Portable Generators

Portable generators for campsites, worksites, food stalls and power outages at home. Choose a quiet inverter generator for caravans and sensitive electronics, a petrol generator for running tools on site, or a diesel for longer run times. We deliver Australia-wide and you can collect free from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth. To work out your size, try the Power Calculator or call 1300 622 436.

Portable Generators
Camping, RV & Caravan Generators
Camping, RV & Caravan Generators Camping, RV & Caravan Generators
Camping, RV & Caravan Generators
Portable Generator Specials
Portable Generator Specials Portable Generator Specials
Portable Generator Specials
Home Backup & Standby Generators
Home Backup & Standby Generators Home Backup & Standby Generators
Home Backup & Standby Generators
Inverter Generators
Inverter Generators Inverter Generators
Inverter Generators
Petrol Generators
Petrol Generators Petrol Generators
Petrol Generators
Diesel Generators
Diesel Generators Diesel Generators
Diesel Generators
Work Site Compliant Portable Generators
Work Site Compliant Portable Generators Work Site Compliant Portable Generators
Work Site Compliant Portable Generators
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Inverter, petrol or diesel

For camping or caravanning, buy an inverter. The power is clean enough for a laptop or a CPAP machine, it runs quieter than an open-frame unit, and it throttles back when you've only got a few lights on.

Most tradies run an open-frame petrol generator. You get more power for your money, and the steel frame copes with life in the back of a ute. It's noticeably louder, though.

Portable diesel generators

A portable diesel generator suits long runs: on the farm, through a multi-day outage, or on a job that goes all week. You'll pay more upfront than for petrol and get it back in fuel and engine life. Our portable diesels include open-frame and silenced models, many with electric start. See all Diesel Generators.

Sizing a portable generator

Start with the running watts of everything you want on at once, then look for the biggest motor. Fridges, air conditioners and compressors can pull two to three times their running load at start-up, and that surge is what trips an undersized generator.

Size Typical use
Up to 2kVA Lights, device charging, a small camping fridge
2 to 3.5kVA Most caravan air conditioners, or a microwave or kettle (one at a time)
3.5 to 6kVA Power tools and small compressors
6 to 10kVA Home backup for the fridge, freezer, lights and a few circuits

The Power Calculator does the maths, or browse by capacity: 2 to 4kVA, 4 to 6kVA, 6 to 8kVA, 8 to 10kVA.

Portable generators by application

Caravanners want something quiet and light enough to lift in and out of the car on their own, and our camping and caravan range is built around that. Worksite generators are a different animal. They have heavier frames and RCD protection, which many construction sites insist on, so check with your site before you buy.

Home backup is where people most often get caught out. The generator has to connect through an inlet and changeover switch fitted by a licensed electrician. Food vans and market stalls need steady power for the fridge and coffee machine that won't drown out the customers.

Brands we stock

Maxwatt, Pramac, Cromtech, Gentech and more. See the full list on our brands page.

Why buy a portable generator from Macfarlane

We've been selling and fixing generators since 1949, and we're still 100% Australian owned. Buy online and collect free from Clayton South, Seven Hills, Brendale or Rockingham. When it's due for a service, our own workshop does it, and we hold parts for the brands we sell. Business finance is available through Procuret. When you ring, you get someone who knows generators, not a call centre.

Portable Generators FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Portable Generators

kVA is apparent power and kW is the usable power. For most generators, kW is about 80% of the kVA rating, so a 5kVA unit delivers roughly 4kW.

Yes, but only through a generator inlet and changeover switch installed by a licensed electrician. Never back-feed power through a power point. It's illegal and can kill line workers.

Diesel suits long run times, heavy or continuous loads and business backup. It uses less fuel for the same output and lasts longer between services. Petrol costs less upfront and suits light, occasional use.

Petrol costs less upfront and suits occasional use, camping and lighter loads. Diesel suits long run times, heavy or continuous loads and backup power, because it uses less fuel for the same output and lasts longer between services.

No. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal in enclosed spaces. Always run them outdoors, well away from doors and windows.

Yes. Add pre-delivery generator setup for $150. We unpack it, add oil and fuel, start it and test it before dispatch. Available on new and pre-owned portable generators.

Yes. Click & collect is available at all four branches: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Choose pickup at checkout.

Australia’s trusted generator supplier

75+ Years Experience

Australia's longest-running generator specialists. We've powered businesses and homes since 1949.

Australian Owned

100% Australian owned and operated. Your purchase supports local workers and the national economy.

Ready-to-Use Delivery

Every generator is pre-tested and set up so you can start using it the moment it arrives.

Trusted by Thousands

Join thousands of satisfied customers across Australia who rely on our generators daily.

How to find what power generator you need

The Macfarlane Generators Power Calculator helps you estimate the generator size required for your application by calculating power demand, motor starting loads, and electrical conversions such as kVA, kW, amps, and horsepower. Designed for homeowners, tradies, and industrial operators, it provides practical tools and power consumption guides to help you select the right generator with confidence. Whether you're planning backup power, construction site equipment, or large-scale operations, the calculator simplifies generator sizing and power planning.

Power Calculator Questions? Call us on 1300 622 436