A day at the beach is a classic Australian pastime but as we all know, too long in the sun is never good for our skin. Here’s where a beach tent or shelter comes in.
Going undercover means you can enjoy the sand for longer, lounging on your beach towel without the worry of sunburn. (This doesn’t mean you can forgo the sunscreen, though!).
Depending on what type of beachgoer you are, there are different styles to choose from. From cabanas to pop-up tents, we’ve got you covered (literally) with our top picks of the best beach tents and cabanas currently on the Aussie market.
The best beach tents to buy in Australia in 2024
01
OZoola Beachlife beach tent with sandbags
$199, hardtofind
Unlike some other beach shelters, this beach tent won’t block your view or breeze while providing the shade we all desperately seek when out in the sun. Made with UPF 50+ fabric, this tent is stylish and can easily be assembled in minutes.
UPF rating: 50+
Key features:
- Includes canopy, four sandbags, two poles and a carry bag
- Flexible and quality microfibre lycra fabric
- Meets AS/NZS4399 standard for sun protection
- Free delivery across Australia
02
Basil Bangs The Weekend beach tent
$229, The Iconic
From small Northern Beaches business Basil Bangs, comes this premium beach tent that’s big enough for the whole family. It’s made from UPF 50+ outdoor canvas and is ideal in windy conditions. There’s no doubt this lightweight, travel-friendly buy will quickly become your beach go-to.
UPF rating: 50+
Key features:
- Generous family size
- Three adjustable height options
- Marine-grade fixtures and fasteners
- Water-repellent canvas
- Lightweight
- Internal pocket with zip closure
03
Business & Pleasure Co. The Premium beach tent
$299, The Iconic
You’ll feel like you’re on holiday overseas with this chic beach tent that comes with a lightweight carry bag and provides optimal shade positioning so you can relax when lying on the shore. It’s spacious enough for the whole family or just you and all your belongings.
UPF rating: 50
Key features:
- World Forestries registered reclaimed laminated wood poles
- Marine-grade hand-polished aluminium fittings
- UV mould and water-treated canvas
- Includes four pegs, guide poles and instructions
- Comes with matching canvas carrier bag
04
CoolCabana beach shelter 2m
$189.99, BCF
Like others on this list, this shelter has been constructed from a cotton-poly canvas material which provides UPF50+ protection, helping to shield you and your family against the harsh Aussie rays. It also includes internal pockets for holding essentials (think: your wallet, phone, keys and jewellery) and folds up easily so you can get ahead of the crowds.
“Absolutely LOVE this CoolCabana Beach Shelter,” one satisfied customer exclaimed. “It was so easy to assemble and take down and it gave a large area of shelter for five people to sit under at the beach.”
A second person wrote: “Quick and easy to set up, stable in gusty beach winds. Great buy to give good sun protection.”
UPF rating: 50+
Key features:
- 4m2 coverage
- Peak height of 1.8m
- Equipped with eight internal pockets for stashing essentials
- Patented fold-up design
- Wind-proof
- Constructed from robust cotton poly canvas fabric
- Weighs approximate;y 5.3kg
Also available at:
- $189.99, Rebel Sport
- $189, Anaconda (beige stripe)
05
Beach cabana
$189.99, Sunnylife
Large enough to accommodate two adults and two kids, this cabana is the sort of beach shelter you’d pay a pretty penny to hire, which is why it makes a great investment. Easy to pack up and put away, this tent is perfect for families who like to look (and stay) cool.
“This is the most amazing product and better than umbrellas,” one five-star customer wrote. “Easy to carry and easy to put up…what a genius idea. Our beach is often windy and umbrellas are a problem. This product is amazing and easy to stabilise with the sand.”
Some people even love to use it in their backyards on hot summer days, with another writing: “Apart from the colour and quality, it was so easy to assemble. I also used it in my yard on that very hot Christmas day and used bricks in the sand pockets, threw some hides and cushions under it and it was very appreciated. Worth every cent.”
UPF rating: 50
Key features:
- Includes a pole, four fabric legs with sand feet for stability and four storage pockets with eyelets for sand drainage
- Includes drawstring fabric carry bag for easy transport and storage
- Roof with air-vent
- Available in six different colours and patterns
- Weighs 4kg
06
Wanderer Burleigh beach tent shelter
$149.99, BCF
With an instant fibreglass frame for easy pack down and set up, this BCF shelter will give you that sweet sweet shade at the beach or on the side-lines of your kid’s sports match.
“This beach shelter is excellent,” one of the many five-star reviewers wrote. “Lots of space for two of us, and actually easy to put up and back down again. And best of all, there is heaps of shade to enjoy.”
Another person said: “Excellent product, easy to set up and pack away. Excellent in the wind as well.”
UPF rating: 50+
Key features:
- Quick and easy setup
- Large windows for improved airflow
- Made from durable 185T polyester
- Comfortable PE flooring
- Sand pockets for stability
- Includes four yellow sand pegs and carry bag
- 400mm water rating
07
River cabana
$99.95 (usually $120), Cancer Council
Look after your own skin and that of millions of others by buying this cabana. Every purchase of Cancer Council sun protection products helps to fund work in cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support. It has all the necessary features, too. Think: easy setup, a UVE rating of 99 per cent and side and overhead sun protection. What more could you want?
UVE rating: 99 per cent
Key features:
- Medium-size
- Opens up in seconds with a stainless steel frame
- Fabric floor for comfort
- Zippered back panel for privacy
- Sand and storage pockets
- Ideal for the beach, backyards and picnics
08
LiFE! Beach classic flip clip shelter
$49, Big W
Although more affordable, this tent certainly doesn’t sacrifice sun protection. The medium-sized cabana can withstand breezy conditions and makes a great beach, park or backyard staple.
UVE rating: 95 per cent
Key features:
- Durable floor for comfort
- Lightweight and compact
- Includes sandbags, pegs and guy ropes
Is a beach tent worth it?
There’s no doubt that sun protection at the beach is essential. If you are looking for a portable and easy-to-set-up shelter that can provide shade, wind protection and privacy, then a beach tent is worth it – especially for families and those who spend a lot of time at the beach.
What is the best beach tent?
There’s a plethora of different sun tents on the market that cater to different needs. Consider the following factors when purchasing the best one for you:
- Size and capacity: How many people will be using the tent and do you need space for beach gear, too?
- UV protection: Ensure the tent provides adequate protection from harmful UV rays. UPF 50 is the highest classification available in Australia and blocks a minimum of 98 per cent of UV radiation.
- Weight and portability: Look for lightweight options that are easy to carry (walking across sand and lugging heavy gear isn’t ideal!).
- Setup: You’ll want a tent that’s easy to set up, preferably with a pop-up design or simple assembly.
- Ventilation: A tent with mesh windows or vents will allow airflow and reduce heat buildup inside.
- Durability: The materials and construction of a tent will make a huge difference when you’re relaxing at the beach. A tent with sturdy poles, sand pockets and reliable stakes will withstand wind much better and save your tent from flying off.
- Privacy features: Some tents come with sidewalls or doors for added privacy, which is great for changing and napping.
- Design: Tents come in a variety of colours, patterns and shapes so choose a design that you like.
- Price: Set yourself a budget but remember a higher-quality one will pay off in durability and functionality.
Looking to save money on summer essentials? Check out our coupon codes for all things home, lifestyle and more.
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