Wondering if you can create a budget glamping experience with Kmart’s popular Bell Tent? This spacious, affordable option has caught the eye of many Aussies looking to dip their toes into the glamping lifestyle without the premium price tag. But how does it really stack up? Let’s break it down.
The Quick Breakdown: Kmart Glamping Tent Specs
Before diving into our assessment, here’s what you get with the Kmart Bell Tent:
- Size: 230cm (H) x 420cm (W) x 485cm (D) when set up
- Capacity: Designed for 8 people
- Material: Polyester Oxford fabric with PU coating (not canvas)
- UV Protection: UVE 95%+ fabric
- Weight: 11kg
- Colour: Beige
- Setup: 3-pole system (1 center pole, 2 entrance poles)
- Price Point: Currently $199 as of April 2025
What’s Good About the Kmart Glamping Tent?
The Spacious Feel
The bell shape creates an impressive 230cm height at the center, meaning most people can stand comfortably inside. With a fair bit of floor space, there’s plenty of room for airbeds, camp furniture, and moving around – a definite upgrade from traditional camping tents.
Decent Ventilation
The 3 side windows and 3 top ventilation caps provide good airflow, which helps reduce condensation and keeps things comfortable during warmer weather. This is essential for any glamping setup where you’ll be spending more time inside the tent than with traditional camping.
Reasonable Weather Protection
For its price point, the water-resistant flysheet with seam taping offers acceptable protection from light rain. The guy ropes provide stability in moderate winds, though you’ll want to secure it well.
Practical Features
A few thoughtful additions make this tent more “glamping-friendly”:
- Power cord inlet for bringing electricity inside
- Simple 3-pole setup system
- Compact pack size (27cm × 66cm × 27cm) considering its erected size
Where the Kmart Glamping Tent Falls Short
Material Quality
Unlike premium glamping tents made from thick canvas, the Kmart version uses polyester Oxford fabric. While more affordable, it:
- Doesn’t breathe as well as cotton canvas
- May not last as many seasons
- Isn’t fully protective against UV rays at UVE 95+
- Creates a different atmosphere inside (less of that authentic glamping feel)
Weather Resistance Limitations
While suitable for fair weather camping:
- Heavy or prolonged rain may eventually cause leakage
- Strong winds can be problematic despite the guy ropes
- The fabric doesn’t offer the same insulation as canvas tents
Durability Concerns
The poles, pegs, and zippers don’t match the quality of specialized glamping tents, which means:
- More careful handling required
- Potential for wear and tear with repeated use
- Not suitable as a semi-permanent setup
Perfect for DIY Backyard Glamping
Where this tent really shines is for creating a mini glamping experience at home. With a few simple additions, you can transform your backyard into a glamping retreat:
- Layer with comfort: Add thick air mattresses or camp beds, proper bedding, and plenty of cushions
- Create ambiance: String up solar fairy lights, add battery lanterns, and perhaps a small portable speaker
- Add creature comforts: A small side table, comfortable fold-out chairs, and a rug for the floor
- Personal touches: Decorative elements like bunting, potted plants, or a small cooler for drinks
This setup is perfect for:
- Kids’ sleepovers with a difference
- Romantic date nights at home
- Staycation experiences
- Testing out glamping before investing in more expensive gear
When to Use the Kmart Glamping Tent (And When Not To)
Good For:
- Occasional weekend camping in good weather
- Backyard glamping experiences
- Music festivals or short trips
- Introducing kids to camping with more comfort
- Testing out the glamping concept before investing more
Not Ideal For:
- Extended wilderness camping
- Areas with unpredictable weather
- Multiple seasons of regular use
- True luxury glamping experiences
- Winter camping
The Verdict: Entry-Level Glamping with Limitations
The Kmart glamping tent offers a taste of the glamping experience at an accessible price point. It’s a solid option for those wanting to explore glamping without a significant investment, and perfect for creating special backyard experiences.
However, if you’re after an authentic, durable glamping experience or plan to camp regularly in various weather conditions, you’d be better off investing in a proper canvas bell tent from a specialised outdoor retailer.
Think of the Kmart version as “glamping with training wheels” – great for beginners and occasional use, but if you’re serious about wanting a glamping set up, you will eventually want to upgrade.
Best Alternatives for Serious Glamping
If you’re ready to take your glamping experience to the next level, consider:
- Canvas bell tents from specialised outdoor retailers
- Professionally set up glamping experiences in Victoria or the Sunshine Coast
- Tiny home stays for a more permanent structure
- Glamping pods or domes at established sites near Melbourne, Brisbane, or Byron Bay
Where to Find the Kmart Bell Tent
The Kmart glamping tent is available at Kmart stores across Australia and through their online store here. Availability tends to be seasonal, with more stock appearing before summer.
Looking for more authentic glamping experiences? Check out our guide to the best glamping locations across Australia, or explore our directory of glamping experiences around Australia.