Australian Beehive: What Makes It Different and Is It Right for You?
An "Australian beehive" typically refers to the Flow Hive — invented in Australia by Stuart and Cedar Anderson and launched globally in 2015. It uses patented Flow Frames that allow honey to be harvested by turning a key, draining honey directly into jars without opening the hive or using an extractor. The Flow Hive 2 costs $699–$849 USD and ships from Australia, with 2–4 week delivery times to the US.
In This Article
What Is an Australian Beehive?
The term "Australian beehive" almost always refers to the Flow Hive — a patented beehive system invented by Stuart and Cedar Anderson in Byron Bay, New South Wales. It launched on Indiegogo in 2015, raising over $13 million USD and becoming one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in history.
Australia also has native stingless bee species kept in specialised hives, but these are not relevant to international buyers and are not suited to North American climates. For the purposes of this guide, "Australian beehive" means the Flow Hive system.
The Flow Hive has been sold to beekeepers in over 130 countries and is now one of the most recognisable beehive brands in the world. It is designed and manufactured in Australia and ships internationally from there.
How the Australian Flow Hive Works
The Flow Hive harvests honey without opening the hive. Here's how the mechanism works step by step:
- Bees fill Flow Frames — partially formed plastic cells that bees treat like natural comb, filling with honey and capping with beeswax when mature.
- Insert the Flow Key — a specially designed key slots into the harvest port at the top of each frame.
- Turn the key — a 90° rotation splits the cells internally, creating channels for honey to flow downward.
- Honey drains into jars — through a food-grade tube attached to the lower harvest port. One frame takes 20–40 minutes to drain completely.
- Cells reset automatically — turning the key back rejoins the cells, and bees begin refilling immediately.
Traditional honey extraction from a 6-frame super can take a full afternoon including setup, uncapping, extracting, filtering, and cleanup. The same harvest with a Flow Hive takes under 2 hours with minimal equipment and almost no mess.
Key Features of Australian Flow Hives
Honey flows from hive to jar via a tube. No extractor, no uncapping knife, no mess.
A clear side panel lets you monitor frame capping progress without opening the hive.
Naturally rot-resistant cedar for long-lasting outdoor durability on premium models.
The harvest process leaves the colony largely undisturbed — bees continue working normally.
Built on standard Langstroth dimensions — compatible with most existing beekeeping equipment worldwide.
Genuine Flow Frames use certified BPA-free, food-grade plastic — safe for honey production and sale.
Australian Flow Hive vs Traditional Langstroth
The Flow Hive excels at harvest convenience but comes at a significantly higher price than a traditional Langstroth hive. Here's a direct comparison:
| Feature | Australian Flow Hive | Traditional Langstroth |
|---|---|---|
| Price (hive only) | $699–$849+ | $150–$350 |
| Harvest method | Tap and collect — no extractor | Uncap, extract, filter |
| Bee disturbance at harvest | Very low | High |
| Observation window | Yes | No |
| Natural comb option | No — plastic frames only | Yes |
| Shipping to USA | 2–4 weeks from Australia | US domestic |
| Replacement parts | Ships from Australia | US domestic availability |
| Best for | Hobby beekeepers (1–3 hives) | Budget or commercial (5+ hives) |
The Flow Hive reduces harvest disturbance significantly — but regular hive inspections remain essential regardless of hive type.
What US Beekeepers Need to Know Before Buying
The Flow Hive works well in the US, but there are practical considerations unique to American buyers that Flow Hive's Australian-based marketing doesn't always highlight:
- Shipping time is 2–4 weeks. The Flow Hive ships from Byron Bay, Australia. Plan accordingly — don't order expecting delivery in time for an imminent spring installation.
- International shipping adds cost. Factor the total landed price (product + shipping) when comparing to US-based alternatives.
- Varroa mite management is non-negotiable. Australia was Varroa-free for many years, which shaped some of its beekeeping culture. In the US, Varroa has been present for decades — aggressive mite treatment is essential regardless of hive type.
- US nectar flows differ from Australia. Local timing and management guidance should come from your regional beekeeping association, not Flow Hive's general resources.
- Replacement parts ship from Australia. If a Flow Frame mechanism fails mid-season, lead times on replacement parts can be frustrating. A US-based alternative with domestic parts availability is worth considering.
Why US beekeepers love it
- Tap-and-harvest system works exactly as advertised
- High-quality cedar construction on premium models
- Strong global community and online resources
- Observation window aids monitoring without opening hive
- Minimal bee disturbance during harvest
What gives US buyers pause
- $699–$849 price before shipping
- 2–4 weeks shipping from Australia
- Replacement parts require international shipping
- Customer support across significant time zones
- Some guidance written for Australian conditions
A Smarter Option for US Beekeepers
US beekeepers don't have to choose between the expensive original and a risky knockoff. SkogHive offers Flow Hive compatible equipment built for the North American market — the same tap-and-harvest experience, quality cedar construction, certified food-grade materials, and US-based shipping and support.
SkogHive delivers the core innovation of the Australian beehive — tap-and-harvest honey collection — without the Australian price premium, 2–4 week international shipping delays, or time-zone customer support challenges. Same experience, purpose-built for the North American market.
About SkogHive: SkogHive is a US-based beekeeping equipment brand offering Flow Hive compatible hive systems, protective gear, and accessories for hobby beekeepers across North America. All equipment uses certified food-grade materials and ships domestically. Learn more at skoghive.com →
Get the Australian Beehive Experience — Built for the US Market
SkogHive brings Flow Hive compatible technology to North American beekeepers. Quality cedar, certified materials, fast US shipping, and real local support.
Shop SkogHive Equipment →Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Australian beehive?
The term "Australian beehive" most commonly refers to the Flow Hive, invented by Stuart and Cedar Anderson in Byron Bay, New South Wales. It features a patented tap-and-harvest system that allows honey to flow directly into jars without opening the hive or using an extractor. It launched on Indiegogo in 2015, raising over $13 million USD.
How does an Australian Flow Hive work?
The Flow Hive uses Flow Frames — partially formed plastic cells that bees fill with honey and cap with beeswax. When ready to harvest, a key is inserted and turned 90°, splitting the cells internally and allowing honey to drain through a tube directly into a jar. The process takes 20–40 minutes per frame and causes minimal disturbance to the colony.
Is the Flow Hive made in Australia?
Yes. The Flow Hive is designed and manufactured in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, and ships internationally from there. For US buyers, this means shipping times of 2–4 weeks and additional international shipping costs compared to domestically sourced alternatives.
How much does an Australian Flow Hive cost?
The Flow Hive 2 (6-frame) costs approximately $699 USD and the Flow Hive 2+ (7-frame) costs approximately $849 USD as of 2025. These prices do not include international shipping to the US, bees, or protective gear. Total first-year setup cost typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400.
Can I use an Australian beehive in the United States?
Yes. The Flow Hive is based on standard Langstroth dimensions used worldwide and works in any climate where European honeybees are kept. US beekeepers should follow local guidance on Varroa mite management, regional nectar flow timing, and winter preparation — all of which apply regardless of hive type.
Is there a US alternative to the Australian Flow Hive?
Yes. SkogHive offers Flow Hive compatible equipment designed for the North American market — same tap-and-harvest experience, US-based shipping, certified food-grade materials, and local customer support. Browse options at skoghive.com.
What are the pros and cons of an Australian Flow Hive for US buyers?
Pros: Innovative tap-and-harvest mechanism, quality cedar construction, strong global community, useful observation window, minimal bee disturbance at harvest. Cons: High price ($699–$849+), 2–4 week shipping from Australia, international shipping costs, replacement parts have long lead times, customer support is in a distant time zone.
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