Australia's beaches are among the best in the world, but they come at a cost - we also have some of the harshest sunshine in the world. But thanks to the best beach shelters, you can stay cool and protected from harmful UV rays next time you're at the beach. If you are travelling on foot, have a full car or getting on public transport, it needs to be light to carry and compact. A beach tent is the ultimate accessory for days out at the seaside. Whether you're on holiday or going on a day trip, a beach tent really comes in handy when it comes to sun protection, keeping the wind at bay while you enjoy a picnic and giving you a place to change your clothes. What to look for in a good beach tent? UV protection The unique pop-up mechanism means it goes up effortlessly, and can be folded away easily by one person. It also comes with a carry bag with a long strap, leaving your hands free to wrangle assorted children, pets and other beach essentials.

It’s really easy to put up, although a little fiddly while you’re getting the hang of it and it’s really sturdy once it’s upright. Beach tents are typically made of lightweight and durable materials such as polyester or nylon, and they usually feature UV protection to shield occupants from harmful sun rays. They come in various sizes and designs, ranging from compact pop-up tents to larger structures that can accommodate multiple people. Are beach tents easy to fold? Last, but certainly not least, I'd suggest paying particular attention to how stable the beach sun shelters you're looking at are. You will want to get something that will stand up to windy weather. Otherwise, a simple random gust of wind could be enough to send your shelter tumbling along the sand. Summary The other six options on my list are definitely worth considering as well - so don't overlook them! Unlike pop-up options, it does require some assembly, and poles can be fiddly - especially on a windy day with kids about. However, what you lose in convenience you make up for in quality and sturdiness.I found when mine was this age she went to sleep really easily on the beach due to the wave noise. I guess it’s like white noise. I miss those days!" (Recommended by Mumsnet user Ohshitiveturnedintomymother) Our verdict Another thing worth noting about popup shelters is that they usually have three walls, which means that they offer excellent protection from rain, wind, and blown sand. Canopy-Style Shelters

The best overall beach shelter is the Pacific Beach Sand & Surf pop-up tent. It's closely followed by the budget-friendly ZOMAKE pop-up beach tent, the CoolCabanas cabana shelter, and the Neso Grande canopy tent. Dimensions: 195 x 195cm | Sizes: One size | Weight: 2.2kg | Colour: Blue | Material: Not stated What we like This is the sun shelter that we had and used many times in the past. It’s a really spacious canopy that all can sit under if need be (there were 4 of us), although it was a bit of a squeeze. We had the large size but it also comes in an extra large size as well which I think I could even stand up under (Although to be fair, I’m very short – 5ft 0!). If, however, you want to meet and befriend others, open-plan beach tents are the way to go. Storage CapacityDimensions: ‎170 x 170 x 110cm | Sizes: Compact, family | Weight: 1.14kg | Colour: Orange | Material: Polyester What we like There are a few different types of beach shelters on the market. Here are four of the most common models you will see. Pop-Up Beach Tents If you're planning on spending hours in the sun, UV protection is a must. Many beach tents offer UPF protection of 50 or higher to ensure you're safe from the sun when you want to come out of the sea for some shelter. A UV beach tent offers respite from the rays, especially if you're at the beach with small children or fancy an afternoon nap. You'll still want to apply your sunscreen but a UV beach tent provides protection from the direct sunlight. Stability