Frequently Asked Questions
What are your candles made of?
Our candles are made from 100% natural soy wax with phthalate-free fragrance oils made in Australia. Wick type varies by range. The Signature, NOIR and Christmas candles use wood wicks made in the USA, which give the soft crackle you can hear as they burn. The Weekday range, the Weekend Candle Bundle, the Candle Discovery Kit and the Candle Sample use lead-free cotton wicks. Every 210g candle has a burn time of over 35 hours.
How are Yarra Light Candles made?
We hand-pour our candles in small batches in Melbourne. Every candle is poured, packed, labelled and dispatched from our own studio, so each one is made and checked by the same small team.
Do you use sustainable packaging?
Our boxes and cartons are recyclable, and our packaging is made in Australia. Weekday range candles come in a reusable cotton bag. We are not certified against any environmental standard, so we describe the materials we actually use rather than making a broader environmental claim.
How do I make my candle last longer?
Light your candle for at least 2 hours the first time to create an even melt pool. This helps prevent tunnelling and ensures your candle lasts longer. Try not to burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Trim the wick to 3-5mm each time you use your candle to keep the flame at the right size, using a wick trimmer or just pinching off the charred tip with your fingers.
Why is my candle tunnelling, and how can I fix it?
Tunnelling happens when the candle was not burned long enough the first time, so the wax only melts in a narrow channel down the middle. To fix it, let your candle burn for at least 2 hours on its next use, or until the wax melts evenly across the entire surface. This helps prevent tunnelling and gives you an even burn from then on.
Why is trimming the wick important?
Trimming the wick keeps the flame at the right size. A wick of around 3-5mm stops the flame getting too large or flickering, which reduces soot build-up and helps the candle burn evenly. It also extends the life of the candle.
Why does my candle have a bumpy top after burning?
A bumpy or uneven top means your candle is made from 100% natural soy wax. Bumps happen when the wax cools too quickly after burning, which is common with natural waxes like soy. It is completely normal and does not affect how the candle burns.
Why does my candle have white crystals?
The white crystals you see are called frosting, and they are completely normal with natural soy wax. They form as the wax cools and solidifies, and they are a sign the candle is made with natural soy rather than a blended wax. Frosting does not affect the burn or the scent.
Why does my candle have wet spots?
Wet spots appear when the wax pulls away slightly from the glass as it cools. They are usually caused by temperature changes, especially during shipping, and they are a normal part of how soy wax cools. Wet spots do not affect the burn, the scent or the life of the candle.
Why is my candle flaming out, and how can I fix it?
Wood wicks, which are used on the Signature, NOIR and Christmas ranges, can go out if they are too short or have a build-up of charred wood. Before relighting, trim the wick to around 3-5mm and remove any charred bits. If the wick is drowning in melted wax, let it burn long enough to form a full melt pool, at least 1-2 hours, and if needed tilt the jar gently to drain the excess.
Do you offer sample candles?
Yes. Our Candle Discovery Kit contains 10 sample tins of 20g each, one for every scent in our signature range. If you would rather try a single scent first, the Candle Sample is a single 20g tin.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 within Australia. Below that, shipping is a flat $10.95. Orders over $60 also receive a complimentary candle sample.
How long will my order take to arrive?
We dispatch same day for orders placed before 2 PM, excluding personalised candles. After that we need 1-2 business days to process your order. Standard shipping then takes 2-8 business days and express shipping takes 1-3 business days. For delivery before Christmas 2026, order by 2 PM on Wednesday 16 December. This is a preliminary date based on Australia Post's 2025 Christmas cut-offs, and we'll confirm it once the 2026 dates are published.
Do you offer exchanges or returns?
Because of the nature of our products we do not accept returns or exchanges on candles unless they arrive damaged or faulty. If you receive a damaged item, send a photo to julia@yarralight.au within 48 hours of receiving your order and we will make it right.
Do you do custom orders or wholesale?
Yes. We offer custom labels for weddings, birthdays, corporate gifts and other occasions, and we take wholesale enquiries. Email julia@yarralight.au or use our contact page and we will come back to you.