Be it sheltering from those gusty gales, or throwing shade in the hottest part of the day – there’s an array of gazebos on the market covering a combination of stability, durability, sun protection, and wind resistance.
We’re not here to cause any tent-sion – but this blog outlines the gazebos we believe throw some serious shade on others of their kind. Enduring the hard-hitting Aussie conditions, and enhancing outdoor setups from the ground up – the following gazebos have been selected based on both their sales data, and the outdoor-expert opinion of some of Snowys’ greatest gear gurus.
Read on for our top picks on the shelters that draw out those outback hangouts, and stay grounded during outdoor dynamics. For more on beach shelters in particular, check out our top 10 best sellers here too!
Read on for our top picks on the shelters that draw out those outback hangouts! Image: OZtrail
Best for Camping and All-Round Use:
OZtrail Deluxe 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 with Hydroflow
In the 3m x 3m category, the original OZtrail Deluxe 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 are our top selection owing to their perfect balance of size, weight, durability, and setup system. With a durable steel frame that’s easy to manage and fast-assembling, plus a heavy-duty strut system to prevent buckling as the wind blows, these shelters cover all bases – literally.
Features a UVTex® fabric with vents for airflow, these gazebos provide superior weather protection and bear the brutality of outback elements. Triple-layer reinforced points at the corners and roofline seams also work hand in hand to withstand wear and tear, and improve canopy tension.
The OZtrail Deluxe range are your all-round, you-beaut shelter solutions for camping, market stalls, sporting events – and everything huddled in between.
Simple, reliable, and affordable – the OZtrail Deluxe 3.0 Gazebo with Hydroflow is one of our recommended all-rounders, especially for camping. Image: OZtrail
Best Value for Money:
OZtrail Deluxe 3.0
The Deluxe 3.0 may be the pared-back version of our best all-rounder in cost and componentry – but not in campsite convenience!
Its heavy-duty steel frame boasts a rigid construction, expanding easily and collapsing promptly after that last patty. A polyester canopy throws nine square metres of serious shade, silver-coated on the inside to block harmful UV rays and treated with fire retardant to ensure safety from extreme heat. Tie-down anchor points for guy ropes ensure sturdiness in wild weather, while the carry bag on wheels bodes well for easy transport and compact packing.
The Deluxe 3.0 is the pared-back version of our best all-rounder. Image: OZtrail
Best for Functions, Events, and Market Stalls:
OZtrail Deluxe Commercial
For special occasions, the OZtrail Deluxe Commercial range provides reliable shelter across three sizes: 2.4, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0.
A neutral white 500D canopy features a silver lining for reflecting up to 98% of UV radiation, while anti-ponding bars shed water and large roof vents aid with dissipating both wind and heat. To withstand wear and tear, there are reinforced, triple-layer 600D polyester points, a fire retardant that meets the US standard CPAI-84, and Hydroflow anti-ponding bars for better performance in wilder weather.
While the Deluxe 2.4 boasts a compact design, the Deluxe 3.0 maintains its status as the most efficient to both expand and collapse. With the Deluxe 4.5, they’re each recommended for their affordability and reliability. From the outback barbies to the summertime shindigs, the Deluxe 6.0 also provides sufficient shade for special occasions and events – like those backyard birthday parties, or crackling roast Christmas lunches.
The Deluxe Commercial range features heavier frames and fabrics – though when comparing the cost per use with other models, this often means they last longer. The option of a white canopy also provides flexibility for printing unique branding.
The Deluxe Commercial from OZtrail provides simple and reliable shelter for guests. Image: OZtrail
Gazebos with print-ready canopies are perfect for events. Image: OZtrail
Best for the Beach and Windy Conditions
Quest Air Gazebo 3
New to the top-sellers list, it’s the perfect adventure pod for summertime setups!
A 150D UPF50+ polyester construction with 2,000mm waterhead rating both stands up to wet wetter and shields from harsh Aussie rays – plus, a lantern hanging point and hooks for strip lighting mean you can continue the campsite chaos and create true campsite magic at sundown too.
Enjoy indoor space in any outdoor place fast, with single-point inflation and double valves for rapid deflation. Plus, an oversized carry bag allows for easy packing and neat storage.
Expand your family home away from home with the Air Gazebo 3 by Quest!
The perfect adventure pod for summertime setups. Image: Quest
With a 150D polyester inflatable airframe, this gazebo is both sturdy and quick to pitch. Image: Quest
Best for Portability
OZtrail Compact 2.4
Maintaining modesty in space and weight – the OZtrail Compact 2.4 will have you cracking open a cold one and settled by sunset, owing to their efficient and, as its name suggests, compact design.
Built for fairer conditions, a high-quality powder-coated steel frame with ABS componentry provides strength and structure, certified by Australian Engineers and working hand in hand with all guy ropes for steadfast security at the campsite. Their 150D polyester canopies are UV-treated, where a silver coating reflects 98% of harsh Aussie sun rays. Plus, roof vents allow adequate ventilation, heat mediation, and wind dissipation.
For compact camp clobber that packs a punch, the Compact also collapses into a heavy-duty wheeled carry bag for convenient transport.
For smaller vehicles, or limited outdoor spaces – try the OZtrail Compact. Image: OZtrail
Best for Maximum Shade
In 2022, we took our hats off to the Coleman Event 14 (literally, thanks to its superior shade). As it’s now unavailable, these two OZtrail models leave the rest in their shadow when it comes to topmost coverage:
OZtrail Deluxe 3.0 BlockOut Gazebo
Sporting a traditional gazebo design, this shelter throws some serious shade.
Its seam-sealed canopy is coated with BlockOut technology to shield from direct sunlight and reduce heat by up to 11 degrees. On wetter days, anti-ponding Hydroflow bars prevents pooling and thus canopy damage, while a stainless steel frame has this shelter sturdier than a tree-stump stool at a campsite. A three-stage system also allows for maximum height and efficient pack-down process too.
The Deluxe 3.0 BlockOut Gazebo throws some serious shade. Image: OZtrail
The canopy is coated with BlockOut technology, shielding from direct sunlight and reducing heat by up to 11 degrees. Image: OZtrail
Best for Easy Assembly
Coleman Instant Up Lighted Gazebo 3 x 3
From backyard barbies to campsite parties, make the most of every hour with the Instant Up Lighted gazebos by Coleman. With a sturdy, integrated steel frame – wind-tested to 65kmph for your peace of mind – the spring-loaded hub makes setting up easy and efficient, meanwhile ensuring more compact transport thanks to a smaller pack size. Their 150D polyester canopies also boast a UV50+ rating protection from harsh rays and degradation.
Plus, there’s the added bonus of integrated strip lighting providing 450 lumens, powered by an included battery pack!
From backyard barbies to campsite parties, make the most of every hour. Image: Coleman
Integrated strip lighting provides 450 lumens, powered by an included battery pack. Image: Coleman
Top Gazebo Tips:
- Ahead of adverse weather conditions, consider adding solid walls as a barrier and means of protection from the elements.
- Mesh walls also provide relief within your shelter from bothersome bugs.
- Before packing away the frame, remove the canopy to protect it from pinching within the struts. This will avoid any unnecessary wear and tear.
- For added stability on bitumen or gravel, it’s recommended to use sandbags or a base pod kit to anchor your shelter.
Any other gazebo contenders you reckon could bump our top picks?
When it comes to camping, hiking, travel and adventure – the Snowys team have all the expert advice, guides, and tips on everything outdoors.
Hi there, I wanted to know what is the best gazebo for rainy conditions or how do you protect the gazebo roof from filling up with water.
We went camping and it started to rain and it rained all night (not heavy and no wind)- by the morning one side had filled up with water and the whole thing collapsed and we were not able to use it again. This was the first time actually using it also.
I did look at the Oztrail Deluxe 3.0. However after my own research in my opinion the Drifta Premium Gazebo 3×3 came out on top in overall quality and made the purchase.
Would you recommend the Oztrail deluxe 4.5m? Any other brands you would suggest in this size? Cheers
Hi there Tapene, thanks for the message. OZtrail is a great brand, and probably the most popular option for gazebos. That said, the size depends on the space you want to cover. Bare in mind, a 4.5m is near impossible to set up solo, so ensure you have 2+ sets of hands!
Hope that helps 🙂
Any tips on sourcing a new cover for the Coleman fast pitch event 12? Seems a shame to have throw away a perfectly good frame with lots of life left, but I understand the event 14 cover does fit the 12.
Hi, we have a black wolf (turbo) tent that we want more outdoor space, we were looking to add on a gazebo to the actual tent, can you recommend one? We also want the option of adding walls. Thanks heaps.
Hi Sarah, we have a large range of tent shelters and gazebos on our website 🙂 Feel free to check them out here!
I need to know which gazebo that can stay up never come down and handle rain sun wild ?
Hi Carmela, I believe Leece from our Customer Support team has already been in touch with you regarding gazebo options. I won’t double up but I do hope we’ve been of some help and you find what you’re after. Cheers
I need to know which Gazebo was recommended to Carmela. I have the same question as she did.
Unfortunately, none of the gazebos we carry are designed to be permanent structures, and should not be permanently left up.
All of the gazebos are temporary structures, that should not be left unattended, are designed to provide shade, and offer limited protection from the rain.
If you are needing a permanent structure that will handle all weather conditions, your best bet is to contact a local builder and see what option are available to you.
I have the OZTRAIL with a built in awning, which I desperately need to protect the perishable product we sell from the sun. At this point I need a new one, but get told OZTRAIL don’t make the canopy anymore, How can you justify selling a product and not supplying the tops, Is it to force you to but again?
I won’t buy again because a normal 3×3 canopy is no good to me
G’day Katherine, I’m a bit confused as to which OZtrail gazebo you have. Is it the Deluxe 3.0? You mention having a built-in awning, the only OZtrail gazebos we have with an awning are a 3m or 2.4m with removable awning and these still allow for the canopy to be replaced. If you’re after the replacement canopy for an OZtrail Deluxe 3.0 Gazebo, we have a range of colours available. Alternatively, you are welcome to get in touch with our Customer Support team on 1300 914 007 or service@snowys.com.au, to chat about further options. Cheers
https://www.snowys.com.au/deluxe-30-canopy
Do you have a hub for a 2.5m gazebo.
G’day Narelle, we do stock some spare parts but not hubs, unfortunately. Feel free to send our Customer Support team a message – service@snowys.com.au – with the details of your gazebo and they might be able to check if our Warranty team has any lying around or we may be able to source one through our suppliers depending on the brand of your gazebo. Cheers
I have recently purchased the oztrail event 14. I can’t praise it enough. We stayed at Kalbarri for 2 weeks with wind gusts up to 40km/hr. The gazebo barely moved. We did get some rain and the seams dripped a little, nothing that a bit of wax won’t fix. The size of this gazebo is perfect for my family 3 teenagers and my self, and housing all kitchen gear.
Coleman have the Event 14 not oztrail
you guys should add some windguards to stop them blowing away.
I’m looking for a gazebo that’s smaller, eg. 2 X 2 m.
We don’t have many in our range of that size Wilna, but there is this option from OZtrail called the OneTouch Day Shade which is 1.8 x 1.8m in size – however, it’s designed for light duty use so that’s something to keep in mind.
We have a Coleman Event 14 and swear by it. During a recent event where a strong wind/rain storm came through our Gazebo was the only one that stayed intact. The down side was that we ended up with at least 15 people sheltering under it whilst they watched theirs blow stay.
It’s nice to know your Event 14 stood strong in foul weather, Harold. I think it would be safe to say that you had it fully guyed out and pegged to the ground? This is often where people come unstuck. Happy Camping!