Ultimate Guide To The Best Beach Tent Australia 2023

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Finding the best beach tent Australia has is a real must for worry free beach days. 

Some of the biggest concerns with a day at the beach are avoiding sunburn and keeping cool. Although sunscreen goes a long way to prevent burning, prolonged sun exposure is never recommended and this can be a particularly worrisome concern when you’ve got little ones in tow.

The best pop up tents for beach use can take away these concerns so that you can focus on enjoying beach time with your family.

Click here to see the best beach tent Australia offers now!

The only problem is that when you type “buy beach tent” into Google you’re swarmed with so many choices. How can you know that you’re getting the best baby beach tent Australia can give you? (or whatever variety you need?) .

My comparison chart and in depth reviews will take the stress out of finding the best beach tents for babies, the best large beach tent, or the best pop up beach tent Australia has for sale. So, no matter which variety of beach tent you need, this article can help you find the perfect match.

Best Beach Tent Australia

Contents

Compare The Top 10 Best Beach Tents 2023 Australia

NameImageTypeCapacityUV ProtectionWeightPriceFeaturesRating
Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter TentColeman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter, BlueTent2-personUPF 50+2.6 kgCheckExtendable flooring, autoroll windows4.5
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade TentCanopy4-personUPF 50+3.5 kgCheckPet proof floor, easy set up, water resistant4.0
Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun ShelterOileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter - Portable Sun Shade Instant Tent for Beach with Carrying Bag, Stakes, 6 Sand Pockets, Anti UV for Fishing Hiking Camping, Waterproof Windproof, OrangeTent4-personUPF 50+1.8 kgCheckInstant pop up, sand bags, portable4.5
Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Beach UmbrellaSport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection (8-Foot, Blue)Umbrella2-personUPF 50+4.5 kgCheckInternal pockets, easy set up4.5
WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach TentWolfWise UPF 50+ Easy Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter Instant Automatic Portable Sport Umbrella Indoor Playhouse Baby Canopy CabanaTent2-3 personUPF 50+2.5 kgCheckPlenty of ventilation, portable4.5
FE Active Pop Up Beach Tent ShelterFE Active Pop Up Beach Shelter - Easy Set up Family Beach Tent Outdoor Sun Shelter Half Dome Canopy Tent Adults & Kids Sun Shade for Camping, Hiking, Travel, Backpacking | Designed in California, USATent2-3 personUPF 50+1.8 kgCheckAffordable, lightweight4.5
Bestway Pavillo Beach TentBestway Pavillo Beach TentTent2-personUPF 50+1.1 kgCheckBudget friendly, easy to carry4.5
Glymnis Beach Pop Up TentGlymnis Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter, UPF 50+ Instant Portable Tent for 2-3 Persons Automatic Lightweight Zipper Door Family Beach TentTent3-4 personUPF 50+1.2 kgCheckCompact, lightweight, plenty of ventilation3.5
Zomake Pop Up Beach TentZOMAKE Automatic Pop Up Camping Beach Tent 3-4 Person, Beach Tent Sun Shelter for Baby with UV Protection & Instant Setup Tent for FamilyTent3-4 personUPF 50+2.3 kgCheckEasy set up, portable4.5
Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent Canopy Sun ShelterSUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter UPF50+ with Sand Shovel, Ground Pegs,and Stability Poles, Outdoor Shade for Camping Trips, Fishing, Backyard Fun or Picnics (10x10FT 4 Pole, Navy)Canopy8-personUPF 50+4.2 kgCheckMachine washable, spacious4.5

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!

  • Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter Tent, 2-person
  • Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent, 4-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
  • Bestway Pavillo Beach Tent, 2-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

How To Choose The Best Beach Sun Shelter 2023

Trying to find the best beach sun shade can feel a bit overwhelming when there are so many factors to consider. For that reason, I’ve broken down the different qualities you need to be on the lookout for when searching for the very best shade tent for beach use.

Type

As with most products, there’s more than just one type of the best beach tent for shade. It’s a good idea to know about all the different types available before looking at specific products.

Tent

The best beach tent for sun protection provides an all encompassing barrier from the elements. They are usually like a normal camping tent except that they have one open front that makes access easier.

Pros

  • Protection from the sun – all beach tents will have a roof that provides ample shade from the hot Australian sun. This type could be the best beach tent for baby Australia can offer you, due to its superior shade cover.
  • Protection from the wind – tents can make the best beach shelter for wind protection due to the added benefit of walls.
  • Rain cover – the best beach tents for families are usually waterproof and can therefore shelter your family from any showers that threaten to ruin your day out.

Cons

  • Sometimes, cheap beach tents are not great at withstanding strong winds – don’t worry, all of our beach tents in this list should be tough enough to stand any beach breezes.
  • Even with the best beach cabana tent, you may struggle to pitch your beach tent on a shingle beach but it’s usually ok not to put the guy ropes in unless it’s very windy. 

Canopy

Best Beach Tent Australia

This kind of shelter is another great choice. The best beach canopy provides you with plenty of shade with its roof but doesn’t have any sidewalls.

Pros

  • Sun protection – the best beach tent canopy can give you a large enough shaded area for multiple people.
  • No stuffy spaces – a canopy has no walls meaning you’re always getting fresh air.
  • Rain protection – the best beach canopy tent is waterproof, meaning you can take shelter underneath just in case there is a pesky rain shower while you’re at the beach.

Cons

  • No wind protection – since there are no walls, you’re in the elements as far as wind is concerned.
  • The angle of sun i.e. which time of day you’re using your canopy may mean that the shaded area is away from the actual canopy (although this is usually only a problem very early or late in the day which is when the sun is not very strong).

Umbrella

An umbrella is a traditional way to get a break from the sun without spending big bucks. A beach umbrella is exactly that – an umbrella that is designed for the beach (usually bigger than a normal umbrella and able to be mounted in the sand).

Pros

  • Lightweight – usually beach umbrellas don’t weigh a great deal, making them easier to transport.
  • Easy to set up – with an umbrella, you just shove it in the ground and you’re away.

Cons

  • It’s just an umbrella – you’re not going to get protection from wind, or any particularly aggressive rain
  • Stability – most beach umbrellas only have one mounting pole so may become a bit unstable in strong winds or less than ideal surfaces.

Size And Capacity

Best Beach Tent Australia

Think about how many people will want to be under your shelter. If it’s just you, or you and one other, then small beach tents are probably fine.

If it’s you and your family/friends, then you’ll want a bigger shelter. The age of your kids may be a factor as well. Particularly young kids may need a nap after all that fun swimming and running around so plenty of shaded floor space and shelter is a great idea. You also need to bear in mind, that the bigger the shelter usually means the greater the weight.

Material And UV Protection

The material of your beach tent is more important than you may think. The best tents for beach camping are more durable, better against rips, and more waterproof.

Most beach tents are made with cotton/canvas, polyester, or nylon. Sometimes, a tent is made with a combination of materials. In order to be waterproof, tents are coated with a waterproof material such as silicone. Good tent manufacturers will give a waterproof rating that quantifies just how good their waterproofing is.

Something that is most important in the best sun tent for beach days is the presence of UPF protection. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and applies to sun protective fabrics. Below are UPF ranges that can give you more insight when choosing a sun shelter.

  • Good UV protection — 15-24 UPF
  • Very good UV protection — 25-39 UPF
  • Excellent UV protection — 40-50+ UPF

Stakes And Stability

Nobody wants a wonky beach tent. You’ll need to find a product that can withstand expected winds when you’re on the beach. There are some things to look out for with the best tents or best beach canopies for wind that can help to improve a product’s stability including stakes, guy lines and augers.

If you’re looking for the best beach shade tent Australia offers that also comes with wind protection be sure to choose a product with long durable feeling stakes that won’t bend in strong gusts.

Weight And Portability

This is definitely a factor you need to consider if you’re going to be lugging your beach cover a long way. For example, if you’ll be parking your car and then trekking to the beach, the last thing you want is to be carrying a great, big, canopy that weighs more than you.

Another thing to think about is the size of the product once packed down. Some fold down a lot smaller than others and this will affect how easy it is to store and transport. Many of the best portable beach tents also come with a carry bag or case to make transportation easier.

Ease Of Set Up

You don’t want a tent that is tedious and time consuming to put up – afterall you want to be able to enjoy your time at the beach and not be stressed out by your tent.

Some are really simple to put up in minutes. Others might require more than one person to erect, so bear this mind if you’ll be on your own or with very young children. Any parent knows that being stuck holding up a beach shade while one child runs in each direction is pretty much guaranteed to happen.

Other Great Features

Some other features you may want to look out for include:

  • Inside pockets/storage – Perfect for staying organised at the beach and keeping things sand free.
  • Carry bag – This makes carrying your tent to the beach way easier. Usually the bag allows you to store any pegs, guy ropes, poles etc. too.
  • Windows – It’s always good to be aware of your surroundings and windows help with this. The windows may have a mesh cover that can allow air to circulate, preventing a stuffy, hot tent but also keeping bugs and most sand out.
  • Extended floor – This kind of floor sticks out of the tent, providing you with more space to sit. Usually the extended portion also doubles as a door for the tent that allows you to completely enclose yourself (super handy for changing into your togs on a busy beach).

Best Beach Shade Reviews Australia 2023

Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter Tent Review

Coleman Shoreline Instant Beach Shade Shelter, Blue

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 2-person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 2.6 kg

This is Coleman’s Shoreline tent that is made with days out on the beach in mind. It’s made from a man made material that provides 50+ UPF protection. It has an extendable floor that doubles as a tent door so you can close it for privacy if needed (perhaps when changing).

This tent can be set up in around a minute (only requiring one person). The poles are attached to the canopy which speeds up the process and makes it simpler. All you have to do is extend them and lock into place.

It has a window in one of the walls that you can use for better ventilation – this window is an “auto roll” window, meaning you can bend the built in metal strip and it will roll up on its own. The tent measures in at 79cm x 10.4cm x 10.5cm and weighs just 2.58kg, making it one of the best beach tents for shade that is also lightweight.

What I like:

  • Provides UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Extendable floor that can be used as a tent door
  • Autoroll windows for ventilation 

What I dislike:

  • Not ideal for large families

>> 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 might be the best beach pop up tent if you’re looking for one with heaps of room underneath. It’s a canopy tent, meaning it has just one wall that you can use as a windbreak and the other walls are open. It’s made from a durable material that gives you UPF 50+ protection and is water resistant for wet conditions.

This is a pop up tent meaning setup is near instantaneous. The poles are pre threaded to make things even easier and it’s a breeze setting up with just one person. The manufacturer tells us that the floor is kid and pet proof against tears.

This tent measures in at 2.4m x 1.5m x 2.4m so you could comfortably get four chairs underneath and when standing you don’t have to crouch too much. It weighs 3.45kg – not bad for the size of the canopy.

What I like:

  • Floor is highly durable; Kid and Pet proof 
  • Easy to set up 
  • Material is water resistant 

What I dislike:

  • Less privacy as the tent is open from the sides

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter Review

Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter - Portable Sun Shade Instant Tent for Beach with Carrying Bag, Stakes, 6 Sand Pockets, Anti UV for Fishing Hiking Camping, Waterproof Windproof, Orange

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 4-person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 1.8 kg

Oileus’s tent is made from a tough but breathable 210T polyester. It protects against 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and thanks to the PU coating it’s waterproof too. The extended floor gives you more space outside the tent and can also be used as a door in case you need a bit of privacy.

Setup couldn’t be easier – it pops up in an instant with only one person required. Folding it down takes around 30 seconds and is no bother either. It’s got two roll up windows on each side wall that you can use to get more ventilation and comes with four integrated sandbags that guarantee your tent won’t be going anywhere. There’s also two handy pockets inside to store your stuff.

You’ll get 2.3m x 1.1m x 1.1m of space in this tent which is plenty big enough for two adults and kids. It weighs just 1.8kg and comes with a super handy carry bag that includes straps. Definitely a contender for the best family beach tent that is a breeze to transport.

What I like:

  • Instant pop up with only one person required for set up
  • Integrated sandbags for stability 
  • Portable with a handy carry bag 

What I dislike:

  • Many users mentioned that the tent is too small to fit 4 adults comfortably. It is more suited to 2 adults and 2 small children.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Beach Umbrella Review

Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection (8-Foot, Blue)

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Umbrella
  • Capacity: 2-person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 4.5 kg

This sunshade is a clever umbrella tent hybrid. It’s made with a tough material that has UPF 50+ protection and the pole is super strong steel. The umbrella sits on its side and has wrap around walls that go down to ground. It’s without a floor so you’ll need a towel to sit on.

Setting up is as easy as opening an umbrella. The pole is securely anchored into the ground thanks to the auger bit that drills the pole into the sand and there’s an integrated twist handle for doing this. To make extra sure it won’t fly away you can use the provided pegs too. There’s also two windows built in that provide ventilation but also work to reduce wind resistance.

It weighs 4.4kg and will give you 2.43m of canopy. Included with the umbrella is a heavy duty carrying bag. This might be the best beach shade for family trips because of how durable and well made it is – it could last for years.

What I like:

  • Easy to set up just like an umbrella
  • Internal pockets for storage 
  • UPF 50+sun protection 

What I dislike:

  • Center pole can be inconvenient 
  • There is no flooring with this option

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent Review

WolfWise UPF 50+ Easy Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter Instant Automatic Portable Sport Umbrella Indoor Playhouse Baby Canopy Cabana

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 2-3 person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 2.5 kg

Lots of families have rated this tent the best pop up beach tent for babies. It’s made with UPF 50+ and waterproof 190T anti tear polyester and the frame is galvanised steel that’s resistant to rust and super durable. The shape is sort of like a tunnel, open on both ends – this means you can get a lovely breeze through the tent. But, if it’s windy you can opt to zip up the back wall.

WolfWise actually recommends just throwing the tent into an open space to put it up – it pops up instantly and is ready to go. This is great for families because you don’t have to spend time getting your tent up while looking after kids and can get baby sheltered from the sun straight away. You also get plenty of ventilation to prevent baby overheating thanks to the open walls and mesh windows. A nice extra feature are the two storage pockets inside. Packing up doesn’t take too long either – a minute or less. 

You can comfortably get two adults and kids inside. The tent comes with four integrated sand pockets that mean your tent isn’t going anywhere in strong wind – always a concern when you’ve got babies. This tent weighs just 2.5kg! With the tent you’ll get a carry bag that makes transporting it a piece of cake.

What I like:

  • Storage pockets inside the tent
  • Plenty of ventilation with mesh windows and large entrance 
  • Carry bag included for better portability 

What I dislike:

  • Users mentioned that folding the tent down will take a bit of practice

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

FE Active Pop Up Beach Tent Shelter Review

FE Active Pop Up Beach Shelter - Easy Set up Family Beach Tent Outdoor Sun Shelter Half Dome Canopy Tent Adults & Kids Sun Shade for Camping, Hiking, Travel, Backpacking | Designed in California, USA

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 2-3 person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 1.8 kg

If you’re looking for the best pop up tent for beach use on a budget, this could be the one for you since it’s sold on Amazon for a bargain. It’s a half dome tent with an open front. It uses a 190T ripstop polyester that has UV protection as well as being water resistant.

Setting up this tent is easy – just slide the poles through the centre and pop them in place to secure. The tent doesn’t have any windows built in but the open front usually provides enough ventilation so the tent doesn’t feel stuffy.

The tent comes with a carry bag and there are no worries about hauling a heavy tent around since this one weighs just 1.6kg! It gives you 2.3m x 1.5m x 1.25mof space. This is a good quality tent that does the job perfectly whilst being easy on the wallet.

What I like:

  • Affordable 
  • No assembling required with the pop up feature
  • The tent is lightweight

What I dislike:

  • The tent has no privacy from the front

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Bestway Pavillo Beach Tent Review

Bestway Pavillo Beach Tent

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 2-person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 1.1 kg

If you thought the tent above this one was a good deal then you need to check out this Bestway beach tent – grab it on Amazon for an absolute steal! It’s a simple half dome tent with an open front, made with polyester.

The tent doesn’t have windows but the open front usually provides enough ventilation. You can easily get two adults and kids in here (more if you squeeze). This tent is uber portable – it weighs just 1.06kg! Included with the tent is a handy carrying bag with a handle. For the price alone, this one is worth checking out.

What I like:

  • Budget friendly 
  • Easy to carry 

What I dislike:

  • Small capacity, not suitable for big families

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Glymnis Beach Pop Up Tent Review

Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter, UPF 50+ Instant Portable Tent for 2-3 Persons Automatic Lightweight Zipper Door Family Beach Tent

Rating: 3.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 3-4 person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 1.2 kg

This is another bargain tent – it’s one of the best rated beach tent products on Amazon because of its simple but good quality design. It’s a dome shaped tent with an extended floor (although it’s worth noting you can’t fully enclose this tent for privacy). It’s made with 190T silver coated polyester that protects from UV rays.

It has a unique mesh window that runs the whole way round the tent meaning you’ve always got a nice breeze in the tent and a well ventilated space (good for sleeping kids and babies). It includes guy ropes and sandbags so you can ensure it is super secure.

The tent measures in at 2m x 1.65m x 1.3m, making it a fairly compact shelter but big enough for a small family with the extended floor. It weighs a modest 1.2kg and folds down into a useful carry bag with a strap.

What I like:

  • Polyester fabric is UPF 50+
  • Plenty of ventilation and airflow 
  • Compact and lightweight 

What I dislike:

  • Lack of privacy 
  • Cannot withstand strong winds

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Zomake Pop Up Beach Tent Review

ZOMAKE Automatic Pop Up Camping Beach Tent 3-4 Person, Beach Tent Sun Shelter for Baby with UV Protection & Instant Setup Tent for Family

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Tent
  • Capacity: 3-4 person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 2.3 kg

Zomake’s tent is a beach tent that can also be used as a proper tent in a pinch. It’s made with 190T polyester, that gives you UPF 50+ protection and is water resistant. 

Have this tent up and ready in seconds – just open the bag and throw it in the air – done! You can open it up on all four walls so that you always have a nice breeze. Two sides have mesh windows so that you can still get a breeze in but keep mozzies out! If you’re looking for the best tent for the beach that is really well ventilated for sleeping kids and babies (or grown ups!) this could be it.

You can easily fit two adults and kids in this tent or up to four adults (at a squeeze!) It weighs only 2.3kg and with the tent you’ll get a carry bag with handles. The handy thing about this beach shade is that it can be used as a camping tent although Zomake doesn’t claim this to be a rugged camping tent for treacherous conditions and although it’s water resistant it won’t stand up in heavy rain.

What I like:

  • Easy set up 
  • Folds down into a circle making it highly portable 

What I dislike:

  • Will not withstand strong winds and heavy rain

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent Canopy Sun Shelter Review

SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter UPF50+ with Sand Shovel, Ground Pegs,and Stability Poles, Outdoor Shade for Camping Trips, Fishing, Backyard Fun or Picnics (10x10FT 4 Pole, Navy)

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Canopy
  • Capacity: 8-person
  • UV Protection: UPF 50+
  • Weight: 4.2 kg

If you need the best canopy tent for beach use, this product is a sure contender. It’s got hundreds of glowing reviews on Amazon from beachgoers who love the superior quality of Sun Ninja’s canopy. It’s made with elastic spandex and the seams are tough and durable. It’s got 50+ UPF protection, is water resistant, and machine washable.

Setting it up is not difficult and requires only one person – just pop the poles in and fill the attached bags with sand. The canopy also has anchors you can choose to use.

The canopy is 3m x 3m so you’ve got heaps of space underneath (fit up to eight people comfortably). A carry bag is included which fits everything inside without being too large and the whole thing only weighs 4.22kg which is great for the size of the canopy.

What I like:

  • This canopy is machine washable
  • The material provides SPF 50+ protect is tough and durable 
  • Spacious and can fit up to 8 people

What I dislike:

  • Lacks sidewalls and privacy

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best beach tent Australia 2023. Check out the best options for the best tent, best family tent, best hiking backpackbest camping stove and best air mattress. Find more of our best camping gear guides and reviews here.

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By Anne Sutherland-Smith

Anne Sutherland-Smith is the founder of the Pretraveller and Everywhere Australia blogs which focus on travel planning. Anne has extensively explored her home country of Australia. As a result, she writes from personal experience to help others plan their Australian trips.