G'day George,
Where abouts in Australia do you reside? I'm in Newcastle NSW.
Yes you're right about the lack of choices with lump charcoal and it's definately not cheap.
There are a few types available in AUS such as Redgum which is made in Ballarat Vic, there Gidgee tree Charcoal which is mae in Rockhampton and who is a member of our forum @ aussie bbq forums...google it.Great bunch of blokes and I'm a Moderator there....but I'm not here to advertise that forum I'm here to help you in the right direction.
I mostly use the Heatbeads briquettes because they are clean, natural, neutral, and long and hot burning and are very easy to manage temps.
The other ones are Sunbrix Charcoal which are a similar size, long and hot burning but take a while for them to catch fire and I find they are better for more open pit fires as apposed to Lid on kettle cooking...the Sunbrix really needs lots of oxygen I find.
Sunbrix and wo are made by Charka in Rockhampton have now got the gidgee lump but again...very dense and needs oxygen to stay alive.
There is also mallee root charcoal available.
If you live in Sydney, theres a guy in Leichardt and theres another out near blacktown who does bulk charcoal sales.
This here is a great forum with a wealth of info and some of the nicest folks on the Internet you'll find anywhere, but they don't have a lot of knowledge of our local content downunder so it's best to seek a local BBQ forum as well.
Cheers
Davo
