Best Family Tents Australia 2025

Tested in Aussie car-camping spots, holiday parks, open fields and beaches.

We have completed a rigorous review process to find out which is the best family camping tent Australia has to offer. Tents range from smaller touring tents to larger ‘long stay’ tents for families and are suitable for almost all Australian conditions. We have assessed over one hundred of the best family tents and selected key products in each category to review. Watch our video review, or comprehensive written reviews of each product can be accessed via the ‘Read Full Review’ buttons below.

Updated 7th January 2025

Family Tent Reviews

BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240

Price At Time Of Writing | $899.00

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Overall Rating | 91

Comfort | 9

Construction | 9

Features | 7

Size/Weight | 6

Versatility | 10


Packed Size - 121x28x28cm

Weight - 19kg

Sleeping Size - 5.8sqm


Best For - Touring and camping lovers

Pros - Versatile design, robust build

Cons - Awning requires manual setup

Overall - Great for touring and camping trips

Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air

Price At Time Of Writing | $1,799.00

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Overall Rating | 90

Comfort | 9

Construction | 6

Features | 9

Size/Weight | 10

Versatility | 6


Packed Size - 75x55x55cm

Weight - 34kg

Sleeping Size - 9.7sqm


Best For - Large family camping trips

Pros - Spacious living area, effortless setup

Cons - Requires ample space for setup

Overall - Excellent for family camping

Oztent RV5

Price At Time Of Writing | $1,199.00

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Overall Rating | 84

Comfort | 6

Construction | 10

Features | 8

Size/Weight | 3

Versatility | 7


Packed Size - 202x38x27cm

Weight - 25kg

Sleeping Size - 6.8sqm


Best For - Touring with a roof rack

Pros - Durable construction, quick setup

Cons - Difficult to transport, higher price

Overall - Great for long trips

Coleman 10P Gold

Price At Time Of Writing | $527.90

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Overall Rating | 81

Comfort | 6

Construction | 6

Features | 8

Size/Weight | 7

Versatility | 4


Packed Size - 119x33x33cm

Weight - 30kg

Sleeping Size - 12.4sqm


Best For - Budget-friendly family camping

Pros - Affordable, practical features

Cons - Inferior material quality compared to other tents

Overall - Good easy setup two-room budget option

OA Hanlu 4P

Price At Time Of Writing | $499.95

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Overall Rating | 81

Comfort | 8

Construction | 7

Features | 5

Size/Weight | 5

Versatility | 6


Packed Size - 115x20x20cm

Weight - 11kg

Sleeping Size - 5.8sqm


Best For - Compact camping setups

Pros - Sturdy frame, simple setup

Cons - Limited features

Overall - Strong easy-up tent, basic features

Oztrail 10P Block Out

Price At Time Of Writing | $699.00

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Overall Rating | 81

Comfort | 7

Construction | 4

Features | 7

Size/Weight | 9

Versatility | 4


Packed Size - 116x34x34cm

Weight - 33kg

Sleeping Size - 8.6sqm


Best For - Large group camping on a budget

Pros - Extra-large with three rooms

Cons - Quality of materials used

Overall - An ok XL sized budget tent

Coleman 4P Silver Evo

Price At Time Of Writing | $249.00

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Overall Rating | 77

Comfort | 6

Construction | 2

Features | 7

Size/Weight | 4

Versatility | 8


Packed Size - 112x25x24cm

Weight - 12.7kg

Sleeping Size - 5.3sqm


Best For - Compact family camping

Pros: Quick setup, stable, price

Cons: Limited space, low-quality materials

Overall: Reliable for small families going camping

OA Comfort Camper XL10

Price At Time Of Writing | $699.95

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Overall Rating | 76

Comfort | 8

Construction | 5

Features | 2

Size/Weight | 8

Versatility | 3


Packed Size - 70x30x30cm

Weight - 17kg

Sleeping Size - 12sqm


Best For - Spacious family camping

Pros - Generous space, sturdy

Cons - Heavy, requires effort to set up

Overall - Comfortable for large families

Watch our in-depth analysis by category

Advice we’d give to a friend

The Basics

What size tent should I get? - This will really depend on personal factors but there are typically two basic options: an 8-10 person tent or a 4 person tent. 4 person tents are usually 1 room and 8-10 person tents are usually 2 large rooms or 3 medium size rooms.

How many ‘season’ tent do I need? - In almost all conditions in Australia a 3 season family camping tent is best. 4 season tents are more for very cold/ snowy conditions so unless you are planning on camping in the snow fields or Tasmania in winter, 3 is enough. Another thing to consider is that 4 season tents trap the heat and can get very hot in the warmer months which is when most of us are camping anyway.

How much room do you have in the car and at camp? - Some tents like the Oztent RV5 are 2m long when packed so you need a roof rack to get it around. Others like the Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air have a massive footprint when setup so you will need a decent enough amount of space to set it up at camp.

Are you going to use it for touring or for longer stay camping? - Some tents for families are easier to set up than others so if you are travelling around to a new spot every night something with a quick setup is going to be important.

Canvas vs. Polyester Materials? - This is a well debated topic. Canvas is definitely more durable and some believe that these are the best family tents but they are also heavy and hard to dry. Modern day tents made of polyester type fabrics can be just as good or better in our view so long as they are made with a good density fabric and solid waterproofing.

Budget

When it comes to finding the best family tents we think you can get something decent without dropping a ton of cash. There are always exceptions to the rule but we break the market into three main categories for 8-10 person tents and 4 person tents:

High End (over $800) - This will get you one of the best camping tents for your family. Good quality materials, spacious and durable.

Mid Range (8-10P $400 to $800, 4P $300 to $800) - These tents are typically still going to be easy to set up with decent materials that won’t fall apart on you. Quality can vary between brands in this price range and we find a $700 tent isn’t always better than a $500 tent for instance.

Low Range (8-10P under $400, 4P under $300) - Be careful - you’ll likely purchase something you’ll regret. Poles may fall apart or fabric may not be as waterproof as claimed.

Cabin vs. Dome Tents

Dome tents typically have less head room and are less spacious. For that reason we believe cabin style tents are the best tents for families whether you are camping or touring. All family tent reviews here are for cabin style tents.

Considerations for Australian Conditions

When picking a family camping tent in Australia, there are a few extra things to think about to make sure your tent is comfortable, practical and lasts:

  • Sun and UV exposure - Australia’s sun can be harsh and even high-quality polyester tents can fade or weaken over time. Look for UV-protected fabrics, and whenever possible, set up your tent in the shade or use a tarp over the flysheet. A UV spray can also help protect the material.

  • Rain and waterproofing - Due to our unpredictable weather, even a 3-season tent should have a solid waterproof rating (usually 3,000–5,000mm) and sealed seams. Keep in mind that heavy rain combined with wind can test a tent’s durability, so strong poles and a well-fitted fly are essential.

  • Ventilation and condensation - Humid or warm weather can make tents uncomfortable. A good family tent should have multiple windows, vents, or mesh panels so air can circulate to help prevent condensation, keep the tent cooler and stop damp smells.

  • Durability in Aussie conditions - Speaking of our weather, strong winds, bumpy ground and sandy beaches can all take a toll. Reinforced floors, solid pole structures and durable fabrics are worth the extra investment if you plan to camp often or in remote locations.

  • Size and layout for local camping - Think about how you’ll use the tent in Australian parks or beaches. Large 8–10 person tents are spacious but need a lot of flat space, which isn’t always easy to find. Smaller 4-person tents are easier to transport and set up at crowded campgrounds or bush camping spots.

  • Storage and transport - Some family tents are massive when packed, so check your car space before buying. Roof racks or roof boxes may be necessary for the biggest tents, while mid-sized tents can usually fit in the boot of an SUV or station wagon.

  • Canvas vs polyester for Aussie camping - Canvas tents are tough and long-lasting, but heavy and slower to dry. Polyester tents are lighter and easier to handle, and modern fabrics can be just as durable if well-made. Think about how much carrying and setup you’ll do versus longevity.

  • Local repair and warranty support - Buying tents from brands with Australian distributors means you can easily get replacement poles, pegs, or repair kits if something goes wrong. This is especially useful if you’re camping in remote areas.

Safety Checklist

  • Check Official Warnings: Always check the Bureau of Meteorology for forecasts and fire danger ratings before you go. Never camp in a dry creek bed.

  • Peg it Right: Use all guy ropes and pegs, especially in wind, as a taut tent handles weather best.

  • No Food in Tent & Ventilate: Store food in your car to avoid wildlife visits and keep vents open to manage condensation and heat. Wildwalks has great great general advice on low-impact camping and wildlife.

Ratings By Category

Method

After reviewing the market we pick what we think will be the best family camping tents in each category from a variety of retailers. Each product selected gets 50 points automatically just for being selected. We then perform field tests and in person assessments to rank them out of 10 on the following categories: Comfort, Construction, Features, Size/ Weight and Versatility.

Rankings are adjusted or weighted based on importance and how much they vary e.g. some categories will be categorised from 1 to 10 whereas others 4 to 9 etc. (although there may be outliers). For the family tent reviews size/ weight and versatility are considered inverse in our reviews. An 8-10 person tent for instance isn’t as good for touring so is less versatile and a 4 person tent isn’t going to have anywhere near the same floor space as an 8-10 person tent. We have handicapped these metrics in order to provide a level playing field so if for instance you see a 4 person tent getting ranked as a 6 out of 10 for size/ weight that may actually be a good ranking.

If you are looking for the best family tents in Australia this is where we hope to provide you with all the details. We believe good family tent reviews should provide you with all the info you need to decide and we hope you can find that here.

Testing Methodology

All the family camping tents we review are tested hands-on in realistic Australian camping conditions, not just pitched in a backyard, checking how they perform over full weekends outdoors, with weather, ground conditions and real family use in mind.

Once on site, each tent goes through a setup and inspection phase, where we check its build quality, pole and seam strength, zipper durability and how easy it is to pitch and pack down, even with limited help. We also measure packed weight and dimensions to confirm whether they match the manufacturer’s claims.

Then, we subject the tents to a series of real-world performance trials. This includes testing weatherproofing in wind and rain, ventilation and condensation management in both cool and warm conditions, and overall liveability with a family and their gear inside. We examine features like room layout, storage options and blackout capabilities, focusing on how comfortable the tent is to live in from afternoon naps to overnight storms, simulating a typical Australian family camping trip.

Finally, we assess long-term durability and usability by repeating pitch and pack-down cycles, inspecting for wear and tear after use on varied Australian ground surfaces and testing how portable and manageable the tent is for car-to-campsite carrying. Scores across these areas are then weighted into our category ratings, so the overall ranking reflects not just specs on paper, but how the tent performs when your family is tired, it’s getting dark and rain might be on the way.

Want the full breakdown of our testing process? Click the drop-downs below to learn about our detailed methodology.

  • Before we take tents for a camping trip, we check over the family camping tent to confirm construction quality, included components and basic usability.

    • Unboxing and Component Check - We make sure all advertised parts are included: fly, inner body, poles, pegs, guy ropes, room dividers, awnings, storage pockets and carry bag.

    • Material and Construction Review - We then check over tent, looking for misaligned stitching, loose threads, poor seam taping, or stress points likely to tear. Some of what we check includes:

      • Fabric quality (polyester, canvas, ripstop, denier rating)

      • Stitching, seam taping and waterproof coatings

      • Zippers, door tracks and ventilation panels

      • Joinery points and pole connectors

    • First Pitch Timing and Ease - As everyone should before heading out on a trip, we pitch the tent. We do ours for the first time in calm conditions, timing how long it takes with two testers and following the supplied instructions exactly. This forms our testing baseline for real-world setup. We check for:

      • Clarity of instructions

      • Logical pole layout or hub system

      • Whether clips, sleeves and anchors are user-friendly

      • Need for pre-reading or trial-and-error

    • Size, Weight and Packed Dimensions
      We then log a range of specs, which are compared with manufacturer claims to detect discrepancies. These include:

      • Total packed weight

      • Bag dimensions and compressibility

      • Pole bundle size and material type

  • We then test tents over multiple nights in varied environments, such as powered sites and open bushland, to see how the tent performs when actually camping.

    • Pitching Under Pressure - We pitch the tent again at a real campsite, sometimes in wind or low light, to simulate realistic arrival conditions (e.g. arriving at dusk). We also make sure to see how intuitive the process is after familiarity with the tent.

    • Weather Protection (Rain and Wind) - If conditions allow, we camp through rain or use hose testing to test a range of factors. We record any leaks along seams, zippers or roof vents. Some of what we test includes:

      • Fly coverage and water beading

      • Seam integrity and floor bathtub performance

      • Wind stability with fully tensioned guylines

    • Ventilation and Condensation Control - Across evening to morning, we check how well the tent ventilates, such as monitoring:

      • Mesh panels, roof vents and airflow design

      • Condensation buildup on inner tent walls

      • Whether windows can be partially opened in rain

    • Internal Space and Layout Functionality - We sleep, move and store gear inside to evaluate:

      • Room size with mattresses/stretchers

      • Standing height and head clearance

      • Door placement, divider practicality and privacy

      • Awning or porch usability for chairs/cooking

    • Noise and Light - We also note how the fabric performs overnight, such as flapping or rattling in wind and how much light comes inside (blackout vs bright). This is because families often care about early morning light or midnight disturbance.

  • A good family tent should last more than one season. To give us an understanding of how the tent will fare long term, we put the tent through stress and weather tests. These include:

    • Seam and Fabric Tension - We apply controlled stress (gentle pull tests) to corner points, guyline loops and door anchors to test reinforcement quality.

    • Floor Toughness and Abrasion - We inspect the tent’s floor after use on rough ground or peg-driven surfaces, checking for scuffs, punctures or delamination.

    • UV Exposure and Colour Fastness
      When possible, we leave the fly pitched in full sun over multiple hours to check for any fading, fabric brittleness or coating loss.

    • Peg and Pole Durability - Poles are flexed multiple times during setup and pack-down so that we can check for cracking, splintering (in fibreglass) or bending (in steel/aluminium).

  • As family tents are temporary homes for people young and old, it’s important that we test features that affect everyday functionality.

    • Setup and Pack-Down Repeatability - We perform multiple full cycles of setup and teardown to check:

      • Whether components jam, snag or deform

      • Difficulty in folding fly/inner to fit back into bag

      • How strong or tall one needs to be to set the tent up solo

    • Storage and Organisation - We check how well the tent supports organised living. This includes the:

      • Number and placement of internal pockets

      • Lantern hooks, gear lofts, electrical cord ports

      • Groundsheet integration in vestibules/porches

    • Transport and Vehicle Fit - We also see how easily the packed tent fits into standard vehicles (crossover, SUV, wagon) and how manageable the weight is for one person.

    • Family Friendliness - As these are family camping tents, we have to also check real usability factor, including:

      • How easy it is for kids to use zippers and doors

      • Tripping hazards (guy lines, pole hubs)

      • Entry/exit without dirt or water ingress

  • Each tent is scored across five core categories, each with an equal role in determining the tent’s overall score. These categories include:

    • Comfort - Focuses on internal space, headroom, temperature control and sleep experience

    • Construction - Focuses on material quality, seam strength, pole integrity and weatherproofing

    • Features - Focuses on storage, dividers, awnings, ports and ventilation options

    • Size/Weight - Focuses on packed weight, bulk, ease of transport and setup by families

    • Versatility - Focuses on suitability across seasons, weather adaptability and campsite types

    Each category is scored (typically out of 10), then normalised and weighted. Exceptional performance in one area (e.g. extreme weather stability or unmatched space) may earn a bonus, while serious usability issues result in deductions.

    We use the same bedding gear, peg styles and team members across tests where possible. Weather variables are recorded (temperature, wind speed, rainfall) to provide fair comparisons.

    By following this structured approach, our reviews aim to reflect realistic family use to help buyers choose tents that will stand up to real weekends away, unpredictable weather, excited kids and years of holiday fun with the family.

Comfort

Comfort considers three main elements: how spacious it feels, the layout and key design elements impacting liveability.

Most of the tents for families we reviewed were pretty comfortable and there isn’t a huge deal of variation in this category. Some of the less comfortable models like the Oztent RV5 have a big aluminium bar running down the floor while others like the Oztrail 10P Black Out were to dark inside. We understand that is the feature but we prefer to be able to see inside our tent in the daytime. The best tents for families such as the Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air and the BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240 on the other hand have a spacious feel and we’d be happy to spend time in them on a rainy day if needed.

Blackwolf Turbo Lite 240 Spacious Interior

Aluminium Floor Bar In RV5

Construction

Construction essentially looks at materials used and craftmanship. Fabrics and pole materials play a massive role in how breathable, strong and waterproof it will be. There is usually a trade off here between quality and cost.

In a traditional tent important things to look out for are a strong gauge aluminium frame and high denier (density) materials (such as ripstop or canvas) with a good water head rating are typically the best. Cheap tents will use thin gauge fibreglass poles or weak materials so avoid buying those as they will fall apart. The Oztent RV5 and BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240 tick all the boxes. The Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air is not your standard tent being an inflatable but we were surprised with how solid the structure actually was when setup.

Durable Oztent RV5 (right) vs Coleman 4P Silver (left) materials

OA Comfort Camper (left) vs. Black Wolf TurboLite (right) frame

Features

The features category looks at how easy it is to set up as well as some of the basics like storage pockets, hanging hooks and power access points and ventilation.

The Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air was the best family tent in this category ticking all the boxes - with fast setup and having great configuration options it is very liveable. The OA Comfort Camper XL 10 took a long time to set up and the OA Hanlu 4P was missing an electrical inlet. All of the others were fairly comparable although the Oztent RV5 with its twist lock poles is very quick to set up. The Coleman 10P Gold also ticks all the boxes and is a great value tent for the family.

OA Comfort Camper XL10 Lengthy Assembly

The Black Wolf Turbo Lite 240 Has Ventilation Windows

Size/Weight

Rankings in this category primarily consider the amount of useable floor space the tent provides. Sleeping configurations, packed size and headroom were also considered. 8-10 person tents will naturally rank higher here and higher on versatility.

The Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air and BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240 were the standouts here in their respective categories. The Zempire is actually the biggest family tent we have seen and it feels like a mansion inside. The Oztrail 10P Black Out also provides good space for the whole family with three rooms (two bedrooms and a small foyer). The Oztent RV5 is 202cm long when packed so you will need a roof rack as it won’t fit in the boot. If you’re heading somewhere particularly remote, have a read of our best satellite communicator recommendation, especially if you’re camping with kids.

Oztent RV5 2m Packed Size

Coleman 10P Gold Ample Floor Space

Versatility

This category looks at whether we would use the tent for family camping, touring or both. 4 person tents will naturally rank higher here and lower on size/weight.

The BlackWolf Turbo Lite 240 is a great allrounder that we would happily take touring or on a family camping trip. Easy to set up, durable and with a symmetrical interior and awning this is one of the best family camping tents in a 4 person model. For the price the Coleman 4P Silver Evo also offers great value that can be used for touring or camping and isn’t a bad option as a tent for the family.

A variety of spaces available in the Zempire Evo TXL V2 Air; an inflatable frame makes it easier to pitch, increasing its versatility

The Coleman 4P Silver Evo has Room for a Family and Pets

About Our Testing Process

Here at The Equipment Guide we write reviews for Australians with the goal of providing a genuine personal assessment of the best products on the market right here at home.

All products are reviewed and ranked in a methodical and careful manner and we assess them on relevant key features. We do not accept free products from manufacturers.

Our mission is simple: To create Australia’s best outdoor gear reviews.

Learn more

Afterword

We hope you liked our reviews of the best family camping tents Australia has to offer!

Really most of the family tents we reviewed were great and you don’t necessarily have to spend a bundle on the best family camping tents. Our family tent reviews are all designed with Australian conditions in mind. If you would like us to review a product or have any feedback we’d love to hear from you, feel free to drop us a note.

If you do purchase and are out in your family camping tent please share some pics with us we’d love to see you in action.