the shop, we encounter a small kangaroo -- quite playful.   The kangaroos on Kangaroo island have black fur, thicker than kangaroos with gray fur on the main land of Australia.   Deeper in the shop we see "Kindy" -- an orphaned baby kangaroo who is kept in a basket to mimic a mother's pouch.  Both are so adorable and friendly.

 

"Kindy" an orphaned baby kangaroo.

Before we leave we have a cider tasting -- cider being the newest addition to Larry's stable of products-- not to my taste.

Our final stop is the Emu Bay Lavender Farm growing 2 acres of lavender.  Teresa, the owner and Larry Turner's sister, meets us -- she has recently taken over the farm from a cousin.

Phil at the Emu Bay Lavendar Farm.

Two types of lavender are grown here -- one used in foodstuffs and the other for non-foodstuffs.   We are served samples of scones with lavender jelly and lavender ice cream before being ushered into the cafe/gift shop.   This is smaller than the other businesses -- but looks equally successful.

I did purchase a lavender bug spray to ward off the pesky flies in South Australia -- I'll let you know how it works. 

Pat at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm.

What all of these business have in common is that they have become tourist attractions by giving guided talks and samples -- and they are each their own distribution channel through their shops and the internet. 

We opt to be dropped off in the town of Penneshaw -- a short walk from the ship.  It is a small coastal town with a couple of shops -- a small flea market -- and a couple of restaurants --one serving fish & chips.    We take a quick stroll through town and the flea market before heading back to the ship for lunch.

This evening, we have dinner in the main dining room with Colette and Marc.

Kangaroo Island is an interesting place to visit with so much more see.

29 December 2018 - Saturday

30 December 2018 - Sunday

Enroute to Sydney, Australia

It takes us two days to arrive at Whites Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney Australia.   It is amazing how easy it is to kill a day or two when the ship is at sea.   We played Trivia -- we read -- I wrote -- we attended the Captain's Party for previous cruisers -- I attended Mass with Fr. Aigner from Delaware and Phil and I mapped out what we will do for almost three days in Sydney.

Pat and Colette at dinner.

 Seas are relatively calm and the weather has been okay -- a little too hot for me but okay.

We had dinner one night in Aqualina -- the Italian restaurant and another night in the main dining room.

Marc is having Filet of Sole.

 It seems like in the blink of an eye -- we are passing the Sydney Opera House -- going under the Sydney Harbor Bridge and it is New Years Eve.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat