If you love nothing more than a cosy fire during winter, it’s essential that you feed it the right firewood. Wood is just that, food for fire. As with all types of food, some have better energy contents and nutritional value that others meaning the right firewood can make all the difference!
In Australia, where native hardwoods are plentiful, selecting the best firewood comes down to burn quality, heat output, and efficiency. Whether you’re using a wood heater, fireplace, or campfire, here are five types of firewood commonly burnt in Aussie fires and the qualities that make them stand out.
Ironbark – The Long-Lasting Heat Source
This iconic Australian hardwood is revered for its density, high energy content and incredible longevity when burned. Ironbark produces minimal smoke and ash, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner burn while creating unforgettable memories with friends and family around the flames.
Because of its slow-burning nature, you won’t need to keep adding logs frequently. However, ironbark can be difficult to split and may take longer to season properly, so it’s best to purchase pre-seasoned wood or plan ahead.
- High-density hardwood
- Burns extremely hot and slow
- Produces minimal smoke and leaves little ash
Red Gum – A Reliable All-Rounder
If you’re looking for versatility, look no further than Red Gum. Renowned for its exceptional heat output and long-lasting embers, this wood is fantastic whether you’re using it in your fireplace or on your barbecue grill – adding flavour to both cooking experiences. A popular choice across Australia, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, Red Gum burns at a high temperature and provides long-lasting heat, making it ideal for home heating. Its relatively low smoke output means it’s also a good option for indoor fireplaces. Red Gum can take longer to ignite than softer woods, but once burning, it provides excellent efficiency and warmth.
- Hard, dense wood
- Produces steady heat
- Low smoke output with minimal residue
Yellow Gum/Box – The Clean Burner
Yellow Box is prized for its clean-burning properties, making it an excellent choice for those who want efficient heating with minimal smoke. It’s commonly used in wood heaters and fireplaces and is also a fantastic option for outdoor cooking due to its steady, hot burn. While not as dense as Ironbark, Yellow Box still provides long-lasting heat and a pleasant aroma when burning.
- Medium-to-hard density hardwood
- Produces high heat with a clean burn
- Low smoke and long-lasting embers
Stringybark – The Easy Igniter
Known for its durability and long burn time, Stringybark is a favourite among seasoned campers and homeowners alike. Its dense structure means it ignites slowly but provides an intense heat that lasts for hours, making it perfect for those chilly winter evenings when you want to linger by the fire. While it doesn’t burn as hot or as long as Ironbark or Red Gum, it’s a good option for starting fires or for shorter burn periods. It produces a moderate amount of smoke, so proper ventilation is needed if used indoors.
- Medium-density hardwood
- Burns well and is easy to light
- Moderate smoke output
Choosing the Right Firewood for Your Needs
Selecting the best firewood depends on your specific needs. If you require long-lasting heat with minimal maintenance, Ironbark or Red Gum are top choices. If you want a clean burn with high efficiency, Yellow Box is a fantastic option. For those needing easy ignition, Stringybark is a great starter wood.
Firewood Tips for Efficient Burning
Regardless of which firewood you choose, following these tips will help you get the best performance:
Use properly seasoned wood – Fresh (or green) firewood contains too much moisture and will produce excessive smoke and less heat. Seasoned wood, dried for at least 6-12 months, burns hotter and cleaner.
Store firewood correctly – Keep your firewood stacked in a dry, well-ventilated area, off the ground and covered to protect it from rain.
Mix different types of wood – Using a combination of quick-burning and slow-burning firewood ensures a consistent and efficient fire.
The Best Firewood for Every Situation
Whether you prefer the long-lasting heat of Ironbark or the balanced burn of Red Gum, there’s a firewood type suited to every need. By choosing quality, well-seasoned wood and storing it properly, you’ll get the most out of your fire, no matter the season.
Buy Red Gum Firewood – Redhill & Mornington Peninsula
Bittern Garden Supplies harvests all its own Red Gum firewood from locations in northern Victoria and Southern NSW. If you need Red Gum firewood supplies, any size load, at any time, we have your needs covered. We happily deliver firewood to Hastings, Flinders, Mt Eliza, Rosebud and all over the Mornington Peninsula. Call 5983 9779 to arrange your delivery today.
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