Gippsland Beehives make high quality beehives from locally sourced Australian timber. Offering a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative to imported timber beehive hardware. Driven by a passion for food security. Fulfilled by a love of building, fixing and growing. About us
"I wanted to buy Langstroth style beehives that were made in Australia from Australian grown timber but I c
ouldn't find any. Part of the attraction to beekeeping for me was cutting out unnecessary food miles. We grow a lot of our own veggies and we always look for local produce when buying things we can’t grow. I don't think it should be any different with beehives. I started asking around about local timber suitable for beehives and lucked upon a supply of Cypress. From there is was a case of research, trials and making lots of boxes, bases and lids until I was happy with the product." About Cypress
The Cypress (Macrocarpa) used by Gippsland Beehives has wonderfull characteristics for beehives. It has naturally beautiful grain and because it is durable it doesn’t have to be painted, it can be treated with pure linseed oil to retain its natural look. There is plenty of information available for those interested in doing their own research. About our area
Gippsland, Victoria, where Gippsland beehives is based, has long been a farming area. It has rich soils, high rain fall and enough sunny days to grow just about anything. Another thing Gippsland has heaps of is wind. To combat this, the old timers of years gone by, planted rows and rows of Macroparpa to serve as wind breaks and shelter belts for stock. Many of these wonderfull trees are now reaching the end of their life. Gippsland Beehives works with local land holders (usually farmers) and local mill owners (usually portable Lucas Mills) to salvage these dying trees and turn them into beautiful, strong, bee friendly beehives. Gippsland Beehives use a thicker cut of timber (25mm) compared to imported pine boxes that range in thickness from 19-23mm.
