Whether you are a cool cabana convert or a summer-loving gal opting for a sun-safe season, there’s no doubt that shade makes or breaks a perfect beach day.
While a few rays of sun may be nice, there’s no denying Aussie summers can be scorching and as they say, time and time again, there really is nothing healthy about a tan. But, that doesn’t mean your days of lounging by the beach are over. It just means you need to slip, slop, slap….and seek.
But seeking shade isn’t that straightforward – especially when you’re in the middle of the beach, in the height of summer, with only a hat and sunnies on hand, which is where the humble sun shelter comes in.
From simple beach umbrellas and pop-up tents to stylish cabanas and airy canopies, there really is no excuse when it comes to finding the perfect shade option for yourself this summer. And the best part? We’ve found some incredible deals which means you can stay safe and save money.
2025’s TOP beach tents and shelters
- The Premium Cabana, $349.99, Temple & Webster (here’s why)
- The Premium Beach Tent, $199, Temple & Webster (here’s why)
- The Amalfi Umbrella, $209, David Jones (here’s why)
The best beach tents and shelters to buy in 2025
01
Business and Pleasure Co. The Premium Cabana
from $349.99 (usually $499) at Temple & Webster
Elevate your beach experience with the Premium Cabana, the ultimate blend of style and practicality. Designed to set a new standard for luxury shade, this cabana is as functional as it is beautiful. Its generous open size offers ample coverage, while its compact fold makes it easy to carry wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re lounging by the waves or hosting a chic garden gathering, the Premium Cabana is your perfect companion.
Specifications: In Use: 6’5″ H x 6.5′ W, In Carry Bag: 55″ x 8″ x 8″, Weight: 16 lbs
Colours: Lauren’s Navy Stripe, Antique White, Rivie Green, Rivie Mimosa, Rivie White, Rivie Pink
Materials: Timber, Canvas
Key features:
- Secure Stability: Features a large ground screw, sandbags in each leg, and an air vent for extra wind resistance.
- Quick & Easy Setup: A simple pulley system ensures effortless assembly and pack-down in just two minutes.S
- Sustainable Design: Made with a reclaimed timber laminated wood pole and eco-friendly canvas.
- High-Quality Materials: UV-, water-, and mold-treated canvas, adorned with a stylish cotton bullion fringe.
- Convenient Portability: Includes a matching canvas carry bag for hassle-free transportation.
02
Business and Pleasure Co. The Premium Beach Tent
from $199.99 (usually $299) at Temple & Webster
Elevate your beach experience with the Premium Cabana, the ultimate blend of style and practicality. Designed to set a new standard for luxury shade, this cabana is as functional as it is beautiful. Its generous open size offers ample coverage, while its compact fold makes it easy to carry wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re lounging by the waves or hosting a chic garden gathering, the Premium Cabana is your perfect companion.
Specifications: In Use: 6’5″ H x 6.5′ W In Carry Bag: 55″ x 8″ x 8″ Weight: 16 lbs
Colours: Rivie Mimosa, Rivie Pink, Antique White
Materials: Aluminium, reclaimed laminated wood poles, canvas
Key features:
- Secure Stability: Features a large ground screw, sandbags in each leg, and an air vent for extra wind resistance.
- Quick & Easy Setup: A simple pulley system ensures effortless assembly and pack-down in just two minutes.
- Sustainable Design: Made with a reclaimed timber laminated wood pole and eco-friendly canvas.
- High-Quality Materials: UV-, water-, and mold-treated canvas, adorned with a stylish cotton bullion fringe.
- Convenient Portability: Includes a matching canvas carry bag for hassle-free transportation.
03
Business & Pleasure Co. The Amalfi Umbrella
from $209.30 (usually $299) at David Jones
The Amalfi Umbrella is a perfect blend of minimalist design and robust functionality, offering premium shade for your beach days. Its Mediterranean-inspired flat profile ensures maximum coverage, comfortably shading a family of four. By removing fringe and hinges, the umbrella achieves a streamlined, contemporary look while enhancing durability and wind resistance.
Specifications: Dimensions: 6.5′ W x 7′ H (200 cm x 213 cm) Pole Diameter: 1.25″ (3.2 cm) Weight: 12 lbs (5.5 kg)
Colours: Bistro Dusty Pink Stripe, Antique White, Rivie White, Rivie Pink, Rivie Green, Rivie Mimosa, Rivie Black
Materials: Reclaimed Timber, aluminium, canvas, fibreglass
Key features:
- Reclaimed Timber Pole: Eco-friendly laminated wood with a sleek finish.
- Durable Design: Lightweight, powder-coated aluminium connector and extra-strong fibreglass ribs.
- Superior Canopy Fabric: UV- and water-resistant, with UPF 50+ protection blocking 98% of UV rays.
- Modern Aesthetic: Fringe-free and low-profile canopy for a minimalist and lightweight look.
- Convenient Carry Bag: Includes a matching canvas bag for easy transportation.
04
Wanderer Warlukurlangu 3 Pop Up Beach Shelter
from $149.99 at BCF
The Wanderer Warlukurlangu 3 Pop-Up Beach Shelter is your ultimate companion for effortless and stylish beach days. Its instant pop-up mechanism allows for quick assembly, so you can focus on soaking up the sun and sea. Featuring a vibrant Indigenous print by artist Alice Nampijinpa Michaels from the Warlukurlangu Artists, this shelter combines cultural artistry with practical design.
Specifications: 190 cm (L) x 140 cm (W) x 120 cm (H)
Materials: List materials its made in. Don’t worry about current stock/availability. If it’s just made from one, that’s fine. Just make sure to change it to “Material”.
Key features:
- Quick Setup: Instant pop-up mechanism for fast and easy assembly.
- Sun Protection: Made with durable 185T polyester, offering UVE95+ protection from harsh UV rays.
- Ventilation: Two large side windows for optimal airflow.
- Comfortable Base: PE flooring for a relaxing, sand-free experience.
- Added Stability: Sand pockets keep the shelter secure, even in breezy conditions.
- Practical Storage: Includes two internal pockets for small essentials.
- Lightweight Design: Compact and easy to transport, complete with a carry bag and sand pegs.
05
Basil Bangs Premium Beach Umbrella
from $319 at The Iconic
The Basil Bangs Delfina Premium Beach Umbrella is a tribute to 1970s bohemian decadence with its vibrant paisley-inspired design in rich rust, cognac, periwinkle, and cobalt hues. Perfect for chic sun protection, this umbrella combines timeless aesthetics with practical features to elevate your beach experience.
Specifications: Canopy Diameter: 180 cm Folded Dimensions: 110 x 17 x 17 cm Height: 210 cm totalPole Diameter: 32 mm Weight: 6 kg
Colours: Delfina, Wildflowers, Salt, Spritz, Nudie, Flowers, Wildflowers
Key features:
- Striking Design: A lush, sophisticated print inspired by bohemian bourgeois style.
- UPF50+ Protection: Premium outdoor canvas blocks harmful UV rays while remaining water-repellent for easy care.
- Durable Materials: Responsibly sourced oak pole paired with a corrosion-resistant steel frame for long-lasting use.
- Adjustable Canopy: Features the Basil Bangs Hinge, allowing you to tilt the umbrella for optimal shade.
- Wind-Ready: Vented canopy for stability and a carry bag that doubles as a sandbag for extra support.
- Portable Convenience: Includes a matching carry bag for effortless transportation and storage.
Is a beach canopy worth it?
A beach canopy is worth it if you need superior shade, UV protection, and stability for extended outdoor outings. They provide more space than umbrellas, are portable with quick setup, and work well for families or groups. Modern canopies are versatile, doubling as shade for picnics or events. However, they might not be ideal if you prefer something smaller, have limited storage, or frequent windy beaches. Overall, a canopy is a great investment for comfort and convenience at the beach.
What to use instead of a beach umbrella?
If a beach umbrella doesn’t suit your needs, there are several great alternatives to consider. Beach canopies provide larger shade coverage and greater stability, making them perfect for families or groups. Pop-up beach tents are another option, offering shelter from the sun and wind while also adding a bit of privacy. Shade sails are lightweight and portable, providing convenient overhead coverage, while beach cabanas combine style with functionality using UV-treated fabrics and sturdy frames. For a more budget-friendly and versatile choice, camping tarps or awnings can also be used to create effective shade. With these options, you can find the perfect solution based on your space, portability, and sun protection needs.
