No matter where you’re going camping, a gazebo will provide all-important protection from the elements.
When choosing a gazebo, it’s important to factor in waterproofing, wind resistance, and ease of set-up. This will ensure you purchase a gazebo that will last you many summers.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best gazebos in Australia to help you in your search.
Our top pick: OZtrail Deluxe 2.4 Gazebo V4 Hydro Flow
Size: 2.4m x 2.4m
Head clearance: 2.05m
Weight: 20kg
Warranty: 1 year
This high-quality, spacious gazebo will keep you cool and comfortable during those sweltering summer days.
It’s quick to erect, with a powder-coated frame that protects it from rust. It also has an anti-ponding design that prevents water pooling at the corners of the canopy.
Plus, the canopy comes with an internal silver coating that blocks more than 98% of UV radiation, so it’s great for keeping you safe from harmful rays.
This gazebo has been certified by Australian Engineers to the Building Code of Australia for temporary shade structures, so you can rest assured that it’s sturdy and safe.
On the downside, it’s not the cheapest option on our list, nor is it the largest, so is more suited to small families or groups of friends.
Best value: Kings 3x3m Portable Gazebo
Size: 3m x 3m
Head clearance: 2.4m
Weight: Not stated
Warranty: 1 year
If you’re looking for a portable gazebo that’s both affordable and high quality, the Kings Gazebo might be the one for you.
It offers excellent UV protection—rated UPF 50+—and is 100% waterproof, so you can relax in the shade of this sturdy structure with no worries about what the weather might throw at you.
The Kings Gazebo features a heavy-duty 420D Oxford PU-coated polyester cover and a sturdy reinforced steel frame that can be set to four different heights.
Also great: Wanderer Ultimate Heavy Duty Gazebo
Size: 3m x 3m
Head clearance: Not stated
Weight: 23kg
Warranty: 1 year
The Wanderer Ultimate Heavy Duty Gazebo is made with a silver-coated polyester canopy and powder-coated steel frame construction that provides durability and stability.
It has a simple locking mechanism that makes it easy to set up in minutes, so you can enjoy shade anywhere, be it at your camp spot, a sporting event, or a backyard barbeque.
Best with lights: Coleman Lighted LED Heat Shield Gazebo
Size: 3m x 3m
Head clearance: Not stated
Weight: 19kg
Warranty: 1 year
This gazebo features an LED strip lighting system with 450 lumens of light output that can be powered by D cell batteries or a USB power bank.
It’s a great option for outdoor entertaining or camping as the whole gazebo space can easily be illuminated at night so you don’t need to muck around with lanterns and torches.
The Heat Shield technology blocks out 98% of UV rays while an easy glide frame has adjustable height legs so you can customise the shelter to suit your needs.
Illumiline reflective guy lines provide greater visibility at night while a vented roof releases trapped heat for more comfort.
This gazebo also comes with a wheeled carry bag for easy transportation.
Also great: Coleman Deluxe Event 14 Shade
Size: 4.3m x 4.3m
Head clearance: 2.3m
Weight: 23kg
Warranty: 1 year
This oversized gazebo was our top pick when we first started reviewing gazebos many years ago and has stood the test of time, remaining one of the most popular camping gazebos on the market.
With its sturdy steel frame and superior weatherproofing, this gazebo is not only easy to set up but provides plenty of headroom thanks to its dome design.
The dome design also means water doesn’t pool in wet conditions, while shock-corded poles provide plenty of strength in the wind.
The canopy is made from fire retardant, 50+ UPF, waterproof polyester (fully seam-sealed), meaning you are protected no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
There is also a single wall included so you can fully close one side of the gazebo for protection against sun or wind. Additional walls are available for purchase separately.
Gazebo Buying Guide
Size
Before you even start to look at different brands, you should think about what size gazebo you need.
The most common gazebo used for camping is 3 x 3 metres. This size is big enough for a table, a cooker and enough chairs for a family or a small group of friends.
In addition to the amount of shade you want, think about the types of places you’ll be camping. Will you have space for both your tent and the gazebo at your favourite campsite?
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Waterproofing
It goes without saying that it’s important that you choose a gazebo that is waterproof.
While all brands will claim their shelters are fully waterproof, in reality, some perform better than others.
This is why its important to buy from a reputable brand and check for recent customer reviews. A 1-year+ warranty is great to have as well, just in case anything does go wrong.
In addition to the material used, the design of some gazebos means that water tends to pool in certain spots. This can put extra strain on the structure and cause damage over time.
Look for products where the manufacturers have factored this potential issue into their design. For example, the OZtrail Deluxe 2.4 Gazebo features “Hydro Flow Anti-Ponding Bars”.
Frame strength and wind resistance
The next thing to think about is wind resistance. After all, you don’t want your gazebo blowing away in the first gust of wind.
A good quality frame can make all the difference when it comes to wind resistance. Look for one with sturdy poles that won’t bend or break easily when under pressure from strong winds.
High-quality gazebos will have a steel frame that’s powder-coated to prevent rust.
Look at the number of guy ropes and pegs included, and whether the roof material has air vents to allow wind to pass through.
UV sun protection
If you want something that will keep your family safe from the sun’s harmful rays, look for a model with UPF 50+ coverage.
This means that over 98% of UVA and UVB radiation is blocked, protecting people from sunburn and skin cancer.
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Speed and ease of set-up
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a gazebo is how easy it will be to set up.
You want to be able to set up your gazebo without tools and without spending half the day reading the instruction manual.
Look for a gazebo that comes with a wheeled carry bag for easy transportation.
Optional solid or mesh walls
Gazebos often come with the ability to attach either solid or mesh walls. Even if you don’t want this feature right away, it’s good to have it as an option down the line.
- Solid walls can provide protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
- Mesh walls are great for keeping out insects like flies and mosquitos while retaining air circulation.
