The BBQ – The Ute – Vegemite – True Blue Aussie Icons

Need a BBQ for your home? Then you need an Australian made BBQ from Lifestyle BBQs. If you love everything about Australia then it is important to support local industry. The BBQ is a common Australian icon, which unfortunately we cannot claim as our own invention. But the BBQ has been accepted as our own over the generations and at Lifestyle BBQ’s their BBQ’s are proudly Australian made.

Other famous Australian icons that are Australian made, and often common sites when a BBQ is in progress, include:

THE UTE was designed by Lewis Brandt at Ford Motor Company in Victoria, 1934. The ute is very popular amongst famers and tradesmen and is ideal for transporting food and drink to and from a BBQ. They also provide extra seating at a BBQ.

THE HILLS HOIST rotary washing line is another common sight in many Australian backyards and was designed originally by Gilbert Toyne in 1912. In 1945 Lance Hill further developed it and named it the Hills Hoist. A great invention for the drying of clothes but also great for creating additional shade at a BBQ by simply throwing a tarp over the top of it.

AEROGARD INSECT REPELLANT was invented by Australian entomologist Dr Doug Waterhouse in 1963 and is a must have summer item for most Australians who are bitten by insects during summer. The most common place to find aerogard is at a BBQ as insects are attracted to the food and people. BBQ goers DON’t FORGET THE AEROGARD this Summer.



VEGEMITE may not be an icon you initially associate with a BBQ but is an Australian invented icon that can not be overlooked. Dr Cyril Callister was the inventor of this black, thick paste made from brewers yeast waste, which was then launched to the masses by Fred Walker in 1923. Vegemite is one of the richest sources of vitamin B which makes it perfect for incorporating into your BBQ cooking. Why not try some of these Vegemite inspired BBQ recipes at your next BBQ – Vegemite and rosemary lamb cutlets, vegemite and beer marinated steaks, vegemite Asian prawn skewers or vegemite and honey chicken drumettes.

THE WINE CASK may not be the most sophisticated Aussie invention but it is a popular one, especially at an Australian BBQ. It was invented by Thomas Angove in 1965 and then Penfolds Wines added the very familiar dispensing tap. The wine cask is almost is well known around to world and is an innovative Australian icon. The wine cask is not only great for holding wine but can also be used as a pillow and/or floaty, as many Australian’s would know.

THE AUSTRALIAN CRAWL, today most commonly known as freestyle, was first adopted in the early 1900’s in Sydney. It became world known around 1912 when swimmer Fanny Durack, who most possibly invented the version we know today, won an Olympic gold medal in swimming. She was not only the first woman to win a gold medal but also broke the men’s swimming records. The Australian Crawl is a common sight at pool side BBQ’s across Australia as children, and adults, compete against each other.