- The toughest Defender yet will be on display at SXSW Sydney next week.
- ‘Defender House’ at the futurist festival will host a variety of immersive experiences, panels, and collaborations.
- Bookings are open to the public today.
After making its rough and muddy global debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed back in July, Defender’s toughest model ever built — the OCTA — is about to finally break cover in Australia.
The OCTA is a jacked-up, battle-hardened, five-door Defender 110 with a deadly V8 twin-turbo mild-hybrid under the metal; and Land Rover’s most iconic sub-brand has chosen SXSW Sydney as the location for its Aussie reveal.
After the success of last year’s ‘Defender House’ at Machine Hall Precinct — the momentum builds in 2024 with the collab returning to dominate the futurist festival from October 14th-20th.
The OCTA will be Defender’s centrepiece for the week’s festivities on Sydney’s Clarence Street, which will include an ensemble of creators, thinkers, innovators, and immersive brand experiences culminating in a VIP night to celebrate the arrival of Defender OCTA.
PSA: Defender House, and more importantly, the OCTA in Australia for the first time, is accessible to the general public via bookable session times across Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October.
You’ll get a one-on-one tour of the interactive displays and a multi-sensory moment with experts from TOM FORD, who will help you discover your own signature scent. Morning sessions will also dabble in a wild honey tasting paired with premium cheeses, and afternoon appointments will unlock a complimentary rare whisky tasting.
If you’re strategic with your booking slot, nab a time close to champion freediver Ant William’s panel discussion on Thursday 17th at 1:30 PM, for an insight into the mind of a man who breaks new ground on the daily. Alternatively, if rugby is more your jam, a Wallabies panel will be hosted on Friday 18th at 1:30 PM with Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, and Drew Mitchell.
While the OCTA isn’t available yet to test drive, now’s as good a time as any to get hands-on with the Defender lineup. ‘Destination Defender’ will be running in tandem with the Machine Hall activation next week in Tumbalong Park, where festival attendees can drive the latest from Defender on a series of urban drive loops across the bridge or out to the beach.
Book your session now at the link below to see OCTA in the metal for yourself. More of the Defender OCTA is coming in Volume 2 of B.H. Magazine, which you can pre-order here.
