Thought i'd let you know where you can get American Oak Barrels in Melbourne. I've seen a few on ebay recently, but this is a bit cheaper (and closer to my home too :-) ).
Bought myself an american oak barrel on the weekend for $99. Made by World Cooperage and used in SA for red wine.
From Supersoil warehouse: http://www.supersoil.com.au/warehouse_direct.html
These are the same barrels you get at the supersoil centres, but they are asking $130 for a full and $65 for a half barrel there. Rang up Jim at the warehouse and he's got 50 there at the moment for $99 each. The warehouse is in Lilydale.
I've cut half of it up and toasted a few sticks, my first UJ is now soaking on them in some jars.
Cheers, JS