DEFENDER OCTA MAKES A GRAND ENTRANCE IN VICTORIA’S EASTERN HINTERLAND
EXCLUSIVE DEFENDER OCTA LAUNCH IN VICTORIA
In a spectacular showcase of luxury and craftsmanship, Defender invited an exclusive audience to experience the all-new Defender OCTA in the heart of Victoria’s Eastern Hinterland. Held over two days, on September 20th and 21st, the event welcomed sixty select clients to a private residence in Harkaway, where the breathtaking views mirrored the grandeur of the occasion. This highly anticipated event marked the first Australian reveal of the Defender OCTA.
A JOURNEY OF IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Upon arrival at The W Melbourne, guests embarked on their journey in a fleet of Defenders, setting the tone for a seamless blend of adventure and sophistication. Upon reaching the luxurious Defender House, they were greeted with a meticulously curated two-hour experience that reflected the essence of Defender’s luxury and durability.
The journey was designed to engage all the senses. Guests enjoyed either a curated sit-down lunch or canapés created by renowned Chef Geoff Marett, perfectly complementing the day’s relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere. Adding a personal touch, guests had the unique opportunity to visit the Sarah & Sebastian soldering station, where they could select custom jewellery to be soldered on-site, with the option to incorporate diamonds, symbolically referencing the OCTA's logo origins.
For the event, the Tom Ford scent became a central element in creating a multisensory experience for guests. As guests explored Defender House, the Tom Ford fragrance enveloped them, creating an immersive atmosphere that was both intimate and grand, enhancing their connection to the vehicle and the event.
The fragrance not only complemented the visual and tactile elements of the experience but also reinforced the emotional and sensory journey. Just as guests experienced luxury through bespoke jewellery at the Sarah & Sebastian station, or indulged in fine dining curated by Chef Geoff Marett, the Tom Ford scent added a sensory depth that linked all these experiences together. The scent became a lasting memory, subtly lingering with guests and connecting them back to the Defender brand long after they left the event.
IMMERSED IN THE DEFENDER LIFESTYLE
As part of the immersive experience, guests were taken through the OCTA Stories of Substance, a captivating journey that detailed the making of the vehicle and highlighted the unique attributes that set it apart from other Defenders. While lounging in style amidst the tastefully dressed property—courtesy of Defender partner MCM House—guests relaxed to a curated Defender playlist that enhanced the serene and intimate ambiance.
Every element of the event was designed to reflect Defender’s attention to detail and luxury. As a parting gift, each guest received an exclusive YETI OCTA water bottle, a memento of their participation in this exceptional unveiling.
LUXURY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IN PERFECT BALANCE
The Defender OCTA stood as a powerful symbol throughout the event, representing the epitome of performance, luxury, and ruggedness. Yet, it was the carefully curated guest experience—from culinary delights to personalized jewelry—that truly made the event unforgettable. This exclusive launch demonstrated Defender’s continued commitment to delivering not just vehicles, but a lifestyle steeped in adventure, luxury, and craftsmanship.