Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
Hills leads on price, modern design and range, while Austral offers heavy-duty Galvabond steel frames. For a 100% Aussie made fold down, The Clothesline Store's top pick is Air Dry.
When it comes to choosing a new clothesline in Australia, the big decision often comes down to two legendary names: Austral and Hills. Both have designed their ranges to withstand the Australian climate and come with decades of trust behind them. This guide compares rotary hoists, fold down frames, materials, line space and installation so you can choose the right clothesline for your backyard, courtyard or side wall.
Meet the Aussie Icons: Hills and Austral
Hills invented the original rotary clothes hoist back in 1945. Today it offers a wide range of rotary, fold down, retractable and portable clotheslines built for modern homes and families.
Austral is known for its rugged build and full galvanised steel frames made from BlueScope Galvabond steel, across rotary, fold down and retractable clotheslines.
Comparing Line Space and Drying Capacity
The most important factor in any clothesline purchase is line space. You want enough room to hang sheets, towels and socks without overloading the frame.
Austral. The Super 5 rotary gives up to 61m of line space, fold down models like the Add-A-Line offer generous drying room for families, and extra-strong arms with wider spacing reduce crowding.
Hills. The Heritage Hoist 7 is a classic rotary with approximately 50m of line capacity, the fold down range comes in 5 frame sizes to suit most households, and smart spacing with improved tension keeps lines firm under weight.
Build Quality: What You're Really Paying For
Austral uses galvanised steel arms and frames, sturdy corner joints and heavy-duty fixings, with fewer plastic components for longer wear.
Hills stays ahead of the pack with sleek, contemporary design to suit modern Australian homes. Powder-coated frames give a clean look while helping protect against rust and wear, and many newer models use UV-resistant polymer parts that make them easier to handle and install.
Rotary Hoist Showdown: Hills Heritage vs Austral Super
Hills Heritage 7 Line. A traditional crank clothes hoist with a classic look that raises wet laundry to catch the breeze. It's the trusted, original design that suits most Australian backyards.
Austral Super 5. Built with all-metal arms and frame, it's heavy-duty and best for larger families or windy areas.
Both are rotary champs, with the major consideration being your personal preference.
Austral vs Hills: Feature by Feature
Steel. Austral uses BlueScope Galvabond steel, while Hills uses zinc-plated steel. UV protection. Austral uses UV-stabilised polycord and Hills uses UV-stabilised line. Rotary hoists. Austral offers the Super 4 and 5, Deluxe 4 and 5, and FoldAway 45 and 51. Hills offers the Heritage 6 and 7 Line and the Folding Rotary 6, 7 and 8 Line. Fold down models. Austral offers the Compact, Standard, Long, Add-A-Line, Indoor/Outdoor and Balcony. Hills offers the Double, Long, Mini, Compact and Standard. Retractables. Austral offers the RetractAway 40 and 50, and Hills offers 5 and 7 Line retractables. Line spacing. Austral ranges from 65mm up to 130mm, and Hills from 65mm up to 125mm. Warranty. Hills offers a lifetime warranty on premium models, with 12 months on cord. Support and parts. Both have Australian-based customer service, and replacement parts for many models are available from Hills Parts.
Fold Down Clotheslines: Modern Design Meets Everyday Function
If you're limited on space, live in a duplex or need something for a narrow laundry area, fold down clotheslines are a game-changer.
Austral fold down. Available in full and half frame sizes with a durable galvanised frame and strong welds. They suit larger washing loads and daily family use, and most can be ground mounted.
Hills fold down. A stylish finish in a range of neutral colours, space-saving frame designs, easy to fold up and down, a built-in line tensioner, and most models can be ground mounted.
Want 100% Aussie Made? Consider Air Dry
If Australian made matters to you, an Air Dry fold down clothesline is 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, in a wide range of ready made sizes or made to order for the perfect fit. It's The Clothesline Store's number one fold down pick.
Installation and Professional Services
Installing your new clothesline shouldn't be hard. Both Hills and Austral offer user-friendly systems, but correct installation ensures your new clothesline works as it should. Whether you choose a wall mounted clothesline or a rotary, our professional installation service gives you peace of mind across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond.
Price vs Value
When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck, Hills has a clear edge. Its Everyday range is ideal for budget-conscious households, offering solid performance at an accessible price, perfect for first home buyers, renters or anyone after a reliable, no-fuss clothesline. For those wanting a step up, the Hills premium range combines modern design with high-quality materials at a price that still beats many competitors.
Austral, while a respected and durable brand, tends to sit at a higher price point across most models, and you'll often pay more for a similar drying capacity, especially in rotary and fold down styles. Overall, Hills delivers the best balance of price, performance and choice, whether you're after entry-level function or a premium, long-lasting clothesline.
Choosing What Suits Your Home
Still unsure? Ask yourself how much space you have, whether you want a rotary hoist, fold down or retractable, whether line space or looks matter more, and whether you're drying sheets, towels or daily family loads. For large laundry loads, choose a Hills Hoist. For modern, sleek design, choose a Hills fold down. For compact, small-space living, choose the Austral Indoor/Outdoor. For portability, choose a Hills Portable. For easy maintenance, choose Hills.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, what's hot in the market like the top selling drying racks and why they are loved in Australia, and view the best Australian made fold down clothesline.
FAQs: Austral vs Hills Clotheslines
Which is better, Austral or Hills?
Hills offers the best balance of price, modern design and range, while Austral offers heavy-duty Galvabond steel frames. It comes down to what you value most.
Which rotary hoist has the most line space?
The Austral Super 5 gives up to 61m of line space, and the Hills Heritage 7 gives approximately 50m.
Can Austral and Hills fold down clotheslines be ground mounted?
Yes. Most Austral and Hills fold down models can be ground mounted.
What is the best Australian made fold down clothesline?
Air Dry is The Clothesline Store's number one pick, 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, in ready made sizes or made to order.
Where can I buy Austral and Hills clotheslines?
Online from The Clothesline Store, Australia's largest private clothesline stockist since 2003, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Final Thoughts
If you want classic strength, go Austral. If you're after modern looks with reliable function and great value, Hills has you covered. Both offer rotary, fold down and space-saving options built for Aussie living, and The Clothesline Store stocks the full range.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, The Clothesline Store ships in-stock items the same or next business day from our own national warehouse, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Clothesline Covers for Your Clothesline
Clothesline covers protect your clothing from the harsh Australian UV rays. A ClevaCover clothesline cover gives your washing high UV protection from the Australian sunlight while it dries, and shelters it from overhead rain, bird droppings and falling leaves, so you can hang your washing out and leave it with confidence.
ClevaCover for fold down clotheslines. Fits Air Dry, Hills Folding Frame, Austral, Eco, Daytek and other fold down brands, mounted on a wall or ground mount legs.
ClevaCover for folding rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills, Austral and Daytek folding rotary clotheslines.
ClevaCover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
