24 Best Products You Need For The Beach In 2025
Make every beach trip a breeze with these affordable and practical essentials. From sand free towels to beach trolleys, we’ve found the best options to buy now.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
An Australian summer means many – many – trips to the beach.
Given that we spend so much time on the sand in the warmer months, it makes sense to ensure you’ve got everything you need to make your beach visits memorable and enjoyable for all.
To save you the trouble, we’ve done the research on all the best beach essentials you need to have the ultimate summer.
One of our top picks is the Sunnylife Beach Cooler Box Sounds Speaker, combining a waterproof speaker with chilled drinks and snacks - two must-haves for a day at the beach. Another favourite is the Paifeancodill Beach Cup Holder Set to keep your drinks spill-free and upright in the sand.
Keep on scrolling to see our selection of beach essentials including top sellers and highly rated options to suit all budgets.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BEACH ACCESSORIES
Sunnylife Beach Cooler Box Sounds Speaker, $189.99 at Sunnylife
Why we love it: You can fill it with up to 16 cans while playing your favourite music.
What to consider: It only has a six hour battery life and can be charged a maximum of 400 times.
Size: 40cm x 24cm x 30cm | Capacity: 15L | Battery life: 6 hours | Colour: Rio Sun Pastel Lilac Cream
What You Need To Know
This two-in-one sand and water resistant Sunnylife Beach Cooler Box Sounds Speaker is the ultimate summer accessory that the brand says is "perfect for on-the-go and all of life’s adventures."
Acting as a drinks cooler, it has a 15L capacity, large enough to fill with 16 cans and ice. It also works as a powerful speaker connecting to FM radio, or you can play your favourite tunes via AUX or USB. You can also connect to the speaker wirelessly.
Paifeancodill Beach Cup Holder Set, $16.99 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: They can hold a variety of different cans, bottles and glasses.
What to consider: These holders come from a lesser known beach brand on Amazon.
Size: 6.3cm x 6.1cm | Quantity: Five | Colours: Blue, purple, green, yellow and orange
What You Need To Know
Sick of your drinks spilling on the sand? Just place one of these beach cup holders into the sand and voilà!
These plastic sand coasters are lightweight, compact and easy to slip into your bag, and are designed to hold cans, bottles, wine glasses and snacks.
They have a five-star Amazon rating and positive reviews from customers. One says "the five legs grip into the sand easily or provide extra points of support for uneven solid ground."
Another says "The colours are really bright and fun too, added bonus that you can use the colours to differentiate whose drink is whose."
Sunnylife Portable Picnic Table, $59.99 at Sunnylife
Why we love it: The beach picnic table has four cut outs to hold your drinks.
What to consider: Its smaller surface area provides only enough room for a couple of snacks.
Size: 38.6cm x 28.5cm x 1.5cm | Weight: 1.3kg | Colour: Le Weekend Natural
What You Need To Know
Described as "chic and functional" and "perfect for serving charcuterie and drinks on the go", the Sunnylife Portable Picnic Table is ideal for setting up a few nibbles to snack on while relaxing on the sand.
It is made from bamboo with steel handles to attach a carry strap and its post spikes into the sand to sit firmly next to your beach towel and umbrella. On the table are four wine glass cut outs to hold your drinks with a bottle opener underneath.
BEST BEACH BAG
Country Road Bay Beach Bag, $129 at Country Road
Why we love it: Its large size and insulated lining is designed to keep your food and drinks cool on a hot beach day.
What to consider: There are no shoulder or backpack straps, so it will need to be carried by hand.
Material: Canvas | Size: 75cm x 46cm | Colour: Lake Blue
What You Need To Know
Described by one shopper as "on trend and versatile", this Country Road Bay Beach Bag has a lake blue cotton exterior with an insulated lining that acts as a cooler to keep your food and drinks chilled.
It's also deceptively large, with one buyer saying it's "big enough to carry everything you need." Another shopper agrees, adding it has an "Outstanding colour quality & size."
Sunnylife Carryall Beach Bag, $39.99 at Sunnylife
Why we love it: It can carry up to 7kg of your beach essentials.
What to consider: Aside from a detachable zipper pouch, there are no internal pockets.
Material: Woven polypropylene | Size: 43cm x 58cm x 2cm | Colour: Pastel Lilac Stripe
What You Need To Know
Made with a recyclable waterproof construction, this Sunnylife Carryall bag will let you bring all your beach gear without a worry, carrying up to seven kilos.
What makes this bag stand out is its base, which has holes that release any sand or sea water inside so you don't bring it home. You also won't have to dig through to find your key, phone or money, with a detachable zipper pouch included.
Boasting a 4.9-star rating online, one happy customer can fit all their beach accessories inside, saying it provides "enough space for a family of four."
SHYLERO XXL Beach Bag, $92.19 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Inside is a bonus bottle opener - perfect for chilling out and relaxing with a cool drink on a sunny day.
What to consider: It uses a magnetic closure rather than a zipper for the main compartment.
Material: Waterproof canvas | Size: 38cm x 56cm x 15cm | Colour: Dark Blue Stripes
What You Need To Know
Made from waterproof canvas-like fabric, this large bag from Amazon is one of the most popular totes with over 2200 five-star reviews.
Inside is a water repellant lining perfect for carrying damp clothes and wet swimmers and two large pockets to store your water bottles. Carrying up to 10 kilos, shoppers brag about the size, with one saying it "fits everything for a family." Another adds it can carry"four extra large towels.”
Also included is a plastic sand and water resistant bum bag for storing all your smaller items like your keys, phone and wallet.
BEST BEACH TOWEL
Sky Grazer Sand Free Towel, $49.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: This sand free towel makes from quick and easy drying, absorbing up to three times its weight.
What to consider: This beach towel is not as plush as other towels available.
Size: 160cm x 80cm | Material: SandResist™ Fabric | Colours: Up to 27 options available
What You Need To Know
Described by one happy customer as "a game changer", the Sky Grazer Sand Free Towel is ideal for quick and easy drying when fresh out of the water. It can absorb up to three times its weight and dry up to three times faster than cotton.
Its unique fabric repels sand and minimises odour by preventing bacteria growth, and it comes with a waterproof case for easy transport and storage. You can choose from three sizes and multiple colours and designs to suit your style.
One buyer says "We love our towels, they're so soft, quick drying, sand free and best of all they dry your body. The designs are beautiful. We'll be back to buy more."
Cotton On Body Cotton Beach Towel, $39.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: It is made from 100 per cent cotton, with 20 per cent recycled.
What to consider: Some buyers have said it feels thin and it can pull threads easily.
Size: 170cm x 90cm | Material: 100% cotton | Colours: Up to 27 options available
What You Need To Know
With multiple colours and designs available, this Cotton On towel can match a bright and fun, or a chilled and cool aesthetic. Described as the "must have summer accessory", this absorbent beach towel is made using 100 per cent cotton with soft terry fabric, including 20 per cent post consumer recycled cotton.
These towels have received several five-star reviews online, with one saying it's "soft and fluffy", and that it "dried three people and still didn’t feel soaked afterwards."
Another adds they are "colourful, soft and thick" while a third says "They’re huge, soft, affordable and the patterns are adorable."
Sheridan Cancun Towel, $62.99 (down from $89.99) at Myer
Why we love it: It is a more environmentally friendly option, using leftover cotton yarns to make a bright and vibrant towel.
What to consider: Each beach towel will have a slightly different colouring and construction.
Size: 180cm x 100cm | Material: 100% cotton terry excluding trims | Colour: Fiesta
What You Need To Know
This large, bright and summery Sheridan Cancun Towel is bound to stand out on the sand. Its oversized silhouette offers both comfort and versatility while its cotton terry construction has been crafted from previously used cotton yarns to make a unique, sustainable and beautifully crafted towel.
One shoppers speaks highly of its design, saying it's "So colourful and large and fibres are such that you can really dry off properly without the towel having a sodden feeling."
BEST BEACH CHAIR
Sundays by Pillow Talk Beach Lounger, $29.95 (down from $49.95) at Pillow Talk
Why we love it: It has a built-in pocket for storing all your essential items for the day.
What to consider: One buyer reported the handle breaking.
Size: 160cm x 55cm | Weight capacity: 100kg | Material: Printed polyester with a steel frame | Colours: St Barts, Amalfi and Azalea.
What You Need To Know
Described as a "boho beach lounger", this foldable beach chair will make for a restful and relaxing day at the beach. It is easy to transport with its built-in carry strap, and its storage pocket makes for a great spot to keep your phone, wallet and keys safe during the day.
Alongside its 4.8-star rating, many buyers have praised this beach chair, with one saying it's "Stylish and practical" and is "light in weight and perfect for long, lazy days at the beach or park."
Another says it's "Comfortable and supportive! Easy to carry around and setup on the beach" while a third recommends shoppers "grab the matching picnic mat and basket to complete the look."
Sunnylife Take Anywhere Folding Chair, $99.99 at Sunnylife
Why we love it: You can sit however you find most comfortable, with six reclining settings.
What to consider: This beach chair will need to be stored indoors and out of the weather to prevent rust and fading.
Size: 97cm x 50cm x 8cm | Weight: 2.9kg | Weight capacity: 150kg | Material: 300D polyester with a lightweight steel frame | Colour: Resort Stripe
What You Need To Know
Designed for the most comfortable and relaxing rest on the sand, the Sunnylife Take Anywhere Folding Chair has six adjustable reclining settings, including lying completely flat.
It is extremely lightweight, coming in at just 2.9kg and is water resistant with a stain repellent coating, making it the ideal chair for many summers to come. Its built in shoulder straps and handles also allow for easier portability.
Kathmandu Roamer Portable Folding Chair, $48.99 (down from $69.98) at Kathmandu
Why we love it: It's built-in mesh cup holder makes it perfect for a chill day by the sea.
What to consider: Some buyers have said it is bulky and heavier than other chairs available.
Weight: 2.84kg | Weight capacity: 100kg | Material: 400D polyester with a steel tube frame | Colour: Deep Sea Blue
What You Need To Know
While not specifically designed for a trip to the beach, this versatile and portable outdoor chair from Kathmandu will make for a easy day relaxing by the ocean. Its foldable design and carry bag make it simple to pack and its mesh cup holder in the armrest is an added bonus.
With several happy buyers and a 4.7-star rating, one buyer says "My Roamer chair is extremely comfortable, durable and easy to assemble." They also add "It's an excellent product - economical and easy to store."
Another buyer says they "Bought this as it comes in handy for a day at the river, beach or a spare chair for a bbq."
BEACH BEACH TROLLEY
Wanderer Quad Fold Beach Cart, $169.99 at BCF
Why we love it: It is built to carry all your beach gear with a built-in beach umbrella or fishing rod holder, two cup holders and a inner mesh storage pocket.
What to consider: The detachable wheels have been reported by some buyers to wobble at times, making it trickier to steer and control.
Size: 90cm x 50cm x 62cm | Weight: 12.8kg | Weight capacity: 110kg | Colour: Blue
What You Need To Know
Stop the back and forth from the car to the sand and get everything together in one trip with the Wanderer Beach Cart. Along with its 110kg weight capacity, it can also hold all the fiddly items, with two cup holders, a built-in umbrella or fishing rod holder and a mesh storage pocket. Its compact design and detachable wheels also allow for easy packing into the car at the end of the day.
During one buyer's recent trip, they said their beach cart "has been exceptional so far, getting over the rough rocks from carpark to the waters [sic] edge."
We Love Summer Deluxe Beach Trolley, $129 (down from $179) at Anaconda
Why we love it: It has two handles to easily push or pull along the beach.
What to consider: The canopy cannot be adjusted.
Size: 88cm x 43cm x 33cm | Weight: 13kg | Weight capacity: 110kg | Colour: Blue
What You Need To Know
The We Love Summer Deluxe Beach Trolley ticks all the boxes with detachable wheels, a foldable steel frame carrying up to 110kg and a removable shade canopy. It is designed to "carry all your beach essentials with ease" with one telescopic pull-along handle and one adjustable push handle. To top it off, it boasts a 4.6-star rating.
Quechua All Terrain Transport Cart, $259 at Decathlon
Why we love it: Its large wheels are designed for multiple surfaces and terrains.
What to consider: Some buyers have reported difficult steering.
Size: 90cm x 48cm x 50cm | Weight: 11.6kg | Weight capacity: 60kg | Colour: Green
What You Need To Know
This Quechua trolley is not specifically designed for the beach, but its all terrain wheels make it an ideal option to take on the sand and make transporting your beach gear a breeze.
The front two wheels are built with brakes to help keep it in place where you set up for the day. It also comes with a waterproof rain cover and a 'cot' style folding design for compact travelling.
BEST BEACH UMBRELLA
Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella, $89.99 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Its zippered windows provide extra airflow to keep you cooler.
What to consider: Some buyers have said it struggles in windy conditions.
Packed size: 134.6cm x 8.9cm x 8.9cm | Weight: 3.6kg | Colours: Red, blue and grey
What You Need To Know
The Sport-Brella Premiere is the perfect combination of a beach umbrella and tent, with the option to set it up as a traditional eight-foot tall beach umbrella or leaned over with patented side panels to create a beach dome.
It's also ideal for a hot sunny day, with UPF 50+ sun protection as well as two built-in wind vents and zipper windows for added airflow. Along with a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, one buyer describes theirs as "Light and easy to carry", adding it "takes literally a second to set up."
Why we love it: It has a retro design and aesthetic while providing UPF 50+ protection.
What to consider: It is not waterproof and it will need to be stored indoors and in its carry case.
Size: 190cm x 150cm | Weight: 3kg | Colour: Vintage Lemons
What You Need To Know
This stylish beach umbrella has a trim fringe along a UV resistant canvas providing UPF 50+ protection. It is built with a push slider and click fastening similar to a standard rain umbrella to set it up in less than one minute. It also has an adjustable 180-degree pole hinge to sit or tilt in different directions away from the sun and comes with a matching carry bag.
One shopper says they "Cannot speak more highly of this product. It is absolutely gorgeous, the fabric feels super durable and high quality and comes in a handy carry bag. The umbrella is also lightweight and easy to set up. Highly recommend!"
"This umbrella is wonderful quality and looks fantastic. It is a great weight and the umbrella canopy is just the right size. I loved this because of its whimsical look and it did not disappoint in real life" adds another.
Havana Outdoors Portable Shade Shelter, $79.95 (down from $99.95) at Myer
Why we love it: It offers a 12 month warranty, so you know you'll be getting a good quality beach umbrella.
What to consider: It is one of the heavier options, making it a bit tricker to take with you to the beach.
Size: 180cm x 240cm | Weight: 8kg | Colours: Blue and red
What You Need To Know
Made from plastic and Oxford fabric, this water, wind and UV resistant beach umbrella converts from a standard umbrella to a quality beach tent with two drop down side panels, two zipper windows and wind vents.
It has a quick release button for simple assembly and disassembly when the day is done. It also comes with all the bit and pieces you need to keep it firmly in place like ropes and stakes.
"This shelter is perfect" one five-star review says, adding "It's well ventilated and holds up well against the windy beach conditions. Money well spent."
BEST BEACH TENT
CoolCabana Beach Shelter, $189.99 at BCF
Why we love it: Its windproof design provides a huge amount of coverage and UPF50+ sun protection.
What to consider: Buyers have said that it can be too big and bulky to carry to the beach.
Coverage: 4m² | Packed size: 97cm x 16cm x 16cm | Weight: 5.3kg
What You Need To Know
The CoolCabana Beach Shelter has become a fan favourite with plenty of TikTok coverage. Providing 4m² of shade and UPF 50+ sun protection, its patented, compact design makes it simple to assemble, requiring just one person.
Inside are eight internal pockets to keep all your valuables, and its classic blue beach stripes will make it a standout on the sand.
Boasting over 450 five-star ratings on BCF, this has become the tent of choice for many beach goers.
One buyer says the lightweight tent kept them comfortable and sheltered throughout the day. "It withstood some very high winds without any problems. So easy to put up and pack away, we used it everyday. Worth every dollar."
SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent, $139.95 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It comes in multiple sizes for up to eight people to comfortably sit under.
What to consider: Some buyers have said the sand bags are tricky to align when setting up.
Coverage: 7.5m x 7.5m | Packed size: 45.1cm x 19.1cm x 19.1cm | Weight: 3.55kg
What You Need To Know
Described by one Amazon buyer as the "best beach shelter I have ever had", this SUN NINJA beach tent is one of the simplest to set up - just lay it out flat, fill the corner pockets with sand (or use the pegs if setting up on grass) and prop the pole underneath to raise off the ground and keep in the shade all day.
It is made from water resistant and UPF 50+ protective material and comes with all the tent assembly basics like pegs, ties, poles and a shovel, along with a travel bag. There are several sizes to choose from that can sit and cover up to eight people.
One buyer raves about their tent, saying "I absolutely love the shady space it created for our family of 5." They add that "it withstood the rest of the day perfectly even in quite windy conditions which blew down several other cabanas."
Business & Pleasure Co. The Premium Beach Tent, $224.25 (down from $299) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: It is easy to set up on the sand, getting it from the ground up in as little as four minutes.
What to consider: It is one of the more expensive beach tent options on the market.
Coverage: 1.8m² | Packed size: 92cm x 16cm x 8cm | Weight: 4.5kg
What You Need To Know
Made from cotton canvas, the Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Tent will be one of the best looking beach tents on the sand. It will provide some much needed protection thanks to its water resistance and UV treatment.
It can be set up in as little as four minutes and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag for easy transport to and from the beach.
One of the many five star reviews says "This was a major upgrade to my beach setup." The customer adds it is "Easily the prettiest tent and umbrella on the beach."
BEST BEACH GAMES AND TOYS
Sunnylife Inflatable Confetti Beach Ball, $12.99 (down from $19.99) at Sunnylife
Why we love it: The ball is filled with sparkly confetti that will add an extra shine to your kids' day at the beach.
What to consider: The safety and inflation instructions are printed on the ball.
Inflated dimensions: 31cm x 31cm x 31cm | Age: Preschoolers | Colour: Transparent
What You Need To Know
This popular beach ball from Sunnylife is a favourite among Australian families during the summer. It is filled with sparkling paper confetti inside which adds an extra bit of shine to your summer beach day.
Inside the ball is a valve that prevents the confetti from escaping as you inflate the ball. It also comes with a repair kit in case there are any accidental pops.
With plenty of positive reviews, this fun beach ball has a 4.9-star rating, with one buyer saying it is "Excellent quality" and a "great gift" while another says the "Glitter ball is perfect for the beach and pool."
Cherub Baby Silicone Sand Castle Bundle, $79.99 (down from $89.98) at Cherub Baby
Why we love it: This silicone set is mould and stain resistant, and is dishwasher safe.
What to consider: The complete set is designed for smaller children and infants only.
Sizes: Bucket: 14cm x 14cm. Shovel: 22cm x 6.5cm. Moulds: 8cm. Watering can: 14cm x 12cm x 10cm, 300mL capacity. | Age: Newborn+ | Colour: Rose
What You Need To Know
The Cherub Baby Silicone Sand Castle Bundle comes with several flexible pieces to help your little ones develop their hand eye coordination while having fun at the beach.
Included in the set is a shovel, bucket, four mould and a watering can. It also comes with a mesh tote bag to take it all home in and help remove any lingering sand. When back home, simply put each piece in the dishwasher to clean.
John Deere Big Scoop Dump Truck, $44.10 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It is one of the bigger toy beach trucks available and can move large amounts of sand.
What to consider: They will need to use the tire track roller to make marks from the truck in the sand.
Size: 38cm x 21cm x 23.5cm | Age: 3 - 6 Years | Colour: Green and yellow
What You Need To Know
This set brings the real life John Deere dump truck to life in toy form for your kids to enjoy. It will help your kids make castles, moats and almost anything they imagine in the sand with its tilting truck, hand tiller, sifter scoop and wheel pattern roller.
One shopper says "All of the pieces in this set are much bigger than I thought they would be. It is just a bit smaller than those old metal Tonka trucks."
Another buyer says her two year old twin sons "truly love these dump trucks" while they take "a hammering everyday [sic]."
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PACKING BEACH ESSENTIALS
Size: There is a lot to pack for a trip to the beach, which can take up a lot of space. Plan ahead and see what will fit in your bag, beach trolley and car and if there is anything that can be left behind to save some room.
Weather: If you're heading to the beach, it's more than likely to be a warm and sunny day. This means you'll need to some sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and wearing a rash shirt and board shorts for added skin protection when swimming. This is especially important between 10am and 2pm when UV rays are at their strongest.
Duration: Depending on how close the beach is, you may be spending a good portion of the day there. Make sure you have everything you need packed for a whole day. If you are bringing any food and drinks, ensure you have a cooler to keep them cold and fresh. You also need to make sure your waterproof speaker has been fully charged - you don't want the battery to die midway through your visit.
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR PRODUCTS
We scour through thousands of reviews to find the best items and ways you can score the best deal. When looking for beach essentials, we considered size and how easy it could be transported, how it would cope in hot and sunny weather, their prices and if you could get a good deal, and their style, seeing if it matches an Aussie beach aesthetic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED AT THE BEACH?
Kids always need toys to keep their hands busy and their mind active. Instead of bringing their regular toys to the beach and risking them being covered in sand or water, or being left behind at the end of the day, buying a selection of beach toys is a must.
There is a huge range to choose from suiting different ages and interests. Some of the more popular beach toys include beach balls, sand castles sets and water pistols. You can also buy some beach games like ball sets, paddles and beach cricket.
Always look at the recommended age range and see if it will suit your children.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GO SWIMMING AT THE BEACH?
There are plenty of beach accessories to take with you if you plan on swimming.
You'll need to stock up on the basics, like swimsuits, beach towels, a beach bag, and sunscreen. When out of the water, you'll also need some dry clothes to change into.
Younger kids or those less proficient in swimming should also have some swimming aids like a pool noodles, floating kickboards and other flotation devices.
While many beaches are patrolled in Australia, you must always swim between the red and yellow flags and stay in shallow water. You should also pay attention to any safety and warning signs and avoid swimming alone. It is recommended not to swim at unpatrolled beaches or at night.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I TAKE TO THE BEACH?
There is a wide range of essential items and beach gear to take to get through a hot summer day.
You should always bring the beach basics like swimmers and a beach towel or beach blanket. For extra skin protection, wearing sunglasses, a rash guard or shirt and board shorts will also be beneficial.
Most beaches don't have a great deal of shade, so wearing sunscreen is a must. It should be applied every two hours and at least thirty minutes before first heading into the sun. Many opt for reef safe sunscreen - a type of sunscreen that does not contain chemicals used in coral bleaching, while still protecting you from UV rays.
On a hot day, you need to stay hydrated. Packing a water bottle for everyone is a must, and a few snacks won't hurt too.
After a long day swimming in the ocean, you'll need a change of clothes and some comfortable footwear to get you home.
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