Best Esky Australia: Top 5 Picks for 2025
For Australians, a reliable esky is more than just a cooler—it’s a summer essential. Whether you’re camping in the Outback, fishing off the coast, or enjoying a BBQ with mates, keeping drinks cold and food fresh is non-negotiable. Searching for the best esky Australia has to offer in 2025 can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. That’s why we’ve pulled together this detailed guide: to help you compare the top choices, understand what makes a great esky, and even explore smarter alternatives to ice.
5 Best Esky Options to Buy 2025
When choosing the best esky for Australia’s unique conditions—scorching summers, long road trips, rugged terrain—you’ll want durability, strong insulation, and easy portability. Here are five stand-out models available in 2025:
Best for Fishing & Rugged Adventures -- Yeti Tundra 45
When we think of durability in an esky, the Yeti Tundra 45 sets the bar. Its thick insulation and rotomolded shell make it feel almost indestructible, and we like that it holds ice for days. The latch system is simple but strong, and it comes with a dry goods basket, which feels handy when packing smarter for road trips.
That said, it’s heavy—23 pounds empty isn’t light. Carrying it from the car to a picnic spot takes some effort. Still, if toughness is your top priority, especially for Australia’s rugged bushland or fishing trips, the Tundra is worth the weight.
Best for Camping -- Engel ENG50 Cooler
The Engel ENG50 takes ice retention to another level. On longer camping trips, we’ve seen it stretch close to ten days of cold storage. Its slimmer profile also makes it easier to slot into the back of a car compared to the bulkier Yeti. The airtight seal and bear-resistance certification also give peace of mind when traveling through wilder regions.
On the flip side, it doesn’t have wheels, and moving it when full can be a workout. It feels a little more “utilitarian” than premium in design. But for raw performance, Engel is often the best cooler you need to trust most when you need ice to last the distance.
Best for Group Beach Days & BBQs -- Dometic Patrol 55L
The Dometic Patrol feels like the middle ground between rugged reliability and thoughtful design. It’s built tough, but the little extras—like rubber latches you can open one-handed and a dock for add-on accessories—make daily use smoother. We’ve found its 54-liter size especially practical for beach days and group barbecues.
It doesn’t quite match Engel’s marathon ice life, but it keeps ice solid for multiple days with ease. Cleaning is straightforward with its large drain plug, which makes a difference after sandy outings. For versatility and ease, Dometic hits a sweet spot among the best eskies Australia has for outdoor use.
Best for Families & Casual Use -- Coleman Xtreme 50qt Rolling Cooler
Coleman’s Xtreme stands out for practicality rather than sheer toughness. With wheels and a telescoping handle, we’ve rolled it across campgrounds and carparks without breaking a sweat. It holds plenty—up to 84 cans—and doubles as an extra seat thanks to its Have-A-Seat lid.
The trade-off is insulation. It holds ice for about five days, which is solid but not record-breaking. On really hot days, we’ve noticed it can lose its chill faster than Engel or Yeti. But for family trips, picnics, or when you just want something easy to move, the Coleman makes sense.
Best All-Rounder for Year-Round Use -- San Hima 45L Ice Box
San Hima’s 45L cooler surprised us with its dual-purpose design—it keeps things cold for over 100 hours, but it also traps heat. On winter trips, being able to keep meals warm as well as drinks cold feels like a clever twist. The built-in cup holders and sturdy lid, which doubles as a seat, also add real-life convenience.
It isn’t quite as premium in feel as Yeti or Engel, but it makes up for it with versatility. Having wheels makes it easier to move than the Engel or Dometic, and its rugged shell still feels dependable. For all-around value—especially if you want both hot and cold—San Hima is a solid pick.
*The brands referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and do not indicate any partnership with EcoFlow.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Esky
Not all eskies are created equal, and the right choice depends on how and where you’ll use it. When searching for the best cooler box in Australia, here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Insulation & Ice Retention
The core function of an esky is to keep food and drinks cold for as long as possible. Premium brands like Techni Ice and Yeti offer multi-day performance, holding ice for up to a week in the right conditions. Cheaper options like Willow may only last 24–36 hours. If you camp for more than a weekend, investing in thicker insulation pays off.
2. Size & Capacity
Eskies range from compact 20L units to oversized 100L+ models. Think about group size and trip length:
20–40L: Best for picnics, couples, or day fishing.
40–60L: Great for family weekends.
60L+: Extended camping, boating, or road trips.
Keep in mind that ice takes up valuable internal space, so a “60L esky” doesn’t give you 60L of food storage.
3. Portability
A large esky full of ice can weigh more than 25kg. Look for wheels, side handles, or tie-down points if you’ll be hauling it across sand, docks, or campsites, and consider a power station if you plan to run an electric cooler.
4. Durability & Materials
Australian heat and terrain are tough on gear. Rotomolded plastic, stainless steel hinges, and UV-resistant lids will last longer than basic models.
5. Ease of Cleaning
After a weekend away, no one wants to scrub endlessly. Drain plugs, smooth inner walls, and removable baskets make cleaning simple.
Taking the time to match these features to your lifestyle ensures you’ll find the best esky Australia has for your needs—whether it’s for casual BBQs or serious adventures.
Say Goodbye to Ice Melt – Meet EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer
Traditional eskies all share one flaw: ice melts. Food gets soggy, drinks end up floating, and you’re constantly restocking. For Aussies who camp, fish, or road trip for days, that’s frustrating.
The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer avoids all that. Instead of ice, it uses an efficient compressor with precise temperature control (±1°C). On the 45L and 55L models, dual zones let you run fridge and freezer at the same time, with up to a 22°C difference. The 35L version is single-zone, switching between fridge or freezer as needed.
Despite solid capacity—58 cans (35L), 72 cans (45L), or 90 cans (55L)—it’s 40% more compact than many portable refrigerator freezer units, leaving more space in the car. Pair it with the optional 298Wh plug-in battery and it runs up to 43 hours unplugged, keeping food at 4°C without issue.
It’s versatile too, with AC, car outlet, solar, alternator, and USB-C charging. The USB-C port even works as a 100W power bank for devices. Thicker insulation means better efficiency, so you’ll get longer runtime off-grid.
For anyone tired of soggy eskies and endless ice runs, the EcoFlow GLACIER feels like the best camping fridge for modern Australian adventures.
EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer
Conclusion
The best esky Australia offers in 2025 depends on how you plan to use it. For budget-friendly BBQs, a Willow cooler is a classic. For rugged durability, Engel or Techni Ice deliver. And if you’re ready to skip ice altogether, the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer takes outdoor cooling to the next level.
Whether you’re planning weekends at the beach or cross-country camping, investing in the right cooler means fresher food, colder drinks, and fewer hassles.
FAQs
Is there a difference between an esky and a cooler?
In Australia, “esky” is a common word for a cooler—similar to how “Kleenex” refers to tissues. Technically, “Esky” was once a brand name, but over time it became the generic term for insulated cooler boxes. Functionally, they are the same thing: portable containers designed to keep food and drinks cold. Some people still distinguish them by brand or design, but in everyday conversation, an esky and a cooler mean the same.
How long can an esky keep ice?
This varies widely by design and quality. A budget esky might keep ice for 24–36 hours, which is fine for a picnic or BBQ. Mid-range models can last 2–3 days. Premium coolers like Techni Ice or Yeti, with extra-thick insulation, can hold ice for 5–7 days under controlled use. Keep in mind that frequency of opening, type of ice, and outside temperature all affect ice life. Adding block ice or pre-chilling helps extend retention.
Are expensive eskies worth it?
If you only use an esky a few times a year for day trips, a budget option like Willow may be perfectly fine. But if you camp, fish, or travel regularly in hot Australian conditions, investing in a premium esky is often worth it. Expensive models typically last longer, keep ice solid for days instead of hours, and can take more physical punishment. Over time, fewer replacements and less wasted ice can actually save you money and hassle.