Looking for the best beach tent in Australia to buy, thats worth the $?
When planning a day at the beach, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Sun protection and temperature regulation are among the top concerns, especially when travelling with children. While sunscreen can provide some relief, it’s not always enough to fully protect against prolonged sun exposure.
To alleviate these concerns, investing in a high-quality beach tent is a wise choice. Not only do they offer shade and shelter, but they can also help regulate temperature and provide a private and secure area for changing and storing personal belongings.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best beach tent for your needs. To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated beach tents for different types of use, such as:
- Best beach tent for babies
- Best large beach tent
- Best pop-up beach tent
We take in-depth reviews take into account factors such as durability, ease of set up, portability, and overall value to provide a comprehensive guide to finding the perfect beach tent for you.
No matter your specific needs, you can trust that our recommendations are based on thorough research and analysis to ensure the best quality and value for your money.
- See more: Best Tents in Australia
Top 10 Best Beach Tent Australia 2023
Handy reference list of the beach tent best offers – see all full best beach shelter tent reviews below!
- Cool Cabana Beach Tent – 4 person
- Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter Tent, 2-person
- Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter, 4-person
- Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Beach Umbrella, 2-person
- WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent, 2-3 person
- FE Active Pop Up Beach Tent Shelter, 2-3 person
- Glymnis Beach Pop Up Tent, 3-4 person
- Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent, 3-4 person
- Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shelter, 8-person
- Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent, 4-person
Best Beach Shade and Umbrella Reviews Australia 2023
Cool Cabana Beach Tent – Our Pick!
Revised Rating: 4.9
Specifications:
- Type: Beach Tent
- Capacity: 4-Person
- Weight: 6.74 kg
We recently purchased this beach tent and absolutely love it. I am going to go out on a limb and say this is currently Australia’s favourite beach tent as you see them covering nearly every popular beach across the country. They are very popular at Mooloolaba and Noosa.
Putting up the tent is an absolute breeze and we find that it gives a good amount of shade for up to 4 people using it.
It also comes with a really cool and easy to use carry bag which we love.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Looks great
- Good amount of shade
Cons
- A little expensive but worth it for the quality you receive in our opinion.
Buy it here.

Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter Tent Review
Revised Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Beach Tent
- Capacity: 2-Person
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 2.58 kg
Coleman’s Shoreline Tent is designed with the beach-goer in mind, crafted from a synthetic material that offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun. It features an extended floor, which doubles as a door for added privacy when changing.
Erecting the tent is a breeze, taking only a minute with a single person, thanks to the poles that are already attached to the canopy. The tent is equipped with an “auto roll” window for improved ventilation, making it one of the most practical beach tents for shade. Measuring at 79cm x 10.4cm x 10.5cm and weighing a mere 2.58kg, it offers excellent portability.
Pros:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Extended floor doubles as a door
- Autoroll window for ventilation
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger groups
- Check the price and read more reviews here.
See more: Best family tents in Australia

Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Tent
- Capacity: 4-person (best suited for 2 adults and 2 children)
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 1.8 kg
The Oileus Tent is designed to be a rugged and breathable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts. Made from 210T polyester, it boasts a high level of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, while the PU coating ensures it is also waterproof. The tent features an extended floor that not only provides additional space, but can also be utilized as a door for added privacy.
Setting up the tent is an effortless task, requiring only one person and taking mere seconds to pop up. Folding it down is just as quick and easy, taking about 30 seconds. The tent has two roll up windows on each side for ventilation and comes with four integrated sandbags to secure it in place. Additionally, there are two pockets inside to store your belongings.
With a generous size of 2.3m x 1.1m x 1.1m, this tent provides ample space for two adults and children. At 1.8 kg, it is lightweight and comes with a convenient carry bag complete with straps for ease of transportation.
Pros:
- Quick and easy one-person setup
- Stable with integrated sandbags
- Portable with a handy carry bag
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the tent may be too small to comfortably accommodate 4 adults.
Check the price and read more reviews by clicking here.

Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Beach Umbrella Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Umbrella Tent Hybrid
- Capacity: 2-person
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 4.5 kg
The Umbrella Tent Hybrid is a versatile and durable sunshade option for beach trips with family or friends. Constructed with a tough material that boasts UPF 50+ protection and a sturdy steel pole, this umbrella sits on its side and features wrap-around walls that extend to the ground. However, it should be noted that it does not have a floor, so users will need to bring a towel to sit on.
Setting up is a breeze, similar to opening a traditional umbrella. The pole is securely anchored into the ground with the help of an auger bit and an integrated twist handle, and additional pegs are provided for added stability. Additionally, the umbrella features two built-in windows for ventilation and wind resistance.
Weighing in at 4.4 kg and boasting a 2.43m canopy, this umbrella comes with a heavy-duty carrying bag for easy transport. Its durability and well-crafted design make it a great option for long-term use.
Pros:
- Easy to set up, similar to a traditional umbrella
- Internal pockets for storage
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons:
- Center pole can be inconvenient
- No flooring included.
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Beach Tent
- Capacity: Accommodates 2-3 persons
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 2.5 kilograms
This beach tent has received high praise from families as the best pop-up tent for babies. Constructed with UPF 50+ and waterproof 190T anti-tear polyester, the tent boasts a durable frame made of galvanised steel that is resistant to rust.
The tent’s unique tunnel shape, open on both ends, allows for adequate ventilation and a gentle breeze to circulate, while the back wall can be zipped up during windy conditions. Set up is a breeze, as the tent pops up instantly with the recommended throw-in method.
The tent offers plenty of ventilation through mesh windows and large entrance, preventing overheating, and comes with two integrated storage pockets inside. The tent is anchored to the ground with four sand pockets, ensuring stability during windy weather. Weighing only 2.5 kilograms, the tent comes with a convenient carry bag for easy transportation.
Pros:
- Interior storage pockets
- Adequate ventilation
- Portable with included carry bag
Cons:
- Folding the tent may require some practice.
- For more information and to view customer reviews, click here.

FE Active Pop Up Beach Tent Shelter Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Tent
- Capacity: 2-3 persons
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 1.8 kg
If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly pop-up tent that’s perfect for beach use, this option may be worth considering. Currently available on Amazon, this half dome tent boasts an open front design and is made from 190T ripstop polyester, providing UV protection and water resistance.
Erecting this tent is a breeze, thanks to its simple slide-through pole design, making it easy to secure in place. However, it should be noted that the tent does not feature any built-in windows, but the open front design does offer ample ventilation to prevent stuffiness.
The tent comes with a convenient carry bag and weighs only 1.6 kg, making it easy to transport. It offers ample space, measuring 2.3m x 1.5m x 1.25m. Overall, this tent is a great quality option that offers value for money.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to set up with its pop-up feature
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No privacy from the front
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Glymnis Beach Pop Up Tent Review
Rating: 3.5
Specifications:
- Type: Tent
- Capacity: 3-4 persons
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 1.2 kg
This tent offers an economical option for those looking for a beach shelter. It has received high ratings from Amazon customers due to its simple yet effective design. The dome shape tent features an extended floor, however, it does not provide full enclosure for privacy. It is made with 190T silver coated polyester, which offers protection from UV rays.
One of the standout features of this tent is the mesh window that runs along the circumference of the tent, allowing for ample ventilation and airflow. Additional security is provided by the inclusion of guy ropes and sandbags. The tent measures 2m x 1.65m x 1.3m, making it a compact shelter suitable for small families. It weighs 1.2 kg and can be easily transported in the included carry bag with strap.
Pros:
- UPF 50+ protection on polyester fabric
- Ample ventilation and airflow
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Lack of privacy
- Not suitable for strong winds
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Tent
- Capacity: 3-4 persons
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 2.3 kg
The Zomake Tent offers versatility for those who love outdoor activities, whether it be at the beach or a camping trip. Constructed with 190T polyester, the tent provides a water-resistant barrier and robust UV protection with its UPF 50+ rating.
This tent is easy to set up, as it requires no tools or complicated procedures. Simply open the carry bag and throw it into the air – that’s it! The tent’s design allows for maximum ventilation with its four openable walls and two mesh windows. This feature is ideal for families with young children or those who are seeking a well-ventilated sleeping environment.
The Zomake Tent is capable of accommodating three to four people comfortably. Its lightweight design (2.3kg) and compact size (when folded into a circle) make it highly portable and ideal for outdoor excursions. However, it’s important to note that the tent may not withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
Pros:
- Quick and easy set up
- Portable design
Cons:
- Not suitable for strong winds or heavy rain.
Check the price and read more reviews by clicking here.

Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shelter Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Canopy
- Capacity: 8-person
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 4.2 kg
The Sun Ninja Canopy is a top choice for beach-goers in search of a reliable and high-quality canopy tent. With hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon, this product boasts superior quality and durability. Constructed with elastic spandex and reinforced seams, the canopy offers UPF 50+ protection, water resistance, and is machine washable for easy maintenance.
Assembly is easy and requires only one person, with poles that simply pop in and attached bags that can be filled with sand for added stability. The canopy also includes anchors for added security. Measuring 3m x 3m, it provides ample space for up to eight individuals to comfortably gather beneath. The included carry bag is conveniently sized and the entire package weighs only 4.22kg.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- UPF 50+ protection
- Spacious enough for 8 people
Cons:
- Lacks sidewalls for privacy.
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Canopy
- Capacity: 4-person
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Weight: 3.5 kg
This beach pop-up tent offers ample space underneath, making it ideal for those who value roominess. Its canopy design features a single wall that can be used as a windbreak while the remaining walls are open, providing a unique combination of shelter and ventilation. The tent is constructed from a robust material that offers UPF 50+ protection and is water-resistant, making it suitable for wet conditions.
The tent is designed for easy and quick setup, thanks to its pre-threaded poles. With just one person, you can have it set up in no time. The flooring is specially designed to be durable, kid and pet-proof, and resistant to tears.
Measuring 2.4m x 1.5m x 2.4m, this tent provides ample room for four chairs and enough headroom to stand without stooping. At 3.45kg, it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Pros:
- Durable and tear-resistant floor
- Easy setup
- Water-resistant material
Cons:
- Less privacy due to open sides
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.
How To Choose The Best Beach Sun Shelter 2023
When searching for the ideal beach sun shade, it can be challenging to navigate the plethora of options available. To assist in your search, we have compiled a list of key considerations when evaluating different beach shade tents.
Types of Beach Shade Tents
Tent: These types of shades provide an all-encompassing barrier from the elements, similar to a traditional camping tent with the added convenience of an open front for easy access.
Features to Consider
Protection from the sun: A roof that provides ample shade from the Australian sun is a must-have feature for a beach shade tent.
Protection from the wind: Walls can provide added protection from wind, making the tent a suitable option for windy beach conditions.
Rain cover: Waterproof beach tents can offer shelter for your family during unexpected showers.
Potential Drawbacks:
Vulnerability to strong winds: Inexpensive beach tents may not be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. However, the beach tents recommended in this list should be able to withstand beach breezes.
Difficulty in pitching on shingle beaches: Pitching a beach tent on a shingle beach may prove to be challenging, but it’s usually not necessary to use the guy ropes unless it’s extremely windy.
Canopy
Beach canopies, also known as beach tents, are a popular choice among beach-goers for providing shade and shelter. These structures typically feature a roof for sun protection and lack sidewalls, allowing for fresh air and an open view.
Pros:
- Large shaded area for multiple people
- No stuffy spaces due to the absence of walls
- Waterproof material for protection from rain.
Cons:
- Lack of wind protection due to the open design
- The angle of the sun may mean that the shaded area is away from the actual canopy, particularly during early or late hours when the sun is less intense.
When considering a beach canopy, it is important to weigh the advantages and limitations to determine if it is the right choice for your needs. Quality materials, sturdy construction, and adequate size are key factors to consider when selecting the best beach canopy for your needs.
Umbrella
Beach umbrellas are a popular and cost-effective way to shield oneself from the sun while enjoying time at the beach. These umbrellas are typically larger and designed specifically for use on sandy surfaces.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction makes them easy to transport
- Simple set-up process
Cons:
- Limited protection against wind and heavy rain
- Stability may be compromised on windy days or on uneven surfaces due to their single-pole design.
Size And Capacity
When planning for a day at the beach, it’s important to consider the number of individuals who will be seeking refuge under your shelter. For smaller groups of one or two individuals, a compact beach tent may suffice. However, for larger groups or families with young children, a larger shelter may be necessary.
It’s important to take into account the age of children in your group as well. Young children may require a nap after engaging in activities such as swimming and running around. Providing ample shaded floor space and shelter can ensure their comfort and well-being.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the size of a shelter often corresponds with its weight. Larger shelters may be more cumbersome to transport and set up, so it’s important to consider ease of transportation and assembly when making a selection.
Material And UV Protection
When it comes to beach camping, the material of your tent plays a crucial role in determining its overall performance and durability. In order to ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience, it is important to consider the following factors when choosing a beach tent:
- Durability: The best beach tents are made with materials that are resistant to rips and tears, ensuring they will withstand the elements and last for multiple camping trips.
- Waterproofing: As beach camping often involves exposure to water, it is important to choose a tent that is coated with a waterproof material, such as silicone. Look for tents that have a waterproof rating, as this will give you an indication of how effective the tent’s waterproofing is.
- UPF Protection: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is a measure of how well a fabric protects against UV radiation. The best sun tents for beach days should have UPF protection, with ranges of 15-24 UPF being considered good, 25-39 UPF being very good, and 40-50+ UPF being excellent.
Stakes And Stability
When planning a day at the beach, the last thing you want to worry about is your tent or canopy collapsing in the wind. To ensure your beach shelter remains stable in windy conditions, it’s important to choose a product that is designed to withstand expected winds.
When selecting the best beach tent or canopy for wind protection, here are some key factors to consider:
- Stakes: Look for a product that comes with long, durable stakes that won’t bend or break in strong gusts. This will help to anchor the tent or canopy securely to the ground.
- Guy lines: These are cords that run between the tent or canopy and the stakes, providing additional stability. Make sure the guy lines are made of a durable material that won’t snap in high winds.
- Augers: Some beach tents and canopies come with augers (also known as ground screws), which are designed to be pushed into the ground to provide additional stability. This can be a useful feature if you’re setting up on a particularly windy beach.
By taking these factors into account when choosing your beach shelter, you can ensure that you’ll have a stable and reliable shelter that will withstand even the strongest winds.
Weight And Portability
When considering a portable beach tent, weight and size are crucial factors to take into account. It is important to consider the ease of transportation, particularly if you plan on carrying the tent a significant distance. For instance, if you plan on parking your car and walking to the beach, a lightweight and compact option would be ideal to avoid the inconvenience of lugging a heavy and bulky canopy.
Additionally, it is important to consider the size of the tent when packed down. Some portable beach tents have the ability to fold down to a much smaller size than others, making them more convenient for storage and transportation. To facilitate easy transportation, many portable beach tents come equipped with a carrying bag or case. This is a useful feature that can make transporting your tent to and from the beach much more manageable.
When looking for a portable beach tent, it is essential to consider the weight and size of the tent, as well as any additional features that may make transportation more convenient. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you select a tent that is both lightweight and compact, making it easier to carry and store.
Ease Of Set Up
When it comes to selecting a beach tent, ease of setup should be a key consideration. After all, the last thing you want is to spend your precious vacation time struggling to erect a cumbersome structure.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a beach tent that is quick and easy to set up:
- Look for a tent that is designed with a simple and intuitive setup process. Some tents on the market can be erected in as little as a few minutes, making them ideal for solo beachgoers or families with young children.
- Consider the number of people required to set up the tent. While some tents can be erected by one person, others may require multiple people to hold up the structure. This is something to keep in mind if you’ll be on your own or with very young children, as you may not want to be stuck holding up the tent while your children run around.
- Check the tent’s features and design elements. Some tents come with built-in poles or other features that make them easier to set up, while others may have additional elements such as a rainfly or additional tie-downs that can make the process more complicated.
- Read reviews or ask for recommendations from other beachgoers. Many people have already gone through the process of selecting and setting up a beach tent, so they can provide valuable insights into which tents are the easiest to put up.
Other Great Features
When shopping for a beach tent, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that your experience is as comfortable and convenient as possible. These include:
Internal pockets or storage options: These are ideal for keeping your belongings organized and free from sand.
- A carrying bag: This makes transportation to and from the beach much easier, as you can store all of the tent’s components, such as pegs, guy ropes, and poles, in the same bag.
- Windows: These provide natural light and allow you to see your surroundings while inside the tent. Some tents may also have mesh covers that allow for air circulation while keeping out bugs and sand.
- Extended floor: This feature provides additional space to sit and can also double as a door for easy access to the tent. This is especially useful for changing clothes on a busy beach.
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We hope this guide on the top beach tents in Australia 2023 has been helpful in your search for the perfect outdoor shelter.
Please note: We are an affiliate of Amazon and earn a commission for qualifying purchases.
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