Beekeeping in Australia

Pre-1788

Prior to European settlement Australian aboriginals consumed “sugarbag”, honey from native bees found in tropical areas. Most Australian native bees are either stingless or their stings are not generally dangerous to humans. However, native bees generally don't produce a large amount of honey.

Introduction of European bees

In 1822 the first honeybees were brought to Australia on the ship Isabella, which was transporting convicts to Sydney. Later, other species were introduced from Italy, Yugoslavia, and North America.