Last updated: 25 September 2026
Quick Answer
At The Clothesline Store, the top modern clothesline options are fold down, folding rotary, retractable, fixed rotary and portable or indoor lines. Choose by your space: fold down or retractable for small areas, rotary for large yards.
Which Modern Clothesline Suits Your Space?
For large backyards, a fixed rotary clothesline such as the Hills Hoist gives the most drying space. For medium yards, a folding rotary or ground mounted fold down clothesline keeps the area clear. For side passages, courtyards, verandahs and apartments, a wall mounted fold down or retractable clothesline saves the most space. For homes with no outdoor space, a portable clothesline or indoor drying rack is ideal.
What Types of Clothes Lines Are There?
Fixed Rotary Clothes Lines
Best for large families. Rotary clotheslines like the Hills Hoist are made from galvanised steel, hold multiple loads at once and stay fixed in place for the life of the clothesline.
Wall Mounted Fold Down Clotheslines
The ultimate space saver. A wall mounted fold down clothesline folds out for drying and flat against the wall when you're done. Smaller models like the Hills Mini suit side passages, balconies, verandahs and apartments.
Ground Mounted Fold Down Clotheslines
The same design as wall mounted models, secured in soil with concrete or on a base plate kit on concrete. Ideal for larger families and stable in windy conditions. Air Dry can custom make your clothesline in the length, width and colour you need.
Folding Rotary Clotheslines
Rotary drying capacity with a head that folds down when not in use. Turn the centre pole to release it from its ground socket. Ideal for backyards you also use for other activities. Choose from Hills and Austral folding rotary clotheslines.
Retractable Clotheslines
Perfect for apartments, balconies and small courtyards. Retractable clotheslines mount on a wall or post, pull out when needed and retract when not in use. The Austral RetractAway range is our recommended choice.
Portable and Indoor Clotheslines
For homes without outdoor space or for rainy days. A portable clothesline moves between the laundry, patio and backyard, while an indoor drying rack or ceiling airer uses wall and vertical space.
Is an Australian Made Clothesline Worth It?
Yes, if you want a premium, locally made option. Air Dry Clotheslines are designed and manufactured in NSW, and local manufacturing means fewer shipping emissions. Air drying also cuts your dryer use and power bills.
Clothesline Accessories
Finish your setup with quality clothes pegs. Marine grade 316 stainless steel pegs won't rust.
Professional Clothesline Installation
The Clothesline Store offers professional clothesline installation and removal in selected areas, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" when placing your order.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Read our guide to choosing the right clothesline, how to choose the right size and alternatives to the traditional hoist.
Modern Clothesline Design FAQs
What type of clothesline is best for my home?
It depends on your space. A rotary clothesline or Hills Hoist suits large yards. A retractable or wall mounted fold down clothesline suits smaller spaces.
What is the best clothesline for a small space?
A wall mounted fold down or retractable clothesline. Both fold or retract out of the way, making them ideal for balconies, verandahs, side passages and apartments.
Can I get a clothesline installed?
Yes. The Clothesline Store offers a professional clothesline installation service in selected areas.
How do I maintain my clothesline?
Check the line tension, clean the clothesline regularly, and make sure the lines and moving parts work smoothly.
Are clotheslines eco friendly?
Yes. Air drying reduces electricity use and your carbon footprint compared with a clothes dryer.
Where can I buy modern clotheslines in Australia?
Online from The Clothesline Store, Australia's largest private clothesline stockist since 2003, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines, 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 by ClevaCover
Protect your washing with a ClevaCover clothesline cover that provides your washing high UV protection 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. This clothesline cover 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, and the cover stays on when you fold the head down.
ClevaCover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. This clothesline cover fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
