Best beach tents for Australian summer 2024
This popular beach essential will keep you cool at the beach this summer.
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If you’re spending any time at the beach this summer, staying out of the sun is a must.
The humble beach umbrella has been our go-to for many years, but if you need something a little larger — or are sick of chasing it across the sand after the first gust of wind — there are lots of beach tents and shelters offering plenty of shade that are relatively easy to set up and transport.
Need some inspiration?
CoolCabanas has a great reputation for its range of summer outdoor staples, including the CoolCabana Beach Shelter, which has a long tradition of appearing at beaches across the country.
Made from cotton poly canvas, it's windproof and delivers on a great deal of sun protection, with hundreds of five-star reviews online backing this up, with buyers saying it's "easy to assemble" and an "awesome product".
"Best ever sun shelter. Too easy to erect and just as easy to dismantle," said one buyer, while another added: "It's compact but opens up to provide heaps of shade. We get a family of four under ours. So much better than an umbrella."
If you need a new beach tent for Christmas, the CoolCabanas beach tent is now available and will arrive in time for the festive season.
Keep on scrolling to see our selection of beach tents and shelters including top sellers and highly rated options to suit all budgets.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICK - BEST BEACH TENT
CoolCabanas Beach Shelter, $189.99 at BCF
What You Need To Know
If you’ve been anywhere near a beach this summer then chances are you’ve spotted a CoolCabanas tent (or 50) on the sand.
The beach tent has exploded in popularity in recent months, sparking a host of now viral TikTok videos about the phenomenon.
While some have complained on the social media the “eye sore” tents are “taking over” beaches, the vast majority of shoppers say they are “worth every penny”.
With the product sturdy in wind and “super easy to put up and down”, beachgoers who own a CoolCabanas tent can’t stop raving about how “amazing” they are.
“Greatest beach invention ever. I have three,” one commenter wrote, while another TikTok user added: “They are the best, can’t beat them at the beach.”
The best-selling CoolCabanas Beach Shelter has racked up almost 400 five-star ratings on BCF, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5. One five-star reviewer said it’s of “great quality, easy to assemble” and they “wish we had bought it sooner”.
And it all comes in a very beach appropriate blue stripe fabric.
BEST EASY TO SET UP BEACH TENT
SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent, $139.95, Amazon Australia
SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent
What You Need To Know:
Looking for a pop-up beach tent with relatively easy set up? One five-star Amazon reviewer described this one as being “simple, light, effective” and the “best beach shelter I have ever had”.
The canopy also comes with a travel bag so you can keep it organised and out of your beach bag.
We also love how multipurpose these gazebo-style tents are. You can use them for entertaining at home, or on any other outdoor adventure. Feel free to grab the bigger size, as the brand offers 4-person and 8-person sizes.
This one is made from fabric that is both water-resistant and UPF 50+ protective from the sun.
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent, $297.66 at Amazon Australia
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a portable sun shade, you can’t go wrong with the Neso Beach Tent. It comes in a bunch of fun summer ready colours and prints, so you can really customise your purchase.
It’s racked up 1000 reviews on Amazon, so you could say it’s pretty popular. The product is portable, lightweight, SPF 50+ and water resistant.
“This has been one of the best purchases for the beach! It is so easy to set up, nice and compact and very durable,” a reviewer posted.
Alvantor Beach Tent, $109.06 at Amazon Australia
Alvantor Beach Tent
What You Need To Know
The Alvantor Beach Tent has gathered more than 2800 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5.
One reviewer described it as being “amazing” and “ticking all the boxes”.
A more traditional beach tent, all the walls and floor offer an UPF 50+ and water resistant fabric. You’ve got side pockets to fill with sand (to make sure the tent doesn’t go anywhere), and you’ve got additional sandbags for extra security.
BEST BUDGET BEACH TENTS
FE Active Pop Up Beach Shelter, $67.62, Amazon Australia
FE Active Pop Up Beach Shelter
What You Need To Know
A bestseller in camping shelters, this pop-up beach shelter doubles as a sleeping tent. It’s made to have easy assembly and set up. Once you’re finished with it, it folds back up and it fits nicely into a portable carry bag.
The FE Active Beach Tent also offers a water resistant and UV protective fabric, with four aluminium stakes to make sure it doesn’t go anywhere on a windy day.
Mountview Pop Up Tent, $43.99, Amazon Australia
Mountview Pop Up Tent
What You Need To Know
Shopping on a budget? We recommend the pop-up tent from Mountview, coming in at under $30. What a find!
The automatic spring control means the tent instantly pops out in seconds, no assembly required.
There’s multiple colours to choose from and is interwoven with mesh to keep the tent feeling breathable and comfortable.
BEST PREMIUM BEACH TENTS
Business & Pleasure Co Premium Beach Tent, $299 at THE ICONIC
Business & Pleasure Co Premium Beach Tent
What You Need To Know
If you're after something that's super easy and quick to set up, and also looks great, the Business & Pleasure Co Premium Beach Tent might just be what you're after.
Made from cotton canvas and treated with UV, this beach tent is water and mould resistant, and takes just four minutes to set up, giving you more time for a lazy day at the beach with your friends or family.
Dozens of happy buyers say this beach tent really delivers in terms of its "beautiful" style and design.
"This was a major upgrade to my beach setup. From the first time we assembled the premium beach tent it was easy and intuitive to setup. It was windy and it did not budge. I like the carry bag it comes with, I wear it like a backpack and considering how much shade it provides it’s light weight. Easily the prettiest tent and umbrella on the beach," wrote one buyer.
Another said: "This tent was very easy to set up after we did a trial-run in the backyard first. I would recommend bringing a rubber mallet or something similar with you to the beach as getting the tent pegs deep enough in soft sand can be difficult. "
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BEACH TENT
When planning a day at the beach, a reliable beach tent can offer essential shade, comfort, and protection. Here’s what to consider to make sure you pick a product that's right for you.
Size and Capacity
Think about how many people will be using the beach tent, ensuring there's enough space for your group, as well as all your beach towels, coolers and other items. You might also want to check there's enough vertical space for you and your guests to also be able to stand.
Ease of Setup
Choose a tent that is easy and quick to set up, preferably with a pop-up or instant setup design.
Make sure it comes with clear instructions or colour-coded poles to simplify the process and make it super speedy, especially on windy days.
Portability
A lightweight design is essential for easy transportation, particularly if you have to carry it a distance.
You may also consider looking for a beach tent that comes with a carry bag to make carrying and storage a breeze.
Stability and Durability
Aim to select a product that uses high-quality, tear-resistant materials like polyester or nylon.
Waterproof options will also help during unexpected rain.
Ensure the tent includes stakes and guylines for stability in windy conditions, and consider models with sand pockets that can be filled for added security.
Design
While functionality is crucial, choose a design or colour that suits your taste and looks great.
Much like a great pair of bathers, a bright colour or pattern on your beach tent can really make your day at the beach.
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles.
We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH IS BETTER – A BEACH UMBRELLA OR BEACH TENT?
At the end of the day, what you choose to bring to the beach is entirely up to you. However, there are some benefits of a beach tent that a beach umbrella cannot compare to.
Many beach tents on the market are easy to assemble and easy to pack away in portable carry bags. Umbrellas can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable to hold, especially if you’re lugging a number of different bags to the beach.
They also offer more protection from the sun, as the space they cover is generally larger than an ordinary beach umbrella. Some beach tents can also offer extra storage.
DO BEACH TENTS GET HOT?
Most beach tents on the market are made from a UV protective material, but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t start to feel hot when sitting under one.
If you know the sun is going to be scorching, we recommend opting for a beach tent with mesh detailing and/or windows.
This will ensure you’ve got a breeze coming through and the tent won’t feel too hot.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZED BEACH TENT?
Choosing the right size beach tent depends on how many people will be using it and how much space you need for your gear.
Consider a tent that can comfortably accommodate your group, allowing enough room for lounging and movement.
A larger tent may be more suited for families or groups, while smaller models are perfect for solo outings or couples.
Always check the tent's dimensions to ensure it fits your needs.
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A BEACH TENT?
When shopping for a beach tent, prioritise features like UV protection, stability, and ventilation.
Look for tents with a high UPF rating (50+) to ensure effective sun protection.
Additionally, features like sturdy stakes, guylines, and sand pockets will help keep the tent stable in windy conditions.
Mesh windows or vents are also important for airflow, helping to keep the interior cool and comfortable.
CAN I USE A BEACH TENT FOR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES?
Beach tents are versatile and can be used for various outdoor activities beyond just the beach.
They are great for camping trips, picnics in the park, or attending outdoor events like concerts and sports games.
Their lightweight design and ease of setup make them an excellent option for any situation where you need shade and protection from the elements.
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