Beginner beekeeper inspecting rooftop beehive in Sydney with protective suit and honey frames
AU$249.00
Next: Sat, 11 Apr 9:30AM (AEST)

Urban Beekeeping for Beginners


Discover the fascinating world of bees in this immersive Urban Beekeeping for Beginners workshop at Sydney Community College. Hosted on the college’s inner-city rooftop in Rozelle, this hands-on experience introduces you to the essentials of keeping European honeybees and understanding the vital role they play in urban ecosystems.

Learn how healthy city hives support biodiversity, improve garden productivity, and contribute to sustainable food systems. Whether you're dreaming of installing your own backyard hive or simply curious about pollinators, this workshop offers practical insights into responsible hive management and honey production.

You’ll suit up in protective gear (provided) and, weather permitting, observe and open active rooftop hives. Along the way, you’ll gain a solid grounding in bee biology, hive structure, seasonal care, and safe handling practices. Each participant receives a copy of BeeAgSkills, published by NSW Primary Industries, to support their beekeeping journey.

Course Content

  • Introduction to honey bees and pollination
  • Beehive structure, equipment, and protective gear
  • Hive inspections and basic colony management
  • Seasonal tasks for urban beekeepers
  • Introduction to harvesting honey and hive products
  • Safety considerations and practical hive observation

Schedule & Pricing

  • One-day workshop: 9:30am–3:30pm
  • Location: Rozelle Campus, 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
  • Course fee: $249

Important Note: The classroom is accessible; however, the rooftop hives are accessed via a narrow staircase (22 steps).


Details

6 hours

You will learn

  • Honey bee biology and colony structure
  • Essential beekeeping equipment and hive setup
  • Basic hive management and seasonal care

You will get

  • Hands-on rooftop hive inspection experience
  • Protective jacket, veil and gloves during class
  • Copy of 'BeeAgSkills' beekeeping guide

Appropriate for

Anyone interested in urban or backyard beekeeping, from complete beginners to new hive owners.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Long pants and enclosed shoes for protection
  • Notebook and pen or digital device for notes

What to wear

Wear long pants and enclosed shoes; avoid thin fabrics and leggings.


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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