Native Bees

Australia has more than 1700 native bee species, some of these make their homes in the Gardens and the surrounding region.

When the word ‘bees’ is first mentioned, it is natural to think of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), which was introduced to Australia in 1822 to produce honey. Our native bees can be classified into different types – solitary bees (live by themselves) and some that are social that live in colonies similar to European honey bees. All social native bees are stingless.

Native bees are very important for many reasons. Read here to find out more.

You can help our native bees and other beneficial insects by making a bee hotel of your own! From the elaborate to the quite basic constructions, they all provide the perfect place for these beneficial insects.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens has two insect hotels on display in the Tropical Shade Garden. Located just outside Botanic Gardens Information, the hotel is made from different size cuts of bamboo, twigs and curled up Melaleuca to provide insects with a range of mediums to make their nests.

Come and visit our hotels and let us know what you find!