Quick answer: You can buy water beads online from Water Beads Australia, an Australian-owned store that has been selling water beads since 2015 and ships from Melbourne. We stock 11 colours including clear, a multicolour mix and jumbo beads, in packs from 10g to 1kg, and shipping is free on all orders. Browse all water beads.
If you want a particular colour, a bigger pack for an event or beads for a vase this week, it helps to know what to look for before you buy.
What to look for when buying water beads
Pack size that matches the job
Dry beads grow a lot once they soak up water. A 10g pack makes about 1.2 litres of beads, which fills one standard vase. A 200g pack makes about 24 litres, and a 1kg pack about 120 litres. Check how much a pack makes, not just its weight, so you don't buy far too much or too little.
The right bead for the look
Clear beads look almost invisible in water, so flowers and floating candles stand out. Coloured beads suit a theme or event. Jumbo beads grow to about the size of a ping pong ball and fill tall vases quickly.
Clear labelling and a safety note
Water beads are décor, not toys. Look for packs that say so and include safety information.
Delivery that suits your date
For weddings, events and Christmas tables, check the delivery options and cut-off dates before you order.
Buying water beads online from Water Beads Australia
- Australian owned, shipped from Melbourne, selling water beads since 2015.
- Clear Water Beads and the rest of our 11 colours of water beads, plus a Multicolour mix, each in 10g, 50g, 100g, 200g and 1kg packs.
- Jumbo water beads for tall vases and floating candles.
- 1kg packs for weddings and events with lots of tables.
- Instant Snow for Christmas tables and displays.
- Free shipping on all orders, or Express Post for a flat $10.
- Buy more and save 20% on each extra item, and bonus beads on orders over $50.
- Trusted by schools and TAFEs for teacher-supervised classroom science.
How many water beads do I need?
| Pack | Makes about | Fills about |
|---|---|---|
| 10g | 1.2 L | 1 vase |
| 50g | 6 L | 1 salad bowl |
| 100g | 12 L | 1 medium bucket |
| 200g | 24 L | 1 laundry basket |
| 1kg | 120 L | Half a standard bathtub |
For one or two vases at home, 10g or 50g is plenty. For a wedding or event, look at 200g or 1kg. Our vase guide has more on filling and caring for a vase.
Buying for Christmas
Order by Saturday 19 December for Christmas. If you're in WA or the NT, please order earlier, as Australia Post's last dates there are earlier. See our Christmas table guide for ideas.
Common questions
Can I get water beads delivered near me?
Yes. We deliver Australia-wide from Melbourne, with every colour and pack size online and free shipping on all orders. For faster delivery, choose Express Post for a flat $10.
Where can I buy Instant Snow in Australia?
Right here. Our Instant Snow comes in 50g and 100g packs, ships from Melbourne with free shipping, and is a quick way to add a snowy look to a Christmas table or display.
How long do water beads take to grow?
Soak them in plenty of water for about 8 hours, or overnight.
How long do water beads last in a vase?
Usually 2 to 3 weeks before they need a top-up with water. Kept clean, they can last up to about 3 months.
Safety: Not a toy. Keep away from children and pets. Swallowed beads can cause a blockage. If swallowed, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
