Austral vs Hills Clotheslines: Which One Suits Your Aussie Backyard Best?

When it comes to choosing a new clothes line in Australia, the big decision often comes down to two legendary names: Austral Clothes Lines and Hills Hoist Clotheslines.

Austral Clothes Lines are manufactured in Australia whereby Hills Hoist and the other styles are manufactured in China.

However both clothesline manufactures have designed their clothes line range to with stand the Australian climate, and come with decades of trust behind them. But which brand is better for your laundry space, budget, and drying needs - Austral Clothes Lines or Hills Clothes Lines?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This guide walks you through the differences between Austral clothes lines and Hills Clothes Lines, comparing everything from rotary hoist models to fold down frames, materials, line space, and installation flexibility — so you can confidently choose the right clothes hoists for your backyard, courtyard, or side house wall.

Explore the Full Range of Clotheslines Now

Meet the Aussie Icons: Hills Clothes Lines and Austral Hoists

If you’ve been hanging wet clothes on the line since you were a kid, there’s a good chance it was a Hills Hoist or Austral rotary doing the heavy lifting.

• Hills Clothes Lines invented the original rotary clothes hoist back in 1945. Today, they offer a wide range of rotary, fold-down, and retractable clotheslines built for modern homes and families.

• Austral Washing Lines is another true-blue Aussie company, manufacturing high-quality clotheslines in Melbourne. Their gear is known for its rugged build, full galvanised steel frames, and strong support for local manufacturing.

Buy Quality Clotheslines

Comparing Line Space and Drying Capacity

The most important factor in any clothesline purchase? Line space. You want enough room to hang sheets, towels, and socks, all without overloading the clothes line frame.

Austral:

• Austral Super 5 rotary: Over 50m of line space

• Fold Down models like the Add-A-Line offer generous drying room for families

• Extra-strong arms and wider spacing to reduce crowding

Hills:

• Hills Heritage Hoist 7: Classic rotary with approx. 50m line capacity

• Modern fold-down clothesline designs with 5 different frame size options that ought to suit most households

• Smart spacing and improved tension keep lines firm even under weight

Compare Line Space Across All Models

Build Quality: What You’re Really Paying For

Austral is well known for using 100% Australian galvanised steel, making their rotary hoist and fold-down frames resistant to rust, UV, and years of harsh weather.

• Galvanised steel arms and frames

• Sturdy corner joints and heavy-duty fixings

• Fewer plastic components mean longer wear

Hills are well known for staying ahead of the pack with sleek and modern innovative design features.

• Hills has updated their clotheslines with sleek, contemporary aesthetics to suit modern Australian homes.

• Powder-coated frames offer a clean look while helping protect against rust and wear.

• Many newer models feature uv resistant polymer parts, making them easier to handle and install.

Shop Long-Lasting Clotheslines

Rotary Hoist Showdown: Hills Hoist vs Austral Super

If you're after a classic rotary hoist or other clothes lines , both brands have solid options:

Hills Heritage 7-Line

• Traditional crank clothes hoist with classic aesthetic

• Easily raises wet laundry to catch the breeze

• Trusted, original and traditional design that suits most Australian backyards

Austral Clothes Lines Super 5 Rotary

• Built with all-metal arms and frame

• Heavy-duty 

• Best for larger families or windy areas

Both are rotary clothes champs, with the major consideration being your personal preference.

View Top Rated Rotary Hoist Models

Austral vs Hills: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

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

• Durable galvanised frame with strong welds

• Suits larger washing loads and daily family use

• Most fold downs can be ground mounted

Hills Fold Down

• Stylish finish in a range of neutral colours

• More space-saving frame designs

• Easy to fold up and down 

• In built line tensioner

• Most models can be ground mounted

Shop Fold Down Clotheslines for All Households

Installation and Professional Services

Installing your new clothesline shouldn’t be hard. Both Hills and Austral offer user-friendly systems, however, correct installation ensures your new clothesline functions as it should. At The Clothesline Store, our expert installers provide reliable, professional installation services across Australia. Whether you opt for installation of a wall-mounted style clothes line or a rotary option, out professional installation gives you peace of mind that your new clothesline has been installed correctly.

The Clothesline Store provides a professional installation service at a click of a button! Check it out here...

Price vs Value

When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck, Hills has a clear edge.

Their Everyday range is ideal for budget-conscious households, offering solid performance at an accessible price point—perfect for first home buyers, renters, or anyone after a reliable, no-fuss clothesline.

For those wanting a step up, Hills’ premium range combines modern design with high-quality materials, all at a price that still beats many competitors. It’s a rare mix of affordability and longevity, making it a standout in the Australian clothesline market.

Austral, while a respected and durable brand, tends to sit at a higher price point across most models. You’ll often pay more for a similar drying capacity, especially in rotary and fold-down styles. The build is strong and proudly Australian-made, but it may not suit all budgets.

Overall, Hills delivers the best balance of price, performance, and choice—whether you're looking for entry-level functionality or a more premium, long-lasting clothesline.

Shop Cost-Effective Hills and Austral Clotheslines

Choosing What Suits Your Home

Still unsure which way to go? Ask yourself:

• How much space do I have?

• Do I want a rotary hoist, fold down, or retractable line?

• Is line space or aesthetics more important?

• Am I drying sheets, towels, or daily family loads?

Whatever your answer, there’s a clothesline from Hills or Austral to match your home, lifestyle, and laundry needs.

👉 Use Our Clothesline Selector Tool

Final Verdict: Austral or Hills?

Both brands are excellent choices, and it really depends on what you value most: local manufacturing and rugged simplicity (Austral Clothes Lines) or brand nostalgia and sleek innovation (Hills Rotary Old Fashioned Clothes Lines).

Final Thoughts: Hills vs Austral — Which Line Takes the Lead?

If you want classic strength, go Austral. If you’re after modern looks with reliable function, Hills has you covered.

Both brands offer rotary clotheslines, fold-down frames, and space-saving options built for Aussie living. And thanks to The Clothesline Store, they’re just a few clicks away — with no nonsense and fast shipping.

Purchase Your New Clothesline Today

Whether you’re in the market for a new clothesline, comparing clothes hoist models, or need expert guidance on installation, The Clothesline Store has everything you need.

Built tough, manufactured for our conditions, and purchased by thousands of happy Aussie customers, our full range is ready to carry your laundry through all four seasons — even the windy ones.

Explore All Austral Clothes Lines and Hills Hoists

Why Shop with The Clothesline Store?

We’re Australia’s go-to team for quality clotheslines, accessories, and customer support that actually cares with a fantastic easy to use website. 

When you shop with us, you get:

• Australia’s full range of Hills and Austral clothes lines

• Fast dispatch from our own national warehouse

• Easy delivery 

• Expert help choosing the correct model for your space

At The Clothesline Store, we guarantee fast dispatch by operating our own national clothesline warehouse. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our Google reviews!

As Australia’s largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, we proudly ship in-stock items the same or next business day—direct from our own warehouse. Unlike retailers who rely on third-party distributors, we manage our stock and fulfilment in-house, ensuring faster dispatch and more reliable delivery through trusted courier partners.

With our extensive range stored across national distribution centres, you can count on The Clothesline Store for consistent stock availability, prompt dispatch, and service you can rely on.

Click an Image to Shop at The Clothesline Store

 

*95% of all clotheslines are stocked in our warehouse some exceptions to apply