There's something about a fire that makes people slow down.
The plates have been cleared, the kids are finally sitting still, someone's topped up the drinks and no one's reached for their phone. That's the silent magic of a fire pit. Just a flame, a circle of chairs, and the kind of evening that lasts a little longer than you'd planned.
Australians have always loved being outside, but the way we use our backyards has truly changed. The outdoor space has gone from somewhere to mow, to somewhere to actually live and the fire pit has become one of the most popular ways to make that happen.
If you've begun shopping around for an outdoor fire pit though, you'll know that the options can become overwhelming quickly. Wood or gas? Steel or cast iron? Portable or permanent? This guide cuts through all of it so you know exactly what you're looking for before you buy.
Types of Fire Pits in Australia: What's Actually Out There?
Fire pits are becoming more popular in Australia. Australia’s outdoor heating market was estimated to be worth about $25 million in 2025 and growing quickly, and globally is estimated to be worth over $7 billion per year growing to $14 billion by 2034.
This says a lot about how seriously we've taken to gathering around a flame. And with that growth has come a truly impressive array of options. This isn't a one-size-fits-all purchase anymore.
Portable Fire Pits
The most popular starting point for most households. Portable fire pits are available in bowl-style, deep-bowl and tripod designs and the appeal is obvious. You can move them around the backyard, store them in between uses, and take them with you if you ever move anywhere. They're especially suited to renters or anyone who wants flexibility without losing out on that proper fire pit experience.
Material makes a real difference here. Steel heats up a little faster and is often lighter and easier to handle, whereas cast iron takes a little longer to get going but retains heat beautifully and pays you back with years of use when looked after properly. The Tripod Garden Fire Pit BBQ in Cast Iron is a really good example of a portable design that actually feels like a statement piece rather than an afterthought.
Multifunctional Fire Pit and BBQ Combos
A growing number of fire pits now double as a grill and if you want one outdoor piece that can earn its place year-round, these are worth serious consideration. The Fire Pit BBQ Grill with Mesh Lid is a great example of what's possible. You get the warmth and ambience of an open fire with the real cooking functionality, without having two different setups crowding your patio.
Fixed and Permanent Designs
For those who are wanting a proper centrepiece, a fixed fire pit gives a sense of occasion that portable units simply can't. These have the tendency to be heavier and more substantial in their build, anchoring an outdoor entertaining area rather than sitting off to one side of it. More of a commitment, but for the right backyard, an investment that earns its place every single time you use it.
Gas Fire Pits
Gas options have carved out a solid niche, especially in urban areas where smoke and fire restrictions may make wood burning tricky. A gas fire pit provides a clean, instant flame without any ash, no smoke and no trip to the firewood supplier. The trade-off is a higher initial cost and an ongoing gas supply to contend with, but for pure convenience on a chilly evening, nothing really comes close.
Wood vs Gas: Choosing Your Fuel Type
Since the pandemic forced everyone to go home and rediscover their backyards, fire pit sales have noticeably spiked throughout Australia. Retailers couldn't keep them in stock. And while the variety of designs has grown enormously, the basic choice hasn't changed. You're still choosing between two really different experiences.
Wood Burning
There's a reason why the most popular choice of fire pit is wood. The crackle, the smell, the movement of the flames, none of it is replicable. It's the option that gets the neighbours leaning over the fence asking where did you get it?
That being said, it does take a bit more from you. You'll need a dry seasoned hardwood stock, somewhere to store it while you have it and the patience to handle ash clean-up afterwards. Smoke is also something to think about. Asthma Australia says in Australia, around one in nine people have asthma and wood smoke is a real irritant that is worth considering if you have neighbours living close by, or family with sensitivities.
Wood burning fire pits are also subject to total fire ban restrictions throughout most of Australia so it pays to check the rules for your state before you light up.
If you are going down the wood-burning route, it is worth thinking about where you will keep your fuel dry and tidy. A practical option from our range of outdoor storage boxes can help keep firewood accessories, covers and other backyard essentials organised nearby.
Gas
Gas fire pits have become the smarter option in a lot of Australian households quite silently, especially in urban areas, or under body corporate rules. You get a real flame, you get real warmth and you don't get any of the mess. No wood to stack, no ash to shovel, no smoke floating into next door's washing. Just turn it on, get enjoyment out of it, and turn it off.
The trade off is increased up-front cost and a continuing supply of gas to deal with, but for usability year round with as little fuss as possible, it's hard to argue against.
Finding the Right Fire Pit for Your Space and Lifestyle
The best fire pit is the one that actually suits the way you live. A few things to consider before you make a purchase:
| What to think about | How to choose |
|---|---|
| 📏 Size | For smaller courtyards, a smaller portable design such as the Grillz Fire Pit BBQ Portable Deep Bowl keeps things intimate without taking over the space. For larger backyards or regular entertaining, something with more presence like the Forge Chimenea creates a proper gathering point. |
| 🧱 Surface | Pavers and bare earth are your safest bet. If you're near decking or dry grass, a fire pit mat underneath is a wise precaution. |
| 🚚 Portability | Renting or likely to relocate? Portable is the obvious call. Settled in, and want something permanent? It's worth investing in a centrepiece that will anchor your outdoor space for years to come. |
If your outdoor setup is all about creating a relaxing retreat, you might also enjoy exploring our range of outdoor saunas. A fire pit and sauna can make a surprisingly good pairing for those wanting to turn the backyard into a proper wellness and entertaining space.
Ready to Find Your Fire Pit?
A fire pit is not going to change your life. But it is going to change your backyard. It's the thing that makes a normal Tuesday something worth going outside for, and a weekend party into something worth remembering.
Take a look at the full fire pits range and find the one that fits your space, your budget and the kind of evenings you want more of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Pits
A few quick answers to common questions shoppers ask before buying a fire pit for their backyard.
Are fire pits legal in Australia and when can they be used?
Generally yes, but the rules change according to your state and your local council. Most areas have complete fire ban days during the summer months when no burning is permitted outside. Always check with your local fire authority before lighting up.
How far should a fire pit be from my house?
Most guidelines suggest at least two metres away from any structure, fence or overhead coverage. Further is always better, and it’s best to avoid positioning under pergolas, shade sails or overhanging trees.
Can I use a fire pit on a deck or grass?
Not without proper protection. A fire pit mat underneath is highly recommended on timber decking and on dry summertime grass, it's worth thinking twice altogether. Pavers or bare earth are your best bet.
What wood should I burn?
Dry, seasoned hardwood. It burns cleaner, creates less smoke and gives off more heat. Avoid anything treated, painted or modified chemically as burning these produces toxic fumes.
Are fire pits safe around kids?
With the proper cautions, yes. Never leave children unsupervised and have a clear boundary around the pit. A mesh lid such as the one on the Square Metal Fire Pit with Mesh Lid can help contain sparks and allow for a bit more peace of mind without ruining the experience.
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