Taking the whole family camping is a great Australian pastime, whether it’s for weekends or holidays. Unfortunately not a lot of tents are designed to fit a full family, so finding the right family camping tent can be tricky.
Although the tent does not have to be specifically designed for family use, there are certain tents that just do the job better than others. With a range of family tent types to choose from, it’s important to consider what’s going to be the best model for your needs.
In this article we’re going to list fifteen of the best tents for family camping in Australia. We have one for every budget range so make sure to read all the way down to make an informed decision.
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What Types Of Family Tents Are There?
There are a couple of well-known and commonly used types of family tents — family instant tents, family touring tents, family dome tents, family canvas tents, and family inflatable tents.
Although the aforementioned does not encompass all types of family tents, it is important to understand that there is a family-oriented variant/ version of practically every kind of tent that exists. This is no surprise as camping and outdoor activities are popular family bonding activities.
Family tents generally contain the same qualities and/ or properties as their basic/ small versions. The main difference being that the family-oriented versions are designed to accommodate more people — this could be in the form of a larger space, more storage space, multiple entrances, and/ or better material among others. Family tents can also have unique features such as inner tents, and even a combination of characteristics of different tent types.
If you are on the market for a family tent, there are some questions you need to ask, such as:
- How long will the family be camping each time? Would it be overnight, a long weekend, one week, or a mix of the above?
- Do you want or prefer separate sleeping areas for adults and kids?
- Do you want another room to serve as the kitchen/ dining room?
- Is the internal height comfortable enough for those who are going to stand inside?
- How many windows are there for ventilation? Do they unzip from the inside, the outside, or both?
These are only some of the questions you have to ask yourself to ensure an informed purchasing decision. Having said all that, listed below are the kinds of tents found in the market:
Family Instant Tents
True to their name, these tents will practically pitch themselves with minimal intervention from an individual. The ‘instant pitching’ is done through a long, coiled, sprung frame which is permanently fitted into the tent’s fabric. The tent can become a portable circular package just by twisting the frame.
The tent instantly pitches when the spring is unleashed. A common way of unleashing the spring is by throwing the tent high up in the air. Although instant tents were not initially designed for bad weather conditions, modern developments have significantly improved their durability and reliability — some come with inner tents that can house a family of five. These tents range from $800 to $1,500 on average for a four to ten person tent.
Family Touring Tents
Touring tents have seen a gradual improvement that have made them viable family tents. Some family touring tents can sleep up to eight persons and are constructed from waterproof fabric.
These tents generally feature an all-in-one design which incorporates an inner attached to a frame that snaps or locks into place. Touring tents have not always been designed for family use though, as they were initially meant to be one room tents with a small awning. This was because most tourers don’t spend the majority of their time inside or around the tent. These tents range from $1,00 to $2,500 on average for a three to ten person tent.
Family Dome Tents
This kind of tent comes with two flexible poles that form a half circle. Both ends of these poles are fixed onto webbing straps or strong tape and run across the base of the tent, usually forming part of the groundsheet.
The exact shapes of dome tents vary depending on the number of poles included or used. Two poles crossing at the middle will give a square dome, while three poles will form a hexagon. The sides of dome tents are much more vertically oriented compared to ridge tents, which equates to a bigger head room and wider floor area. Although stability is generally good, dome tents become less stable as they scale up in size. These tents range from $200 to $800 on average for a six to twelve person tent.
Family Canvas Tents
Considered by some to be the ultimate family tent. Canvas tents are perfect for those who want plenty of space and prefer to set up in their favourite camping spot anywhere from a week up to a month.
Although these tents’ packed sizes are huge and the set-up times are extremely long, it makes up for this with their living space, quality, and strength. These are also ideal for families who prefer to cook and dine indoors. These tents range from $1,000 to $3,500 on average for a four to ten person tent.
Family Inflatable Tents
Inflatable tents are considered a big step forward for family tents. The pitching difficulty brought about by most large sized tents is offset by the easy pitching of inflatable tents — you simply have to unfold the tent, pump it with air, and peg it down. This makes it ideal for parents who want to be able to pitch a family-sized tent by themselves.
Inflatable tents have become more popular recently over the years due to the continually improving designs and durability. Although it may sound like a bouncy castle that needs to be pumped completely with air, the term ‘inflatable’ generally refers to the inflatable beams that the tent uses, instead of the usual fiberglass poles. They are also known as air tents, and inflatable beam tents among others.
The Top 3 Instant Family Tents
The top 3 instant family tents are the Coleman Instant Up 10P Gold Series Tent, the Coleman Traveller Instant Light 8 Person Tent, and the Mobihome 6 Person Tent Family. These tents provide the near instant set-up time of traditional instant tents with generous space for families. These tents are durable, and contain features that will make family camping trips convenient and comfortable.
Coleman Instant Up 10P Gold Series Tent
The Coleman Instant Up 10P Gold Series Tent is designed to accommodate up to ten people. It has a three minute setup time thanks to its telescopic poles. Being part of Coleman’s Gold Series, it has superior quality without being burdened by the weight and extra cost of typical canvas tents. The tent costs $999.99.
The tent includes five awning poles, an internal storage hammock, organisers and power cord management system, and a heavy duty carry bag for transportation.
The tent’s fly is constructed with a polyester rip-stop rated to 3,000mm water head rating. It is designed with Coleman’s circle ventilation which provides large doors and windows for great ventilation with a separate protective mesh to ward off insects, an internal privacy wall and an incorporated D-Door which divides the interior living space in two. The two rooms created by the D-Door have their own external access, given the tent’s four entry points.
Specifications:
- External Dimensions: 430cm L x 305cm W
- Internal Dimensions: 420cm L x 295cm W
- Awning Dimensions: (Front) 280cm L x 200cm W/ (Side) 185cm L x 200cm W
- Packed Dimensions: 120cm L x 33cm W x 33cm H
- Tent Height: 200cm
- Weight: 30kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 10 adults
- Material: 75D and 185D Ripstop Polyester
- Waterproof Rating: 3,000mm
- Floor Material: 420D Polyoxford PVC
- Frame Material: Steel
Coleman Traveller Instant Light 8 Person Tent
The Coleman Traveller Instant Light 8 Person Tent is designed to be set up in minutes, and protect you and your family from the elements with its 1,500mm water rating. It is built with an integrated strip lighting with LED lights with a controller for easy lighting adjustments when the family is gathered at night. The tent costs $999.99.
The tent also incorporates Darkroom tech which blocks external light for up to 95%, ensuring a good, comfortable sleep for the family.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 500cm L x 230cm W
- Tent Height: 200cm
- Weight: 19.4kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 8 persons
- Waterproof Rating: 1,500mm
- UV Rating: UPF 50+
- Frame Material: Fibreglass
Mobihome 6 Person Tent Family
The Mobihome Camping QUICK UP 6 Person Tent was designed with a special hub system which makes it easy for a single person to set up the tent in a matter of minutes. The tent is built with breathable mesh roofs with three windows and doors to provide ventilation.
The tent’s spacious design can comfortably sleep two parents with two to three children.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 409cm L x 211cm W
- Tent Height: 140cm
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 6 persons
- Material: 68D 190T Polyester with 1,500mm PU
The Top 3 Touring Family Tents
The top 3 touring family tents are the Darche Xtender 2.5 Awning Tent, the Oztent RV-3 Lite Touring Tent, and the XTM Rooftop Tent. These tents provide the all-in-one design of traditional touring tents but with more space for families, and are constructed with more durable materials and include features designed for convenience and ease of use for families.
Darche Xtender 2.5 Awning Tent
The Darche Xtender 2.5 Awning Tent is an awning annex which can be used as a freestanding tent. It has a large front entrance with rear and side gusset windows for optimal airflow. The fly can be converted into an awning by using the included twist lock poles. The tent costs $749.00. The tent includes a storage bag for easier transportation and/ or stowing.
Specifications:
- External Dimensions: 260cm L x 250cm W
- Packed Dimensions: 100cm L x 300cm W x 25cm H
- Tent Height: 180cm
- Weight: 21.3kg
- Material: 210D Ripstop Polyester Oxford
- Waterproof Rating: PU 1,500mm
Oztent RV-3 Lite Touring Tent
The Oztent RV-3 Lite Touring Tent is built and tested for rough weather conditions without compromising on weight, good for young and growing families. Built around the widely known 30 Second Oztent frame so it can be set up or packed in less than 30 seconds. The tent costs $899.00. The tent features a large awning with a fly, and two 2.2m awning poles. The tent is constructed from materials that are CPAI-84 fire-rated and UPF50+ certified. The tent includes 16 guy ropes, 24 pegs/ stakes, a manual, and an oversized zippered carry bag.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 240cm L x 200cm W
- Packed Dimensions: 205cm L x 28cm W x 28cm H
- Tent Height: 190cm
- Weight: 19.5kg
- Sleeping Capacity: 3-4 adults
- Material:210D Ripstop Polyester
- UV Rating: UPF 50+
- Fire Rating: CPAI-84
- Floor Material: 210D Polyester
- Frame Material: Extruded Aluminum
XTM Rooftop Tent
The XTM Rooftop Tent is a penthouse suite that comes with fabric that is stronger and heavier than previous models. It is easy to set up or pack and can be done by one person in just a minute. The tent costs $1,699.00. The tent comes with two side windows for ventilation, and super fine mosquito netting on the windows and doors. There is an included soft high density foam camping mattress, a telescopic anodised aluminum ladder capable of extending up to 2m, and a zipped PVC travel cover.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 320cm L x 142cm W
- Tent Height: 130cm
- Weight: 70kg
- Sleeping Capacity: 3-4 adults
- Material: 320gsm Ripstop Poly Cotton (Tent), 210D Polyester (Fly)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
The Top 3 Dome Family Tents
The top 3 dome family tents are the Wanderer Manor Dome Tent 12 Person, the Coleman Traveller Instant Light 8 Person Tent, and the Coleman Sundome 6P. These tents provide the same qualities we all look for in traditional dome tents but with more space for families, and are constructed with more durable materials and include features designed for convenience and ease of use for families.
Wanderer Manor Dome Tent 12 Person
The Wanderer Manor Dome Tent 12 Person is touted as the tent equivalent of a manor home. The tent’s huge size allows it to fit up to twelve people inside. The rooms inside can be separated using an attached divider, and can each fit a queen size airbed. The tent costs $1,099.00. The manor dome can be set up to have up to three rooms and one patio.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 500cm L x 500cm W
- Packed Dimensions: 87cm L x 38cm W x 33cm H
- Tent Height: 225cm
- Weight: 29.5kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 12 persons (recommended for 6 persons only)
- Material:210T Seam Sealed Polyester
- Floor Material: Polyethylene (PE)
- Frame Material: Fibreglass and Steel
Coleman Traveller Instant Light 8 Person Tent
Coleman Sundome 6P
The Coleman Sundome 6P belongs to a range of tents that are versatile, easy to set up, and cost effective. Despite its compact size, it comfortably fits 6 persons and has space for two queen size airbeds, or six camp mats. The tent includes a carry bag for easy transport.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 300cm L x 300cm W
- Weight: 7kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 6 persons
- Material:68D Polyester
- Frame Material: Fibreglass
The Top 3 Canvas Family Tents
The top 3 canvas family tents are the Oztent SV-5 MAX Peaked Side Panels, the Zempire Delta Force V2 Air Canvas Cabin Tent, and the Kodiak Canvas 10 x 14 Flex-Bow Cabin Tent. These tents provide the same durability and reliability traditional canvas tents are known for, but with more space, and features designed for convenience and ease of use for families.
Oztent SV-5 MAX Peaked Side Panels
The Oztent SV-5 MAX Peaked Side Panels gives families an extra layer of privacy and wind protections with the peaked side panels. It is designed to allow rain to run off the awning without having to lower the front poles. The tent costs $399.00.
Specifications:
- Packed Dimensions: 60cm L x17cm W x 17cm H
- Weight: 5.2kg
- Material: 180D Ripstop Polycotton Canvas and Superfine Mesh
- Waterproof Rating: 1,500mm
Zempire Delta Force V2 Air Canvas Cabin Tent
The Zempire Delta Force V2 Air Canvas Cabin Tent is advertised as the ultimate family camping tent. It combines the convenience of modern air technology and the durability and comfort of traditional canvas. It can be set up to have as much as four large bedrooms separated by a living area. The tent costs $4,699.00. Each room of the tent can fit twin stretchers and have two large internally controllable windows. The central living area has front and rear access doors for convenience.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 765cm L x 550cm W
- Dimensions (Front Awning): 320cm L x 230cm W
- Tent Height: 240cm (peak)
- Weight: 73kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 14 people (8 persons comfortably)
- Material: 340gsm Dual Treated Polycotton (roof), 220/340gsm Dual Treated Polycotton (walls)
- Water Rating: 1,200mm+
- UV Rating: SPF 50+
- Floor Material: 220gsm Polyethylene (PE)
- Frame Material: TPU Inflatable Tubes
Kodiak Canvas 10 x 14 Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe
The Kodiak Canvas 10 x 14 Flex-Bow Canvas Tent Deluxe is constructed with 100% cotton duck canvas which makes it durable, watertight, and breathable. It also has customizable gear loft, organiser pockets, and a strap-and-cinch storage bag for stowing. The tent costs $699.99 The tent comes with 12-inch steel rods, a large 84x78in awning, and a ceiling height of 6’6”.
Specifications:
- Tent Height: 198cm
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 8 persons
- Material: 8.5oz Hydra-Shield canvas (walls), 10 oz Hydra-Shield canvas (ceiling)
- Floor Material: 16oz vinyl polyester reinforced
- Frame Material: Galvanized steel tubing
The Top 3 Inflatable Family Tents
The top 3 inflatable family tents are the Zempire Fortress V2, the Outdoor Connection Tanar Air XL Tent, and the Outwell Airville 6SA. These tents provide the same durability and ease of use traditional inflatable tents are known for, but with more features, and bigger living space inside, designed for those families who camp out together..
Zempire Fortress V2
The Zempire Fortress V2 combines the layout of traditional tents with modern camping technology. It has an oversized airframe which allows the tent to be pitched in a few minutes. It is constructed from heavy-duty materials that allow it to be highly wind resistant. The tent costs $3999.00.
The tent is equipped with 3-way windows, gusseted rear windows, and side openings for ease of access. Additionally, it only has a single point of inflation which expedites the set up process.
Specifications:
- Tent Height: 240cm (peak)
- Weight: 75kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 12 people (8 persons comfortably)
- Material: 220/340gsm polycotton canvas (wall), 340gsm polycotton canvas (roof)
- Water Rating: 1,200mm+
- UV Rating: UPF 50
- Floor Material: 220gsm Polyethylene (PE)
- Frame Material: Oversized inflatable air system tubes
Outdoor Connection Tanbar Air XL Tent
The Outdoor Connection Tanbar Air XL Tent is a large one canvas one room tent that can be rapidly and easily converted into a two-room set up using the included hanging room divider. It is designed to be deployed much faster than traditional poles and instant tents. The tent is designed for young couples or a small family. The tent costs $1,499.00.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7380cm L x 300cm W (plus 242cm long awning)
- Packed Dimensions: 80cm L x 45cm W x 45cm H
- Tent Height: 205cm (peak)
- Weight: 35.2kg
- Material: 230gsm polycotton, 300D polyester
- Floor Material: PVC coated woven polyester
- Frame Material: high-quality Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) within a laminated bonded polyfabric
Outwell Airville 6SA
The Outwell Airville 6SA is an award winning tent known for its style, features, and reliability. It is constructed from tear and rip resistant fabric, and designed with a generous internal space for both height and width. The tent has a toggle-up divider which can be used to divide the interior for multiple use case scenarios. The tent costs around $3,335.00. The tent comes with an included trolley carry bag.
Specifications:
- Packed Dimensions: 100cm L x 52cm W x 52cm H
- Tent Height: 240cm (peak)
- Weight: 49.8kg
- Sleeping Capacity: up to 6 people
- Material: breathable 100% polyester
- Floor Material: Polyurethane (PU) coated Taffeta polyester
- Frame Material: Tubes Power Air System frame
What Type of Tent Should I Get For My Family Camping Trip?
The best kind of family tent and the exact model to get will depend on factors such as the size of the family, the length of the trip, the preferred tent style, how old the children are, the terrain/ environment of the camping site, and personal preferences, among others.
It would be good to list down the specificities of your camping trip/s, and the kind of features that you are looking for. For example, if you are heading to, or frequent a camp site which has a lot of insects, then it would be best to get a tent with a durable but breathable mesh material on the windows. Or, if there is only one or two persons who can set up/ pitch, then a tent which is designed for rapid or instant pitching by just one person may be more apt. The last and arguably most important factor to consider is the budget, since it will ultimately decide what the family is able to buy.
Related Questions
Where Can I Buy A Family Tent In Australia?
You can go to your local outdoor/ camping retailer for a family tent, this allows you to see and test it first hand. But you also have the option of browsing for family tents online. Some of the Australian websites where these tents are sold are Tentworld, BCF, and Amazon, among others.
Can I Get My Tent Repaired?
Yes. You can either bring your tent to a specialized shop for repair, or conduct DIY repairs on your tent for minor damages. Even tents made from one of the most durable materials can be damaged by sharp branches and stones. The most common tent damages are rips along the tent, leaks in the tent’s seams, and broken tent poles. If you are not confident in your DIY repair skills, it is best to have it professionally repaired.
