
Tents | Family Tents & Tarps
Set up base and hunker down in one of our world-class family tents and tarps from Helsport or Snow Peak. Our collection of tents offer a home-away-from-home camping experience ideal for families or groups of up to ten campers!
Click here to read more...
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A FAMILY TENT
When choosing a family tent, consider factors that prioritize space, comfort, and ease of use, while providing protection against a range of weather conditions. Family tents are designed to accommodate larger groups, making them ideal for car camping, extended trips, or base camp setups where weight is less of a concern. In Australia, where family camping trips can span from beachside escapes to inland adventures, selecting the right shelter is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Tent design and structure: Family tents are typically cabin-style or tunnel-shaped to maximize interior space, with vertical walls that provide ample headroom and allow for easier movement. This design is particularly useful when camping with children or in mixed-age groups where comfort is a priority. Look for tents with multiple rooms or dividers, which can offer privacy or separation for sleeping and living areas. Sturdy poles, made from durable materials like fiberglass or steel, provide stability against strong winds, which can be common in many coastal and open camping areas across Australia.
Weather resistance: is crucial for family tents, as they must provide reliable protection against a variety of weather conditions. In Australia, where weather can be unpredictable, the tent should have a waterproof rating of at least 1500mm to 2000mm for both the tent floor and rainfly, ensuring it can handle rain showers typical of coastal or tropical areas. A full-coverage rainfly that extends to the ground offers the best protection from wind, rain, and dew. Additionally, consider features like sealed seams, reinforced corners, and durable materials to handle both wet conditions and the hot, UV-intensive Australian sun.
Ventilation: is important for family tents to maintain comfort, especially in Australia’s warm climates. Look for tents with large mesh windows, multiple doors, and roof vents to promote airflow and reduce condensation. This is particularly important in humid areas or during the summer months, where temperatures can rise quickly. Tents with awnings or extended canopies over windows and doors allow for ventilation even during rain, keeping the interior dry and comfortable.
Space and capacity: are essential considerations for a family tent. Make sure the tent provides enough floor space and headroom to comfortably accommodate everyone in your group, along with their gear. Larger tents often come with built-in storage pockets, gear lofts, or organizers to help keep the interior tidy. When camping in Australian conditions, consider bringing additional space for storing equipment like camping chairs, cooking gear, or coolers, which are essential for extended stays in remote locations.
Ease of setup: is a major factor when choosing a family tent, especially if you’re new to camping or frequently set up in different locations. In Australia, where weather conditions can change rapidly, a tent that can be pitched quickly and securely is a major advantage, but make sure they still provide the durability and weather protection needed for your intended environment.
Durability: is critical, especially when camping with a family in various terrains. High-denier fabrics for the tent body and floor (e.g., 70D or higher) provide resistance to wear and tear, while heavy-duty zippers and reinforced stress points help ensure longevity. In Australia, where rough ground, abrasive sand, and UV exposure are common, choose tents with UV-resistant materials to prevent fabric degradation. Additionally, a groundsheet or footprint can help protect the tent floor from sharp objects and moisture.
Additional features can enhance comfort and convenience for family camping trips. Look for features such as built-in awnings or porches that offer shaded areas for relaxation, cooking, or gear storage. Some family tents also include separate entrances for easy access or screened rooms to keep out insects, which is especially useful in bug-heavy areas like the bush or near water sources. Reflective guy lines and high-visibility stakes improve safety and help prevent trips or falls at night.
Tarps can be a versatile addition to family camping setups, providing extra shelter or shade over picnic areas, as a sunshade over your tent, or as a communal area during group outings. Choose a tarp that is large enough to provide adequate coverage but lightweight enough to be easily set up or moved. In Australia, where the sun can be intense, look for tarps made from UV-resistant materials that offer protection from harmful rays, or waterproof fabrics that can double as a rain shelter. Reinforced corners and multiple tie-out points enhance the versatility of a tarp, allowing it to be pitched in various configurations depending on the environment and weather.
Finally, consider the intended use of your family tent or tarp. For beach camping, look for tents with sand-resistant features and excellent ventilation, while for bush or forest camping, prioritize those with good insect protection and robust weather resistance. In Australia's diverse environments, choosing a tent that matches your family’s needs and the specific conditions of your camping destinations will ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience for everyone.
NEED HELP CHOOSING YOUR NEXT TENT? CONTACT US TODAY
If you have a particular tent in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.
Snow Peak Alpha Breeze
Snow PeakExperience the outdoors in comfort and style. The Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent is designed for campers seeking both functionality and aesthetic appe...
View full detailsMont Dragonfly Alpine Tent - 2 Person 4 Season Freestanding 2.5kg
MontBuilt to endure, designed for adventure. The Mont Dragonfly Tent is a robust all-season shelter designed to accommodate two, or even three, campers...
View full detailsSnow Peak Hexa Tarp Set - Large
Snow PeakThis tarp and accessories bundle takes the guesswork out of buying your Hexa Tarp. The Hexa Tarp Pro from Snow Peak is a large-sized tarp with beau...
View full detailsSnow Peak HD Tarp Shield Hexa Evo Pro
Snow PeakGather your friends and family and stay out of the elements with the Hexa Evo Pro Tarp. The Snow Peak HD Tarp Shield Hexa Evo Pro is a Japanese-des...
View full detailsSnow Peak Hexa Tarp - Medium
Snow PeakAn ultra-versatile, practical and elegant tarp system. The Snow Peak Hexa Tarp M is a Japanese-designed, hexagonal tarp ideal for groups of up to f...
View full detailsSnow Peak Alpha Breeze Mat Sheet Set
Snow PeakElevate your camping comfort. Enhance your outdoor experience with the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Mat & Sheet Set. Designed to complement the Alpha...
View full detailsSnow Peak HD Tarp Hexa Evo Pro - Takibi Inner Roof
Snow PeakEnhance your fireside gatherings with added safety. The Snow Peak Takibi HD Tarp Hexa Evo Pro Inner Roof is a fire-resistant liner designed exclusi...
View full detailsSnow Peak Hexa Tarp - Large
Snow PeakShelter your adventures. The Snow Peak Hexa Tarp L is a Japanese-designed, hexagonal tarp ideal for groups of up to six people. Crafted from ultra-...
View full detailsSnow Peak HD Tarp Shield Mawe L
Snow PeakInnovative shelter for outdoor adventures The Snow Peak HD Tarp Shield Mawe L is a cutting-edge camping tarp designed to provide ample shelter for ...
View full detailsSnow Peak Awning Pole Set
Snow PeakExpand your outdoor space with ease with the Snow Peak Awning Pole Set. The Awning Pole Set from Snow Peak is the perfect way to expand the gatheri...
View full detailsSnow Peak Daisy Chain
Snow PeakYou can never have enough hanging storage, for tools or lanterns! Whether you're looking for some practical storage to stow away your Backpacker's ...
View full detailsSnow Peak Tarp Pole and IGT Leg Carry Case
Snow PeakReliable storage for tarp and shelter poles The Snow Peak Tarp Pole Carrying Case is a Japanese-designed canvas bag crafted to store and transport ...
View full detailsSnow Peak Peg Hammer - Copper
Snow PeakDurable and efficient peg hammer for campers The Snow Peak Original Copper Head Peg Hammer is a high-quality tool designed for campers seeking dura...
View full detailsSnow Peak Multi Container
Snow PeakVersatile storage for camping essentials. The Snow Peak Multi-Container is a Japanese-designed canvas case ideal for storing gear and campsite esse...
View full detailsSnow Peak Land Breeze Pro. 1 Ground Sheet
Snow PeakDurable protection for your tent floor. The Snow Peak Land Breeze Pro. 1 Ground Sheet is a durable and water-resistant accessory designed to protec...
View full detailsSnow Peak Dog Anchor 50
Snow PeakKeep your furry friend grounded with the Snow Peak Dog Anchor 50 – the paw-fect solution for outdoor adventures! Modelled after Snow Peak's classic...
View full detailsSnow Peak Peg Hammer - Steel
Snow PeakDeliver fast and even blows with the Peg Hammer The Snow Peak Steel Head Peg Hammer is a reliable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, designed to drive a...
View full detailsSnow Peak Aluminium Pole 170cm
Snow PeakCompatible with all Snow Peak Tarps, the Aluminium Pole 170cm is a must-have. The Snow Peak Aluminum Pole 170cm is a versatile and durable solution...
View full detailsSnow Peak Copper Head Replacement
Snow PeakProlong the life of your Snow Peak Hammer. Prolong the performance of your Snow Peak Hammer with the Snow Peak Copper Head Replacement. Specificall...
View full detailsSnow Peak Rope Set Pro Hexa
Snow PeakStrong, reliable, ready for any tarp setup Ensure your tarp stays securely pitched with the Snow Peak Rope Set Pro Hexa. Originally designed for th...
View full detailsSnow Peak Wing Pole
Snow PeakSetting up tarps and shelters has never been so easy! Using the Snow Peak Wing Pole, made from 1.5 mm thick aluminium it’s simple to set up tar...
View full detailsSnow Peak Peg Hammer Case
Snow PeakOrganise, secure, and carry with ease Keep your pegs and hammer close at hand with the Snow Peak Peg Hammer Case. Crafted from durable nylon, it fe...
View full detailsSnow Peak Lantern Hanger
Snow PeakElevate your campsite lighting with ease. The Snow Peak Lantern Hanger Large is an essential accessory for campers seeking convenient and secure li...
View full detailsSnow Peak Coloured Solid Stake
Snow PeakBold colour, solid hold, ultimate visibility Add a vibrant touch to your campsite with the Snow Peak Solid Stake Coloured 30cm. Retaining the trust...
View full details