Australia has some of the most spectacular turning timbers in the world. From the deep reds of jarrah to the wild figuring of she-oak, our native species offer grain patterns and colours that turners overseas can only dream about. Here’s a guide to the timbers you’ll most commonly find at turning clubs, timber yards, and in firewood piles across the country.

Camphor Laurel

Let’s start with everyone’s favourite. Camphor laurel isn’t technically native - it’s an invasive species from Asia that’s taken over parts of Queensland and northern NSW. But it turns beautifully, smells incredible, and the grain can be genuinely stunning. Swirling patterns of gold, cream, and pale brown make every piece unique.

It’s soft to medium hardness, making it forgiving on tools. Green camphor laurel cuts like cheese. It’s perfect for bowls, platters, and hollow forms. The timber does tend to move as it dries, so expect some warping in green-turned pieces.

She-Oak (Casuarina and Allocasuarina)

She-oak produces some of the most distinctive grain patterns of any Australian timber. The medullary rays create a flecked, lace-like figure that looks spectacular when turned and finished well.

It ranges from pale to deep reddish-brown and is medium hardness. She-oak can be a bit brittle, so sharp tools and light cuts are important. It’s outstanding for platters, shallow bowls, and any piece where the surface pattern can really show off.

Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

River red gum is a classic Australian turning timber. The heartwood is a deep, rich red that darkens over time, and burls or crotch sections can have extraordinary figure. It’s moderately hard and generally turns well, though some pieces can be interlocked and a bit grabby.

Red gum is widely available, especially in Victoria and South Australia. It’s excellent for bowls, vases, and larger pieces. The timber is durable and finishes to a beautiful lustre with oil.

Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)

Western Australia’s iconic timber, jarrah is hard, dense, and a gorgeous deep red to burgundy colour. It turns cleanly with sharp tools and takes a brilliant finish. The grain is usually straight to slightly interlocked.

Jarrah is a premium choice for bowls, platters, and fine turned work. It’s more expensive than many other species but the results are worth it. Recycled jarrah from old buildings and fence posts can be a more affordable source.

Huon Pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii)

Tasmania’s legendary timber, Huon pine is one of the world’s slowest-growing trees and one of the finest turning timbers you’ll ever work with. It’s pale golden-yellow, incredibly smooth to turn, and has a distinctive, pleasant scent.

Harvesting live Huon pine is restricted, but salvaged and reclaimed stock is available from specialist suppliers. It’s expensive, but for special pieces like lidded boxes, goblets, or presentation bowls, it’s hard to beat.

Banksia

Banksia seed pods and wood make for some of the most unusual turned pieces you’ll see. The seed pods, when turned and finished, reveal an intricate honeycomb pattern of seed follicles that’s totally unique to this genus.

Banksia wood itself is pale with occasional streaks and is soft enough to turn easily. The seed pods need some care - they’re fibrous and can be dusty, so good dust extraction and a respirator are important. Turned banksia nut bowls and vases are quintessentially Australian.

Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii)

Tasmanian myrtle is a pleasure to turn. It’s pinkish-brown, medium-hard, and has a fine, even grain that takes detail well. It’s an excellent choice for lidded boxes, goblets, and any piece with fine detail work.

Myrtle is less commonly available outside Tasmania, but worth seeking out. It finishes beautifully with either oil or lacquer.

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

While technically not a pine at all, Norfolk Island pine is soft, pale, and features distinctive knot patterns. It’s easy to turn and widely available as an urban timber from council tree removals.

The grain pattern around the knots can be quite decorative. It’s a good practice timber for beginners and makes attractive lightweight bowls and platters.

Tips for Sourcing Timber

Join a local woodturning club - members always know where to find good timber. Council tree removals, storm damage, and building demolitions are all excellent sources. Online marketplaces and dedicated turning suppliers like Carbatec and Mathews Timbers stock blanks in most popular species.

Many turners also keep an eye on firewood piles. One person’s firewood is another person’s feature bowl. Just make sure you ask before helping yourself.

The best advice? Try everything. Each species has its own personality on the lathe. Part of the joy of woodturning is discovering a new timber and seeing what it can become.