Best family tent Australia. Read here a complete guide on how to choose a family tent that will suit your needs. Along with nine of the best choices on the Australian market.
Camping enthusiasts say a tent will be the top item on your camping checklist. This makes a tent an essential piece of equipment to buy if you want to partake in this popular pastime.
The range of tents on the market is vast. This can make choosing the right tent difficult and time-consuming. If you don’t have the correct gear at the beginning it could spell disaster and the end of your camping journey.
If you landed on this page hoping to find the best camping family tent then you’re in the right place!
Many important elements of a tent should be considered when shopping online. Knowing these features will help to ensure the tent is right for your family’s needs. The good news is I have explained them all in the below guide. This guide will help you make a well-informed decision before purchasing.
As a tent can be an expensive investment I share detailed information on top-rated options to help make your decision simpler.
After reading this guide you will have a clear idea of the most ideal tent for your family.
Continue reading to find the shortlist of the best camping tents in Australia for 2022!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
Table of Contents
Top Picks of Best Tent Brands Australia
Before I jump into the comparison list on the best family tents I am sharing why I chose the below three brands.
This article involved a lot of research to ensure it offered relevant information. This information was gathered to assist you with purchasing a tent you’ll be happy with.
Starting with a large list that was acquired through many sources. The options were then narrowed down based on features that consumers should look for in a great tent.
Note: I have included in this guide links to Tentworld. Tentworld is one of the oldest Australian online camping stores. I have purchased from them, so I trust in their company.
Read on for more information on the three best camping tent brands (in no particular order).
Coleman
The Coleman brand has been around since the 1900s when it created the first gas-powered lantern. Decades later the brand has added more items to its manufacturing line targeted at outdoor enthusiasts.
Coleman is one of the leading brands in Australia. It was revolutionary in developing their darkroom range of tents that block out 95% of the sun.
The Coleman Tents are brilliant for families with young kids who wake at first light. The Coleman Instant Up Tents are one of the most popular I came across with fellow campers.
With three variations in the Instant Up series, there is a model for everyone. No need to worry about rain on the horizon. The Coleman WeatherTec ™ System helps keep the water from getting inside the tent and can handle strong winds.
The Coleman Instant Up Tents are one of the highest rating tents on the market. These tents cover all needs from ease of use to affordability.
Oztent
Oztent is an Australian business. It has a global reputation for providing affordable products to outdoor enthusiasts. Oztent knew what the market was missing and was on a mission to challenge conventional tent designs.
With a focus on simplicity and speed, Oztent pioneered the first 30-second tent. This tent changed the game for buyers who didn’t want to spend hours setting up their campsite. The quick setup process is an important feature (I’ll mention below) and makes these tents very attractive to fellow camping families.
With over 20 years in the industry, Oztent built a reputation on quality. The company uses quality materials like polycotton canvas and PVC to assist with durability.
With multi-award-winning designs, Oztent provides dependable tents. This is one of the main reasons why camping families choose this brand. They also provide optional extras. These extras can be added to your tent to enhance your setup.
BlackWolf
BlackWolf is a trusted brand. It has a reputation for creating products with unprecedented quality and reliability. These features are extremely important when purchasing a tent.
Built from strong, hardwearing materials BlackWolf’s range of tents are made to last.
The BlackWolf Canvas Tents are one of the most popular options with campers when it came to protecting them from the outdoor elements. This is thanks to a durable water-repellant on the outside, which helps rain bead up and runoff. Along with a special polyurethane coating on the inside of the fabric that forms a barrier stopping water from passing through.
The Blackwolf Turbo Tents are consistently on the top-sellers list of family camping tents. Highly durable, they come with a range of add-ons to make your camping trip even more comfortable.
Best Tents Australia 2022 Comparison Table
The below table is a way to compare each of the tents and their important features.
Note: Scroll across to view the full table
| Tent Name | Image | Recommended Capacity | Internal Size | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Northstar Instant Up 4 Lighted DarkRoom Tent |  | 3 person | 230 L x 230 W cm | Check Price Here |
| Coleman Northstar Instant Up 6 Lighted DarkRoom Tent |  | 4 person | 330 L x 260 W cm | Check Price Here |
| Coleman Northstar Instant Up 8 Lighted DarkRoom Tent |  | 4 person + living space | 430 L x 240 W cm | Check Price Here |
| Coleman Northstar Instant Up 10 Lighted DarkRoom Tent |  | 6 person + living space | 210W x 230D | 175W x 230D | 210W x 230D cm | Check Price Here |
| Oztent RV4 Touring Canvas Tent |  | 3 person | 240 L x 240 W cm | Check Price Here |
| Oztent RV5 Touring Canvas |  | 4 person | 260 L x 260 W cm | Check Price Here |
| Oztent RX-5 Touring Canvas Tent (Including Living Room & Zip-In-Floor) |  | 4 person + living space | 260 L x 260 W cm | Check Price Here |
| BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 Canvas Tent |  | 2 person + living space | 420 L x 240 W cm | Check Price Here |
| BlackWolf Turbo Plus 300 Canvas Tent |  | 4 person + living space | 480 L x 300 W cm | Check Price Here |
Continue reading to find a review and more information on each of the tents named
How to Choose the Best Family Tent
Your preferences may differ from other families when searching for the best family tent for camping. Thankfully there are loads of options and types on the market to cater for all needs. Tents may have different features and they can range in price allowing them to cover all budgets.
Below is a brief description of 9 different tents available.
- Touring Tents – Touring tents are quick to set up and fast pitching. This makes them ideal for travellers who are on the go making frequent stops or choosing short stays.
- Dome Tents – The dome tent is named after its dome-shaped roof and can be easily distinguished from other tents. These tents can typically withstand heavy winds. This is due to their aerodynamic design and flexible poles that are anchored to the tent’s corners.
- Canvas Tents – A canvas tent is made from cotton fabric. Canvas tents are a popular choice to escape the elements of mother nature. The fabric is naturally water-resistant and provides warmth in cooler months. Find below the best canvas tents in Australia.
- Instant & Fast Frame Tents – Just as their name describes instant and fast frame tents are quick and easy to set up. The process of setting up the tent is very simple which leads to a shorter installation time compared to other tents on the market.
- Pop Up Tents – Another option for short stays and frequent stops is the pop-up tent. Super quick and easy to set up and pack away.
- Rooftop Tent – If you have older children a rooftop tent is a great addition to a 4WD and an alternative to an instant frame tent. With an elevated sleeping position, the rooftop tents are comfortable, waterproof and fast to setup. They also have the added protection of being off the ground.
- Multi-Room Tent – For families needing more space a multi-room tent is a great option. These tents have a communal living space which allows families to interact if the weather is poor. These spaces also serve as storage areas for your gear and add privacy.
Features to Consider when Choosing the Best Camping Tent
When searching for the best tent in Australia there are features worth considering before making your purchase.
Purpose / Type of Camping
Choosing a tent will depend on what type of camping trip you are taking and how many people are travelling.
Will your trip involve frequent stops, or do you intend on staying in one place for a longer period? Will you be using your tent in all seasons? What type of environment will you come across on your travels?
If your adventures will be quick short stays an instant up tent will be ideal. The reason being is that you will want to spend the least amount of time setting up. While on longer stays you may want extra space and comfort with a multi-room tent.
Some tents are better suited to different settings. Look at purchasing a tent that can survive rain and wind. Weather can be unpredictable and this could ruin your adventure. If you are planning a winter camping trip a tent that provides warmth in the cold would also be a good choice.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for camping. It comes down to knowing what time of year you’ll be camping the most. How many people do you need to accommodate and the length of your stays?
Size / Weight / Portability
When determining the size of your tent to purchase there are a few things to consider which are outlined below.
The first consideration is the space that each person who will be staying in the tent requires. For example, if you plan on using sleeping bags, they are approximately 60 centimetres wide. While a camping mattress will require extra room. Once you know this information you will have a guide on how much floor space you require.
The next consideration is the peak tent height, as this will determine if you can stand upright in your tent.
Continue reading for further information on tent sizes available.
3-Man Tent Size
The perks of a 3-person tent include easy transportation, quick setup and normally the price is more affordable. Typically, these tents are lighter to carry, but you will sacrifice space for this.
If you have older children and are searching for a second tent, a 3-person tent may be a great option.
If you are a family of three you may still want to opt for a larger tent size. A larger tent will allow you to fit a camping mattress and gear inside.
4-Man Tent Size
The 4-person tent is typically the starting size for families. The average 4-person tent’s main floor area is about 240cm x 220cm. This can be ample room for some families, while others who opt for longer camping stays may prefer the larger sizes below.
4-6 person tents are medium size and a great option for families who want to camp infrequently. They can be simple and quick to set up, but you may sacrifice height with some options on the market.
Once you start to move up in size you will also find the tents become heavier with some at 18kg or more. There are lighter options on the market, but it will depend on your camping needs which were discussed above.
5-Man Tent Size
The 5-person tent is a popular size among families. The advantage of a 5-person tent, even for a family of four is the extra space. To give you an indication the tent floor area is normally quite generous at around 305cm x 240cm with a height of around 190cm.
These tents can sometimes have the benefit of an awning that creates a sheltered outdoor area.
Once you jump into this size tent the weight can range from 23kgs and upwards to over 50kgs. The extra weight helps with stability in windy weather. If you plan on using your tent at campsites only then the weight may not play a large role in your decision-making process.
The 5-person family tent is not a tent you can carry and will need more than one person to help with setup.
6-Man Tent Size
A 6-person tents floor area is approximately 305cm x 305cm in size and 190cm or more in height.
8-Man Tent Size
If you need a large family tent an 8-person tent is approximately 480cm x 300 cm with a height of 190cm and more.
Large Family Tents
Keen campers who will be using the tent often will need extra space. Tents with multiple rooms are one of the larger tents on the market and would be well suited to your needs.
It is important to note that even though I only mentioned sizes up to an 8-person tent there are bigger options out there. You can also find 12-15 person tents that are designed for larger groups.
Tip: Consider the dimensions of the tent before choosing a camping spot. You will need to allow for extra room around the tent, and it is best to look for flat or even ground.
Things to Consider with the Size Guide
Now that you have an idea of what size you need it’s important to note the measurement of capacity doesn’t apply to all manufacturers equally. This is because there is no industry standard defining the tent size for the number of people.
For example, some tents may state their capacity is one to four people. But, this can differ from one manufacturer to another. For this reason, it’s important to look at the dimensions instead. Once you worked out the dimensions you need to account for the people travelling. Also, take into consideration the gear you want to be stored inside.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the height of the tent and if you want the ability to stand up inside.
Material / Durability / Ventilation
Tents are made up of various components and the materials differ depending on the manufacturer.
Ventilation is one of the important components of a tent. The more people inside the tent translates to larger ventilation needs. To avoid the tent feeling stuffy you need to consider the tent’s doors, windows and ventilation holes. Ventilation is also important to help with reducing condensation forming inside the tent.
The saying “you get what you pay for” tends to be the case with tents. Budget options can rip easily and avoid cheap plastic poles and stakes. Instead, opt for reinforced varieties which are light yet highly durable.
Each tent will have a seasonality rating which gives you an indication of the tent quality as it takes into account the materials. As the rating is not set to any standards it is merely a guide only. A two-season tent is designed for spring and autumn weather. A three-season tent is suitable for spring, autumn, and summer. A four-season tent is suitable for winter.
Waterproof
Weather can be unpredictable. Many campers will share stories of being caught in the rain or windy conditions. Choosing a durable, water-resistant fabric will help with keeping you and all your belongings dry.
Canvas tents are waterproof and long-lasting compared to other fabrics. In saying this they can become heavy when the water is absorbed.
Nylon/Polyester fabrics can also be waterproof, but can deteriorate over time in the sunlight or if they are not looked after correctly.
The fly should be nylon waterproofed with polyurethane or polyurethane and silicone coatings. A feature to look for is if the fly covers the tent completely. If so, this assists with providing the greatest protection from the rain.
Waterhead Rating
When looking at the tents below take into account their Waterhead rating which is a measure of how waterproof the tent will be. This rating refers to the ability of the fabric to resist the penetration of water.
A rating of up to 1000mm is considered water-resistant. 1000mm – 1500mm is accepted as waterproof with the tents closer to 1500mm are likely to last longer. The next level of 1500 – 5000mm is very waterproof and many family tents are rated.
The main benefit of a rating in the higher end of the scale is the quality of the fabric should be greater which extends the life of the tent.
Ease of Use / Setup
The ease of setup is a feature that is particularly important for many camping families. The less time you spend setting up at your location the more time you get to enjoy the adventure. Some tents look amazing and may have lots of bells and whistles. But, if it takes a long time to set up how often will you go camping? Another aspect to consider is how many people will it take to setup?
Tip: For any new campers, or if you have a new tent try setting it up in the backyard at home first. That way you are more comfortable with the process before you arrive at your campsite.
It is important to go back to the purpose of your trip as these two features tie together. A tent where you spend minimal time setting up would be a high priority for frequent stops and short stays. For long stays, you want to ensure you are comfortable and have ample space. Investing in a durable tent that gives superior protection and space, may outweigh the setup time.
The good news is many camping and outdoor brands have seen the need for an easy quick setup. Many manufacturers have paired this with high-quality materials. This means you don’t have to forgo quality to get a tent that is efficient to setup.
Price
There is a tent available for all budgets as they sell in many retail outlets along with the camping stores. What you may find if you do opt for the cheaper variety is that they don’t tend to hold up well in poor weather. They also may not last as long which in turn will cost you more to replace.
You will pay a premium price for top quality, but I have listed a few reasons below why this is the better option.
- Protection from the elements
- Comfort at your campsite
- Reliability for future use
- Save money on a replacement
Camping stores like Tentworld, often have sales on their products and stock one of the biggest ranges.
Another factor to consider is the warranty on the tent and what it covers. Purchasing a tent from overseas has drawbacks when it comes to a warranty. Yet another reason for purchasing from an Australian retailer.
Other Features
There are some other features to consider apart from the factors listed above. These include.
- The vestibule (space in front of the tent door).
- Storage pockets inside the tent.
- The number of doors and windows
- Additional accessories that can be purchased for the tent
- Powercord management access
- Internal hooks for lanterns and belongings
The Best Australian Tents in 2022
After reading the above information you should have gained an insight into all the important features of a family tent. The “perfect” tent depends on your personal preferences and some features may be more important than others. You will find below a detailed guide of the best family tents on the market for 2022.
Coleman Tent Special Features
All the Coleman Darkroom tents mentioned below have these special features.
- The darkroom filters out 95% of sunlight which reduces the heat by up to 5 degrees
- There are ample vents to keep the tent cool and assist with ventilation
- The instant frame design offers a fast, stress-free setup
- The built-in awning creates extra space out front
- There are also lots of added features. These include storage pockets, privacy screens, power cord access, and heavy-duty bucket flooring.
Coleman Northstar Instant Up 4 Lighted DarkRoom
Sleeping Capacity: 4 person
Recommended Capacity: 3 person
Dimensions: External – 380 L x 230 W cm Internal – 230 L x 230 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 75D / 185D ripstop polyester Fly | Dark Room Coating Floor: 420D Polyoxford PVC
Water Rating: Fly 3000mm
Season Rating: 3
Weight: 16.8kg
Frame: Steel (2 awning poles included), Instant Up Hub
Awning: 1.5m vestibule
Extra Features: Integrated LED Strip Lighting
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Coleman Northstar Instant Up 6 Lighted DarkRoom Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 6 person
Recommended Capacity: 4 person
Dimensions: External – 470 L x 270 W cm Internal – 330 L x 260 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 75D / 185D ripstop polyester Fly | Dark Room Coating Floor: 420D Polyoxford PVC
Water Rating: Fly 3000mm
Season Rating: 3
Weight: 20.6kg
Frame: Steel (2 awning poles included), Instant Up Hub
Awning: 1.5m vestibule
Extra Features: Integrated LED Strip Lighting
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Coleman Northstar Instant Up 8 Lighted DarkRoom Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 8 person
Recommended Capacity: 4 person + living space
Dimensions: External – 490 L x 250 W cm Internal – 430 L x 240 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 75D / 185D ripstop polyester Fly | Dark Room Coating Floor: 420D Polyoxford PVC
Water Rating: Fly 3000mm
Season Rating: 3
Weight: 29.6kg
Frame: Steel (7 awning poles included), Instant Up Hub
Awning: Built-in Awning
Extra Features: Strip lighting with integrated LED lights. Plus, a removable centre wall that allows you to have one large room or two separate rooms.
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Coleman Northstar Instant Up 10 Lighted DarkRoom Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 10 person
Recommended Capacity: 6 person + living space
Dimensions: External 600 L x 230 W cm Internal – 215W x 230D | 170W x 230D | 215W x 230D cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 75D / 185D ripstop polyester Fly | Dark Room Coating Floor: 420D Polyoxford PVC
Water Rating: Fly 3000mm
Season Rating: 3
Weight: 33.5kg
Frame: Steel (4 awning poles included), Instant Up Hub
Awning: Built-in Awning
Extra Features: Built-in lights. 3-bedroom tent with a separate outside entrance for each room. Each bedroom is large enough to fit a queen airbed.
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Oztent Special Features
All the Oztent RV series tents mentioned below have these special features.
- Quick and easy setup that can take some campers only 30 seconds!
- Built for Australian conditions from durable ripstop canvas
- High-quality YKK zips are on the main entry. Renowned globally as the highest quality zippers.
- Super-fine insect mesh on the doors and windows allows for excellent ventilation.
- There are plenty of accessories (sold separately) that can be purchased to customise your Oztent.
Oztent RV4 Touring Canvas Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 4 person
Recommended Capacity: 3 person
Dimensions: Tent 240 L x 240 W cm | Awning 200 L x 240 W cm Internal – 240 L x 240 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 190G/8oz Ripstop Polycotton Canvas, No-See-Um mesh Floor – PVC Vinyl
Water Rating: Tent 1500mm
Season Rating: 3 – 4
Weight: 23kg
Frame: Solid aluminium frame
Awning: Includes 2 x 1.9m awning poles, pegs, guy ropes and carry bag
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Oztent RV5 Touring Canvas
Sleeping Capacity: 5 person
Recommended Capacity: 4 person
Dimensions: Tent 260 L x 260 W cm | Awning 200 L x 260 W cm Internal – 260 L x 260 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: 190G/8oz Ripstop Polycotton Canvas, No-See-Um mesh Floor – PVC Vinyl
Water Rating: Tent 1500mm
Season Rating: 3 – 4
Weight: 24kg
Frame: Solid aluminium frame
Awning: Includes 2 x 1.9m awning poles
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Oztent RX-5 Touring Canvas Tent (Including Living Room & Zip-In-Floor)
The Oztent RX-5 is a full height, 2 room, waterproof, UV resistant tent that offers a quick setup. Similar to the RV series with some additional requested features. The RX range is modular which allows you to have a 1 or 2 room tent offering privacy, space and comfort.
Sleeping Capacity: Sleeps 5 – 10
Recommended Capacity: 4 person + livingspace
Dimensions: External with awning extended- 460 L x 260 W cm Internal – 260 L x 260 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 190cm
Material: Exclusive ModCan Canvas, No-See-Um mesh Floor – Heavy Duty Heat Sealed PVC
Water Rating: Tent 2000mm | Panel System 2000mm | Fly 1500mm
Season Rating: 3 – 4
Weight: Tent Bag – 30kg Accessory Bag – 11kg
Frame: Extruded Aluminium frame
Extra Features: Skymesh light in the main room allowing you to have a view of the stars minus the insects.
Warranty: 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
BlackWolf Tent Special Features
All the BlackWolf Turbo tents mentioned below have these special features.
- Superior waterproofing with extra fly coverage
- Rapid pitch frame
- Additional re-enforcing on the inside of the fly and tape sealing on all front and side panel seams for durability
- Stronger zips and stronger mesh on all doors and windows
- The canvas Turbo series is highly durable and is naturally more insulating and breathable than polyester.
- Easy to roll Siliconised Polyester PU floor
- Optional panels (sold separately) to turn the awning into an extended living area.
BlackWolf Turbo Plus 240 Canvas Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 7 person
Recommended Capacity: 2 person + livingspace
Dimensions: External – 610 L x 240 W cm Internal – 420 L x 240 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 200cm
Material: Heavy-duty 230gsm Ripstop Polycotton canvas Floor – 600D Siliconised Polyester PU
Water Rating: Fly 5000 mm | Floor 10000 mm
Season Rating: 3 – 4
Weight: 32kg
Frame: 25mm Aluminium
Awning: 3 pole awning
Warranty: 3-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
BlackWolf Turbo Plus 300 Canvas Tent
Sleeping Capacity: 8 person
Recommended Capacity: 4 person + living space
Dimensions: External – 660 L x 300 W cm Internal – 480 L x 300 W cm
Max. Tent Height: 200cm
Material: Heavy-duty 230gsm Ripstop Polycotton canvas Floor – 600D Siliconised Polyester PU
Water Rating: Fly 5000 mm | Floor 10000 mm
Season Rating: 3 – 4
Weight: 35kg
Frame: 25mm Aluminium
Awning: 3 pole awning
Warranty: 3-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Click here to check current prices and read more information
Tent Terms
If this is your first time shopping for a tent you may be unfamiliar with some of the technical terms mentioned above. Here are the meanings of some tent terms.
- Vestibules – A vestibule is an awning on the outside of the tent. The Vestibules extend from the front door of the tent or the side of the tent. Vestibules are a great added feature as they aid in extra shelter and protection from the weather.
- Rainfly – A rainfly is an outer layer of material that goes over the top of your setup tent. The rainfly provides extra protection from the weather. Some rainfly covers only the top of the tent and some cover the whole tent.
I hope you enjoyed the above family tent reviews and find the guide helpful in choosing the best camping tent in Australia for your next trip. If you need help choosing other gear, you may also be interested in our guide to selecting the best esky or read our review on the best beach cart.
Do you have any unanswered questions? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through them.Thanks for supporting the blog in this way as it allows me to continue sharing helpful content with you.
Image Credit: Thanks to Tentworld for the use of their product images.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin