BARNES HONEY SITE

Location

Old Henty Highway GLENISLA, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

486

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Barnes Honey site is located some distance off the Old Henty Highway, about 2.5kms north of the intersection with the new Henty Highway. There may be archaeological potential at the site, but all that remains to distinguish the area where the apiarist enterprise existed is a row of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). It is thought that the pollen of these trees makes excellent honey, with a distinctive aroma and taste. It is believed that the site was occupied from the late nineteenth century until the 1940s by the Barnes family, who went on to develop the famous Australian brand of "Barnes Honey", enjoyed by many Australians. The site was abandoned in the 1940s when the Rocklands Reservoir was made, and flooded the site. The site retains a low degree of integrity, and is in poor condition.

How is it significant?
The Barnes Honey site is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The former Barnes Honey site is of historical interest for its association with the famous brand of Barnes Honey. It is believed to be the original site for this company, and has particular associations with the Grampians area, as the success of the honey was thought to be because of the indigenous plant pollen which the honey was made from. It represents an industry which is no longer practiced on a large scale.

Group

Farming and Grazing

Category

Apiculture/beekeeping