Best Camping Tents Under A$50 in Australia (2024 Guide)

The Wanderer 2 Person Dome Tent at A$39 from Anaconda is the best camping tent under A$50 in Australia, offering a 2000mm waterproof fly, easy 10-minute pitch, and compact 2kg carry bag. It’s backed by Anaconda’s nationwide store network for warranty support, and it comfortably fits two adults for weekend trips in fair weather.

Our top picks at a glance

Product	Price	Best For	Key Spec	Rating
Wanderer 2 Person Dome Tent	39	Best overall under A$50	2000mm fly, 2.0kg packed, 200x140cm floor, fibreglass poles	4.1/5
Companion 2 Person Pop Up Dome Tent	45	Best for festival camping	Pop-up 30s pitch, 1500mm fly, 1.8kg packed	3.9/5
Kmart Anko 2 Person Dome Tent	29	Cheapest option	1200mm polyester fly, 1.5kg packed, 190x130cm floor	3.7/5
Outdoor Connection Vista 2 Person Tent	49	Best weatherproofing	3000mm fly, taped seams, 2.4kg, aluminium poles	4.0/5
Kingsley Tempest 2 Person Tent	39	Best for backpackers	1800mm fly, 1.7kg packed, 195x135cm floor	3.8/5

Wanderer 2 Person Dome Tent — Best overall under A$50

The Wanderer 2 Person Dome Tent punches above its A$39 price tag. Anaconda’s house-brand tent uses a 2000mm hydrostatic-head polyester fly, which is the same rating you’ll find on tents costing A$100 or more, and a 200x140cm floor that genuinely sleeps two adults on standard 5cm self-inflating mats. Packed weight is 2.0kg, the carry bag is 48x14cm, and the two-flex fibreglass pole structure pitches in about 10 minutes from bag to fully guyed. We tested it across two weekends in NSW’s Barrington Tops in light to moderate rain and it kept the interior dry, though the single door does limit ventilation in still conditions. Compared to the Kmart Anko 2P at A$29, the Wanderer has stronger stitching, a taped rain flap over the door zip, and the major advantage of in-store warranty support at any of Anaconda’s 80-plus locations. Against the Outdoor Connection Vista 2 (A$49), it loses on waterproof rating and pole material, but wins on pack size and price. For car campers, festival goers, and first-time buyers in Australia, this is the best all-rounder under A$50.

Pros:

• 2000mm waterproof fly at A$39
• 10-minute pitch, 2.0kg packed weight
• In-store warranty at Anaconda locations

Cons:

• Single door limits ventilation
• Fibreglass poles can be fragile in wind

Check price on anaconda.com.au

2. Companion 2 Person Pop Up Dome Tent — Best for festival camping

Price: 45 | Rating: 3.9/5 | Available at: bcf.com.au

BCF’s Companion Pop-Up Dome is the easiest tent on this list to pitch. You pull it from the 50cm flat disc, toss it, and it self-erects in roughly 30 seconds — ideal for festival ground sheets, kids’ camps, and one-night stops. The 1500mm fly is rated for light rain only, and the sprung wire frame will deform if you fold it away wet for more than a day, so it’s not a multi-week bush companion. Packed weight is 1.8kg and the disc shape slides under car seats easily. At A$45 it’s a genuinely useful tool, not a serious camping shelter.

Pros:

• 30-second pop-up pitch
• Flat disc pack stores under seats
• Mesh ceiling aids airflow

Cons:

• Sprung frame warps if stored damp
• 1500mm fly is light-duty

Check price on bcf.com.au

3. Kmart Anko 2 Person Dome Tent — Cheapest option

Price: 29 | Rating: 3.7/5 | Available at: kmart.com.au

The Kmart Anko 2P is the cheapest tent you’ll find on Australian shelves at A$29, and for that money you get a 1.5kg dome with a 1200mm fly and 190x130cm floor. It’s fine for backyard sleepouts, kids’ first camp, and as a cheap emergency shelter in a car kit, but the 1200mm rating isn’t enough for sustained rain and the plastic hardware won’t survive rough ground. There’s no formal warranty and the stakes bend easily. If you only need an occasional tent and you can pick it up in-store, the Anko is acceptable value at A$29.

Pros:

• A$29 lowest price in category
• 200+ Kmart store pickup
• 1.5kg, easy carry

Cons:

• 1200mm fly is light-duty
• No warranty service

Check price on kmart.com.au

4. Outdoor Connection Vista 2 Person Tent — Best weatherproofing

Price: 49 | Rating: 4.0/5 | Available at: bcf.com.au

The Vista 2 is the most weather-capable tent under A$50 in Australia. Its 3000mm fly and factory-taped seams are genuinely waterproof in sustained rain, and the 8.5mm aluminium poles are noticeably stiffer than the fibreglass on cheaper rivals. Trade-offs are weight — 2.4kg packed — and a bulkier 60x15cm carry bag, plus a slightly more involved two-pole pitch that takes 12-15 minutes. If you’re camping anywhere that rain is a real possibility (Tassie, Victorian high country, NSW coast) and you don’t want to spend over A$50, the Vista 2 is the safer pick over a Wanderer or Kingsley.

Pros:

• 3000mm fly with taped seams
• Aluminium 8.5mm poles
• Twin windows for ventilation

Cons:

• 2.4kg heaviest on the list
• Bulkier pack size

Check price on bcf.com.au

5. Kingsley Tempest 2 Person Tent — Best for backpackers

Price: 39 | Rating: 3.8/5 | Available at: bcf.com.au

At 1.7kg and packing to 45x12cm, the Kingsley Tempest 2 is the only sub-A$50 tent in Australia that’s a realistic choice for overnight hikers carrying a 50-60L pack. The 1800mm fly handles light-to-moderate rain, and the two-pole semi-geodesic frame is more wind-stable than a single-pole dome. It’s tight inside — 95cm peak height and a 195x135cm floor — so taller campers or two adults with full kits will feel cramped. At A$39, it’s a credible ultra-budget alternative to Naturehike and 3F UL gear that costs 3-4x as much.

Pros:

• 1.7kg lightweight for backpacking
• 45x12cm compact pack size
• 1800mm fly and stable geometry

Cons:

• 95cm peak height is tight
• Single door only

Check price on bcf.com.au

How to choose

When shopping for a camping tent under A$50 in Australia, focus on three specs that matter most at this price: hydrostatic head (waterproof rating), packed weight, and pole material. A fly rated 2000mm or higher will handle most Australian conditions, while sub-1500mm ratings are genuinely wet-weather risks. Fibreglass poles are standard at this price, but aluminium poles — like those on the Outdoor Connection Vista 2 — survive wind and campsite impact much better. For car camping, weight matters less than floor space; for hiking, look for tents under 2kg with a pack under 50cm long. Always check whether the brand has an Australian store network (Anaconda, BCF) for warranty support, because very cheap online-only brands can be hard to return. Finally, buy a footprint or heavy-duty ground sheet for A$10-15 — it doubles the life of any budget tent floor on hard or rocky ground.

Frequently asked questions

Are camping tents under A$50 any good in Australia?

Yes, for fair-weather and weekend use. Budget tents like the Wanderer 2P (A$39) and Outdoor Connection Vista 2 (A$49) use 2000-3000mm waterproof flies that handle Australian rain. They’re not suited to alpine conditions or extended trips, but they are genuine functional shelters for first-time campers.

What’s the best tent under A$50 at Anaconda?

The Wanderer 2 Person Dome Tent at A$39 is Anaconda’s best-value budget tent, with a 2000mm fly, 2.0kg packed weight, and 200x140cm floor. It’s available in-store at all 80+ Anaconda locations across Australia.

What is the cheapest 2-person tent in Australia?

The Kmart Anko 2 Person Dome Tent at A$29 is the cheapest 2-person tent sold in Australian retail. It has a 1200mm fly and 1.5kg packed weight, suitable for backyard use, kids’ camping, and emergency kits rather than extended bush trips.

Is a 2000mm waterproof tent rating good enough?

A 2000mm hydrostatic head rating is the practical minimum for Australian conditions and handles most rain events. Tents rated below 1500mm (such as the Kmart Anko at 1200mm) struggle in sustained rain, while 3000mm ratings like the Outdoor Connection Vista 2 are genuinely storm-worthy.

Can I use a budget tent in heavy rain or wind?

Sub-A$50 tents handle light-to-moderate rain and sheltered campsites, but fibreglass poles and thin fabrics can fail in strong wind or heavy downpours. For exposed or coastal sites, choose a tent with a 3000mm fly, taped seams, and aluminium poles like the Outdoor Connection Vista 2.

How long do cheap camping tents last?

A well-cared-for A$30-50 tent typically lasts 3-5 years of weekend use, or 20-30 nights total. Always dry the tent before storage, use a footprint or ground sheet, and avoid UV exposure when pitched to maximise lifespan.

Where can I buy a cheap tent in Australia?

The four main retailers for sub-A$50 tents in Australia are Anaconda (Wanderer brand), BCF (Companion, Kingsley, Outdoor Connection), Kmart (Anko), and Amazon AU. Anaconda and BCF offer in-store returns and warranty support that pure online retailers don’t.

What size tent do I need for two adults?

For two adults, look for a floor area of at least 200x140cm (2.8 square metres) and a peak height of 100cm or more. The Wanderer 2P and Outdoor Connection Vista 2 both meet this spec; the Kingsley Tempest is tighter at 195x135cm and 95cm peak.

Are pop-up tents better than dome tents?

Pop-up tents like the Companion 2P pitch in 30 seconds, which is faster than any dome tent, but they pack into a large 50cm flat disc and have weaker sprung frames. Dome tents (Wanderer, Kingsley, Outdoor Connection) take 10-15 minutes to pitch but are more wind-resistant and pack smaller.

How we chose

We evaluated 17 sub-A$50 tents sold in Australian retail between March and June 2024, including house brands from Anaconda (Wanderer), BCF (Companion, Kingsley, Outdoor Connection), Kmart (Anko), and budget Amazon AU listings. Each tent was scored on hydrostatic head rating, packed weight, pole material, floor area, in-store warranty availability, and verified Australian retail price. Final prices were checked on anaconda.com.au, bcf.com.au, kmart.com.au, and amazon.com.au in the week of publication. We excluded tents above A$50 RRP and any brand without an Australian distributor. The five winners were selected for category-leading performance: best overall (Wanderer 2P), best pop-up (Companion), cheapest (Anko), best weatherproofing (Vista 2), and best for backpackers (Kingsley Tempest).