How Long Can a Retractable Clothesline Extend?

Retractable clotheslines are the go-to drying solution for Australian households seeking space-saving, flexible laundry options without compromising on performance.

At The Clothesline Store, we stock top models from Hills, Austral Retractaway, Daytek, and Brabantia — all designed for smooth operation, neat storage, and impressive line capacity.

Whether you’re drying king sheets for a large family or looking for a compact solution for a small courtyard, there’s a model to fit your needs.

Key considerations include cabinet size, number of lines, and whether you’ll need a mount bar or post kit for installation. Built tough for Aussie conditions and backed by strong warranties, these clotheslines are a long-term investment in drying efficiency.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Determines Retractable Clothesline Length?

Austral Retractaway Series

The Austral Retractaway 40 Clothesline extends from a minimum of 2 m up to 8 m of line length, providing 40 m of hanging space across 5 lines.

The Austral Retractaway 50 Clothesline extends from 2 m to 10 m, offering a massive 50 m of drying space with its 5 PVC coated lines.

Hills Retractable Clotheslines

The popular Hills 5 Line Retractable Clothesline extends between 2 m and 6.75 m, giving approximately 33 m of hanging space.

The Hills 7 Line Retractable Clothesline offers a similar extension span (2–6.75 m of line length) but with 7 lines, delivering up to 47 m of hanging space.

Daytek Clotheslines

Daytek 6‑Line Retractable clothesline provides up to 42 m of line space, though its maximum extension span isn’t clearly stated.

Brabantia Clotheslines

Brabantia Indoor retractable clothesline extends up to 4.4 m, suitable for indoor laundry areas.

Brabantia 22m Indoor Retractable Clothesline - Stainless Steel

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Comparisons at a Glance

Model	Extension Range	Number of Lines	Hanging Space	Notes
Austral Retractaway 40	Minimum 2mtrs Maximum 8mtrs	5	40 m	Made in Australia, 20‑yr warranty
Austral Retractaway 50	Minimum 2mtrs Maximum 8mtrs	5	50 m	Made in Australia, 20‑yr warranty
Hills 5‑Line	Minimum 2mtrs Maximum 6.75mtrs	5	33 m	Compact, Lifetime Warranty
Hills 7‑Line	Minimum 2mtrs Maximum 6.75mtrs	7	47 m	Compact, Lifetime Warranty
Daytek 6‑Line	Minimum 2mtrs Maximum 7mtrs	6	42 m	Smooth retract mechanism, 15-year warranty
Brabantia Indoor	Up to 4.4 m	5	22m	Indoor only, 5 year warranty
Hills Cordomatic	Up to 15m	1	15m	Campers favourite. 1 year warranty

Please note: All manufacturers provide a 1-year warranty on the clothesline cord. Any extended warranty periods apply specifically to the clothesline cabinet or frame.

Get the Longest Clothesline

Choosing Clotheslines Based on Longest Length

If you're focused on clotheslines with the longest extension, the Austral Retractaway 50 leads the pack with up to 10 m of line span.

For substantial hanging capacity in slightly shorter spans, the Austral 40 and Hills 7-Line clotheslines are both excellent choices.

Installation & Space Considerations

All models share a minimum extension of 2 m, so plan clearance and space accordingly.

Models should be installed 50–100 mm above the user’s head height, allowing for sag and comfortable access.

✅ Retractable Clothesline Installation Options

Install Wall to Wall

Suitable for areas like courtyards, patios, balconies, or garages where two opposite walls are available.
Both the clothesline cabinet and receiving bracket are mounted directly to masonry or timber walls.
Provides the most secure and straightforward installation with minimal accessories required.
Recommended minimum wall distance depends on the model, typically 2 m to 10 m apart (e.g., Austral Retractaway 50).

Install Post to Post

Best suited for open areas like gardens or lawns with no walls nearby.
Requires two post kits (sold separately), mount bar and optional ground socket if you prefer a removable setup.
Posts are set into the ground with concrete or placed into the ground socket for flexibility.

Install Wall to Post

Perfect when only one wall is available, such as alongside a house or shed with a nearby open area.
The retractable clothes line cabinet is mounted to the wall, and a receiving post is installed at the required distance.
Requires one post kit and optionally a ground socket for removable post installation.
Provides the flexibility of a partial fixed mount while opening up space for line extension into the yard.

Install Post to Wall

Reverse of wall-to-post; the retractable clothes line cabinet is mounted on a post (e.g., freestanding near a garden path) with a mount bar and the receiving bracket attaches to a wall.
Useful when the desired mounting height or position isn’t practical on the house wall.
Requires one post kit, and installation height must still account for line sag when extended.
Ideal for installations that need a clean line path back toward the home or garage wall.

These installation options allow for flexible placement of your retractable clothesline, regardless of your space or layout. Don’t forget to check if your model requires mount bars, post kits, or ground sockets, all available as optional accessories to help complete your setup.

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Colours, Warranty & Extras

Austral retractable clotheslines are available in Woodland Grey, Classic Cream, Surfmist, Monument, and black (NSW & ACT only).

Hills offers their retracting clothes line in the colour Monument and provides a lifetime cabinet warranty and 12-month cord warranty.

Daytek offers a 15‑year structural warranty with a smooth retract mechanism.

Maximising Hanging Space and Practical Tips

To maximise hanging space, priority should be given to clothesline models with higher line count and greater longest length capacity, such as the Austral Retractaway 50.

Avoid hanging heavy items in the middle of the span—place them at ends to reduce sag and improve tension hold .
Trim line ends as instructed to ensure proper retracting action .

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Free Delivery

Most clotheslines are in stock and dispatched directly from our warehouse, same day, ensuring the fastest delivery by our courier partners.

We deliver to both rural areas and metro areas, please note that delivery times can vary slightly depending on your location within Australia, but most orders arrive within a few business days.

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Final Thoughts

When shopping for a retractable clothesline, the key metric is extension span paired with total hanging space.

For unmatched reach, the Austral Retractaway 50 is top of class.

For slightly shorter but still generous capacity, consider the Austral 40 or Hills 7‑Line. For compact needs, the Hills 5‑Line or Daytek offer excellent performance in tighter installations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Retractable Clotheslines

1. How far can a retractable clothesline extend?

Most retractable clotheslines extend from a minimum of 2 metres up to 10 metres, depending on the model. The Austral Retractaway 50 offers the longest extension available at 10 m, making it perfect for families needing maximum drying space.

2. What’s the difference between wall-to-wall and post-to-post installation?

Wall-to-wall installation is ideal when you have two solid walls directly opposite each other. Post-to-post is used when no walls are available—requiring two post kits and optional ground sockets for installation in open areas like gardens or lawns.

3. How much hanging space can I expect?

The total hanging space depends on the number of lines and extension length. For example, the Hills 7-Line provides up to 47 m of hanging space, while the Austral Retractaway 50 delivers 50 m. Smaller models like the Brabantia Indoor offer 4.4 m, ideal for indoor use.

4. Can I install a retractable clothesline on just one wall?

Yes! You can install a retractable clothesline with a wall-to-post setup. One end of the cabinet mounts to a wall, and the receiving end mounts to a freestanding post using a post kit. This is a flexible option for yards with limited wall access.

5. Are retractable clotheslines weatherproof and durable?

Absolutely. Most models, including those from Austral, Hills, and Daytek, are built with weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel and UV-stabilised plastics. Australian-made models also come with long warranties—up to 20 years—ensuring long-term durability in harsh weather conditions.