A cabana is an outdoor structure used to shelter from the sun, rain and other elements. It is typically found on beaches and other outdoor locations, providing a relaxing spot to unwind away from the heat.
When looking for the best cabanas, it's important to consider factors such the size coverage, UV protection offering, ease of set-up and price. You should also check whether it would be a permanent or temporary structure.
For this list, we evaluated several cabanas found in various online retailers including Amazon, BCF, eBay and Kogan. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings and chose the units for each category based on key product features.
For the best portable beach cabana, our team has chosen the Qipi Portable Beach Cabana, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 Amazon reviews.
This portable beach cabana features a sturdy fibreglass structure to hold the roof and comes with 4 stakes for stability. There are also built-in sandbags on each corner and a sand drill for easy set-up. It offers protection against harmful UV rays with its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+.
Customers praised the cabana's easy installation, sturdy construction and superb sun protection. It's lightweight and can be set up in under 10 minutes, with a durable frame and a removable wall for extra shade. Some reviews said the fabric is a bit thinner than they're used to but added that it still gives plenty of shade and protection from the sun.
The Komodo Cabana Shelter UV50 is our pick for the best cabana for backyards. It offers protection of UPF 50+ against the sun and is water-resistant to also keep you protected during the rain.
With four internal pockets, this cabana offers easy storage for your valuables. There are also steel poles to support the structure against strong winds as well as four sand pockets that can hold 16kg of sand for added stability and support.
Not only is this cabana reasonably priced and easy to set up, but it offers 4sqm of shade for you and your family. It is also easy to pack in the included storage bag so you can take it to the beach without consuming tons of space inside your car.
We recommend the CoolCabanas Beach Shelter 2m as the best option you can get from BCF. It has also gained positive feedback on Amazon, earning a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Featuring cotton poly canvas fabric with UPF 50+ for sun protection, this beach cabana is an ideal solution to protect your family against the harsh Aussie summer sun. It also has 8 internal pockets so you can store your devices, wallets and keys while enjoying the beach.
It measures 1.8 metres along each side and 1.5 metres to the roof edges. When packed, it measures 80x14x14cm, making it a compact yet easy-to-set-up solution for the outdoors. Customers said the frame is durable and can withstand strong gushes of wind. But it's a bit heavy because it's made of solid and heavy-duty material.
CoolCabanas Red Label
Best CoolCabanas
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Suitable for up to 6 people
Can withstand strong gushes of wind
Cons
Heavy
There are cheaper options in the market
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The CoolCabanas Red Label is our pick as the best option from the brand. The Red Label is the brand's premium range of cabanas designed for those who want something more durable and bigger for their beach outing.
Similar to the other CoolCabanas options, the Red Label cabana offers a large shade of up to 5.8sqm and folds quite small so you can easily take it anywhere with you. Apart from offering UPF 50+, this cabana is made of cotton polyester for breathability.
Numerous buyers were impressed by this cabana's lightweight yet protective fabric, easy set-up and durable build. While it's not the most affordable option in the market, this product has remained a favourite among beachgoers. It can effortlessly withstand strong gushes of wind, is easy to pack and comes in 3 vibrant designs, including a fun floral print for a truly tropical feel.
We picked the Coolaroo Cabana as the best small option you can get right now in Australia. Endorsed by Cancer Council, this measures 1.8sqm and still offers plenty of shade for 2–3 people.
This cabana has a durable powder-coated steel frame and pocket insert to store your phones, keys and other valuables. Apart from being easy to set up, the fabric is breathable and comes in various fun and colourful designs to suit any personality.
Customers gave positive feedback on the cabana's affordable price tag, durable frame and colourful design. It's also big enough for multiple people but packs compact for easy portability and storage. Some said the frame wobbles when it's windy, but this seems to be a minor concern.
CoolCabanas Red Label
Best large cabana
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
Suitable for up to 6 people
Can withstand strong gushes of wind
Cons
Heavy
There are cheaper options in the market
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The CoolCabanas Red Label is also our pick for the best large cabana you can get right now in Australia. Specifically designed to be more durable and bigger than other models on offer, it boasts an impressive 5.8sqm of shade coverage with UPF 50+ protection, perfect for any beach outing.
Thanks to its cotton polyester blend fabric construction, this product offers breathability in addition to being lightweight. Its easy set-up means no hassle required either: simply pop open and enjoy your day out.
Customers have been extremely impressed as this durable cabana has stayed put against even strong gushes of wind while still folding down small enough so they can take it anywhere. It is a bit pricier than other cabanas out there, but users said it's worth the investment.
We selected the EzyFast Elegant Pop Up Beach Cabana for this category. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
This pop-up cabana measures 7.5x7.5ft at the base with a 6x6ft fabric top. It also has a ceiling height of about 6.6ft, providing enough room for up to 4 people. Apart from a mesh valance for breathability, it has a full-sized back wall for added protection and privacy.
The general sentiment is it's an affordable and easy-to-set-up cabana, perfect for the beach and home use. It also has gravity corner curtains with ties and lower built-in weight bags for stability and support. The fabric is made of 190T textile that helps block UV rays, but some users said it's too thin for their liking.
DockATot Cabana Kit Sunshade
Best cabana kit
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
SPF 50+ protection
Waterproof bottom
Cons
Specifically made for the brand's docking station
Only suitable for babies 0–8 months old
Buy now
Check manufacturer website for current RRP and availability
The DockATot Cabana Kit Sunshade is our pick for the best cabana kit. This model features a retractable UV-protected shade that provides SPF 50+ to shield your little one from harmful UV rays. It also has a waterproof base protector and folds into a travel pouch for easy portability.
Tested for harmful substances, this cabana kit is ideal for babies with sensitive skin. It also has a hideaway bug screen to ensure insects won't get onto your baby's skin. It's also machine-washable.
Amazon prices last updated on 29 April, 2024 at 01:01 pmeBay prices last updated on 30 April, 2024 at 12:11 am
Methodology
9 Brands considered
50+ Products compared
8 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
All efforts have been made by our team to come up with the 8 best cabanas you can buy right now in Australia. We examined various options available from online retailers and chose cabanas from brands such as:
BR
Coolaroo
CoolCabana
Costaway
DockATot
EzyFast
Kailasa
Komodo
Tipi
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of February). We also considered each model’s key product features, including size, ease of use, value for money and sun protection.
What is a cabana?
A cabana is an open-air structure that provides shelter from the sun and rain. It consists of a sturdy framework covered in fabric or other weather-resistant materials to protect it from the elements. Cabanas can be found at beaches, resorts and other outdoor recreational areas. They provide a comfortable and privacy while you get to enjoy the outdoors.
Cabana vs gazebo vs canopy
Cabanas, gazebos and canopies are 3 popular outdoor structures that offer privacy and shade. However, the structure has a unique design and purpose.
Cabanas are great for creating an outdoor living space or providing shelter from the sun around a swimming pool or at the beach. They typically feature slatted walls for ventilation and come with a roof for protection against rain and other weather conditions.
Gazebos are usually freestanding structures with a peaked roof and open sides, making them suitable for hot summer days when you want to keep cool while still being outside. A screened gazebo can be used as an outdoor dining room in warmer months by protecting it from bugs while allowing air to circulate through it.
Canopies are large fabric covers that are portable and easy to set up. Canopies are great for temporary shade during events such as picnics or tailgate parties since they come in many different sizes and shapes, including pop-up structures that you can easily transport to your destination of choice. Canopies don't offer any solid protection from wind or rain, but they do create comfortable shaded areas and add style to any outdoor event.
How to compare cabanas
When shopping for a cabana, there are several factors to consider to get the best product for your needs:
Size
The size of the cabana affects how much coverage it provides, so knowing the size you need before shopping is important. If you plan on having multiple people using the cabana at once or plan to use it often, a larger size might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are looking for something that can just provide shade for one person then a smaller option may suffice.
UV protection
Look for fabrics with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. This means that 97% or more of UV radiation is blocked from reaching your skin.
Ease of set-up
Ease of set-up should also be considered when searching for the perfect cabana. Some models require additional parts that must be purchased separately while others already come with everything needed to assemble them easily.
Some more elaborate models may require tools prior to installation while others offer adjustable height options that allow them to fit different sizes and heights of users comfortably while still providing maximum coverage against sun and wind exposure.
Price
Price can vary greatly depending on what features you're looking for and how large of a structure you need. Generally speaking, most quality cabanas will cost between $100 and $500 depending on size, fabric, coverage and ease of assembly.
How to clean your cabana
To properly clean your beach cabana tent, there are several steps to take:
Begin by shaking out the cabana to loosen up sand, dirt and other debris.
Next, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to loosen and remove any dirt or sand that may have accumulated in the fabric.
Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub dirt from corners or crevices in the fabric.
Take your cabana tent outside and hang it on a laundry line so that both sides get exposed to sunlight and air.
When you're ready to dry the cabana, make sure to set the dryer on low heat so that you don't damage the material of your cabana tent with extreme temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
We selected the Qipi Portable Beach Cabana as the best option you can get online.
A cabana kit is a sunshade attachment for a baby's docking station. The kit helps protect the baby from harmful rays and other outdoor elements.
Generally speaking, the cabana's fabric should have at least a UPF 30 rating. This means the material only allows 3% of UV rays to pass through.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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