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A European Honeybee drinking from a fountain
Honeybees are generally yellowish-brown all over, with blackish-brown bands on the abdomen and an orange-brown wash. Some variation in colour and pattern occurs between individuals. 
The species occurs in forests, woodlands, heaths and urban areas, wherever nectar-producing flowering plants are found, where it lives in a large communal nest (hive). The sting, which it uses to protect the colony, is barbed and stays embedded in its victim when it flies away (the bee dying as a result), while the venom gland continues to pump the venom into its victim. 
On average about 1000 people are hospitalised due to allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to bee venom each year in Australia.

Sighting and photos (c) arisc.
Field Notes - So, I only saw one of these, but my friend told me there were heaps of them in a nearby park... however I’m surprised if they’re so common because I couldn’t find any reference to these in my research, except for a type from California, USA.... could this be a recently invasive species, or are my souces just bad? Anyway, specific details of this sighting: bug was on some roadside debris, and appeared to be gathering somethibg too small for me to see (something it eats?), and seemed to be quite alone (I only saw one).