Castle Cove, Sydney · #beebalcony
Lots of bees.
Lots to learn.
A stickybeak into the life of a backyard beekeeper in Castle Cove, Sydney. Learning as I go, with small-batch honey to share along the way.
HOW THIS started
Here for the bees.
The honey is a bonus.
Beekeeping seemed like a good way to learn something new and do something fun with the kids. If you're wondering, no, the kids don't think beekeeping is 'fun'.
I started with one hive on a tiny balcony in Castle Cove, a lot of curiousity and no idea what I was doing. I bought plenty of beekeeping books. I am yet to open them.
The more I learnt, the more questions I had.
I'm still learning. I make endless mistakes and am fascinated by what the bees get up to. Stickybeak is my way to share a little of my curiousity with you.
And when there's honey to share? Even sweeter.
2
Hives
Sharing a balcony in Castle Cove.
1
CURIOUS BEEKEEPER
Asking questions. Learning as I go.
COUNTLESS
QUESTIONS
Every hive inspection adds a few more.
The beekeeper
I like a challenge.
I'm Angela. I'm curious by nature and seem to have a habit of choosing hobbies that are, well, challenging. Ultra-marathons, sign me up. Triathlons, yes please.
So naturally, I took up beekeeping.
I like learning things, asking questions, and figuring things out as I go. Beekeeping gives me plenty of opportunities for all three.
It definitely keeps me humble. One honey harvest took place on a clothes airer in the bathroom because I was hiding from the bees on the balcony. The honey was extraordinary. The photos were not. I posted them anyway.
That's what I share through Stickybeak: what I'm learning, what the bees are doing and the bits that don't quite go to plan. Because life is messy, and the 'gram could do with a little unhinged now and then.
HOME BASE
Castle Cove.
Ony tiny balcony on Sydney's North Shore.
THE RESIDENTS
Italian honey bees.
The busiest members of the household.
the vibe
Two hives. One balcony.
Plenty to stickybeak at.
THE BEEKEEPER.
Still learning.
The bees keep giving me homework.
the bonus
Small-batch honey
When there's a harvest, there's honey to share.
From hive to jar,
honestly.
the bees make it. i jar it.
Step 1
The bees do their thing
The bees head out from the balcony to forage around Castle Cove. I mostly watch from my office to try and work out what they are up to.
My job: beewatcher.
Step 2
The bees set the pace
I check that the honey is ready before harvesting. Some things can’t be hurried. The bees are very clear on that. A lot like small toddlers when you are in a hurry.
Timing: when its ready.
Step 3
Keep it simple
I extract the honey without adding heat, strain it (sometimes twice) and leave it to settle. It’s a sticky job. I am used to mess. That part I’ve mastered.
Method: sticky
Step 4
A little to share
I fill and label every jar by hand. When there’s honey available, you can arrange local delivery or collection from Castle Cove.
Bonus: Fresh honey for toach
WHAT THE LOCALS SAY
"Love seeing the bees on my morning walk."
Gaye S, 2025
"Best local honey we've found on the North Shore."
Ian W, 2024
Things you need to know
Free Pickup or Delivery
Free local pickup from Castle Cove. Just select pickup at checkout and we'll arrange a time. We deliver to Castle Cove and surrounding North Shore suburbs. Delivery is free. Questions? DM us at [email protected]
Common Questions about Raw Honey
Why does my honey look cloudy or solid?
Raw honey granulates naturally, it hasn't gone off. Sit the jar in warm water for a few minutes if you want it liquid again. Don't microwave it.
Is it safe to eat?
Raw honey is not recommended for children under 12 months, but is fine for everyone else.
How should I store it?
Room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Not in the fridge.
What's the difference between raw and supermarket honey?
Supermarket honey is typically heat-treated and filtered, which extends shelf life but destroys enzymes and pollen. Ours isn't.
Fancy a stickybeak?
Leave your email for occasional news from the balcony: what the bees are doing, what I’m learning and when there’s honey to share.
And yes, there
Small-batch honey from the Castle Cove balcony. A little of what the bees have been busy making, ready to share.
330g The OG
450g The Salvaged
Free local pickup and delivery Castle Cove and Sydney North Shore and the Northern Beaches.
STICKYBEAK
Smalll-batch honey from #beebalcon#beebalcony.
#beebalcony. Castle Cove, Sydney, NSW.
shop
Shop the honey
© 2025 STICKYBEAK FOOD INSIGHTS Pty Ltd - A.B.N. 31 619 353 909
#beebalcony · #castlecovebees · #stickybeakhoney