The Concept2 RowErg with Standard Legs is the best rowing machine in Australia, an industry benchmark trusted by Olympic teams for its air resistance and durable build. The quieter, foldable Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 is a great-value runner-up. Prices across this guide run AU$299 – AU$1,800.
Editor's choice
CConcept2
Concept2
Concept2 RowErg with Standard Legs
The industry benchmark — used by Olympic teams, CrossFit boxes, and home rowers worldwide for its air resistance and bulletproof build.
Rowing machines deliver a full-body workout that hits 86% of your muscles in a single movement, making them one of the most efficient pieces of home gym equipment. In Australia, the choice comes down to resistance type — air, magnetic, water, or hydraulic — each with distinct noise levels, maintenance needs, and feel. We focused on foldability, noise, and build quality for Australian home gym setups. With outdoor fitness deeply embedded in Australian culture — from Bondi to Byron Bay running tracks — home gym equipment needs to complement that lifestyle. High-quality gear that survives garage heat, handles sweaty sessions, and doesn't rust in coastal humidity is non-negotiable for most Aussie buyers.
How to choose the best rowing machine in Australia
1Resistance type drives the experience: air rowers feel most like on-water rowing, magnetic is quietest for apartments, and water resistance offers a natural soothing sound.
2Check the rail length — rowers under 110 cm rail length will bottom out for anyone over 185 cm tall, which is common in Australia.
3Foldable models save space but check the folded dimensions — some 'foldable' rowers still take up significant floor area when stored upright.
4Look for a rower with Bluetooth and app compatibility (Kinomap, iFit, or ErgData) if you want structured training and progress tracking.
5Set a minimum weight capacity of 120 kg — cheaper rowers rated at 100 kg flex and wobble for average-sized adults at high stroke rates.
Top 5 fitness picks for Australia
#1Top pick
CConcept2
No product image available
Concept2
Concept2 RowErg with Standard Legs
Top Pick
Serious training and CrossFit
The industry benchmark — used by Olympic teams, CrossFit boxes, and home rowers worldwide for its air resistance and bulletproof build.
Air resistance provides natural scaling with effort
Long rail accommodates tall rowers up to 195 cm
Heavy-duty steel frame with 150 kg capacity
Foldable for storage
Cons
Air resistance is audible at high stroke rates
Monitor lacks Bluetooth — no app syncing
Editor's note
Concept2 remains the gold standard in Australian rowing circles, and its resale value holds at 70–80% even after years of use. For budget buyers, the Everfit and Centra magnetic rowers are solid entry points available through Amazon AU. If noise is your primary concern, magnetic resistance is the clear winner — air rowers like the Concept2 are noticeably loud at high intensity.
Our take
The Australian market for rowing machine has matured significantly, and high humidity in coastal areas like Queensland and Northern NSW should influence every buying decision. For the majority of AU buyers, the Concept2 RowErg with Standard Legs represents the sweet spot. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine deserves a look too, especially for those who value premium features. The biggest misconception is that indoor versus outdoor durability in Australian heat doesn't matter — reality tells a different story.
Honourable mentions
Rogue Echo Bike
Fan resistance scales infinitely — used by CrossFit boxes across Australia for HIIT and endurance work.
Is a rowing machine better than a treadmill for weight loss?
Rowing burns comparable calories to running (400–600 cal/hr) but works your upper body simultaneously and is zero-impact on joints. It's a better choice if you have knee or hip issues.
How much space does a rowing machine need at home?
Most full-size rowers need 250 cm × 60 cm when in use. Foldable models reduce the storage footprint to around 100 cm × 60 cm stood upright, which fits in a corner or closet.
What resistance type is best for beginners?
Magnetic resistance is best for beginners — it's quiet, requires no maintenance, and offers consistent tension at every stroke rate. Air and water rowers feel more natural but are louder.
How long should a rowing workout be?
For general fitness, 20–30 minutes at moderate intensity 3–4 times a week is effective. Beginners should start with 10–15 minute sessions and build up over 2–3 weeks.
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Aussie availability
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Affiliate disclosure: AUPicks may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you. This never influences our rankings. Curated by Bikram Nath · Last updated 2026-06-29.