In Australia, we love outdoor events. Whether it’s a bonfire in the winter or a breezy beach party in the summer, there’s fun to be had outside!

But no matter the season, outdoor events are always at the mercy of Australian weather, so proper coverage is necessary. Whether it’s harsh summer sun, unexpected rain, or strong winds, having suitable cover can keep guests comfortable and protect equipment.

Using tarps for outdoor events can achieve just this effect. High-quality tarps are versatile, affordable alternatives to permanent structures and can be configured for many different applications.

Choosing the right tarp for an outdoor event depends on size, material, setup method, and expected weather. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about using tarps for outdoor events in Australia for shade, rain cover, and crowd protection.

Why Aussie Event Organisers Rely on Tarps

Tarps are popular for Australian outdoor events for a variety of reasons. Australia’s weather, while generally favourable, can change quickly. This means events often need temporary, portable shelter sometimes at a moment’s notice, such as a rain cover for an outdoor party.

Using tarps for outdoor events is suitable for:

Shade over seating areas
Rain cover for outdoor parties
Food preparation areas
Equipment protection
Spectator areas
Walkways
Stage or presentation areas

Tarps are lightweight, easy to transport and reusable, making them sometimes more convenient and flexible than permanent gazebos or tents. Many organisers opt to keep a heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty tarp on hand just for these occasions!

What Size Tarp Do You Need for an Outdoor Event?

Choosing the right size of tarp for an outdoor event depends on multiple factors, including:

Number of guests
Seating layout
Activity space
Desired shade coverage
Weather exposure

We recommend allowing additional coverage for movement and equipment.

Sizing by Guest Count and Event Type

Proper tarp sizing varies depending on the furniture, staging, and layout required.

Event	Suggested Coverage	Recommended Tarp Weight
Small BBQ (10–20 people)	Medium tarp (approx. 10 ft × 12 ft or 12 ft × 16 ft)	Medium-duty (around 120–180 GSM)
Backyard party (20–40 people)	Large tarp (approx. 16 ft × 20 ft)	Heavy-duty (around 180–250 GSM)
Market stall	Compact rectangular tarp (approx. 10 ft × 10 ft or 10 ft × 20 ft)	Heavy-duty (around 180–250 GSM)
Sports presentation	Large tarp (approx. 20 ft × 30 ft)	Extra heavy-duty (250+ GSM)
Community event	Multiple connected tarps (sized to suit the venue)	Heavy-duty to extra heavy-duty (180–250+ GSM)
Wedding	Large white tarp (approx. 20 ft × 30 ft or larger)	Extra heavy-duty (250+ GSM)

Note: The ideal tarp size depends on your event layout, the number of guests, and whether you need to cover seating, catering, equipment, or walkways. GSM (grams per square metre) indicates the tarp’s thickness and durability; higher GSM ratings generally provide greater strength, weather resistance, and longevity.

How Many Tarps Do You Need for a Crowd?

Instead of using one oversized tarp, some organisers may benefit more from using multiple tarps. Using multiple tarps will be easier to install, replace, and adjust, and will experience less tension. Similarly, there will be better drainage and less wind loading if outdoor events employ more than one tarp at a time!

Choosing the Right Tarp Material and GSM for Events

Of course, not all tarps are designed for the same outdoor conditions. When choosing tarps for outdoor events, it’s important to consider the material, durability, care and maintenance requirements, weather resistance, and how the tarp will be used.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a tarp for outdoor events:

Waterproofing: Important for protecting guests, equipment, and event areas from rain.
UV resistance: Helps prevent sun damage and extends the tarp’s lifespan.
Durability: Higher-quality materials are better suited to repeated use and harsh weather.
Weight and handling: Lighter tarps are easier to install, while heavier tarps offer greater strength.

Different tarps use different materials, so not all tarps may be suitable for every outdoor event. Common tarp materials include:

Polyethylene tarps: A popular choice for outdoor events thanks to their waterproofing, durability, and affordability.
PVC tarps: Known for their strength and heavy-duty performance in demanding environments.
Mesh tarps: Provide airflow and partial shade while reducing heat build-up underneath.
Lightweight camping tarps: A portable option for smaller setups where easy transport and quick installation are priorities.

For larger events or more demanding conditions, a premium-grade tarpaulin or heavy-duty option provides greater reliability. At ARK Tarps, we offer a range of durable solutions made with X-Film, including an extra-heavy-duty tarp designed for applications where strength and long-term performance matter.

Event Uses: From Backyard Parties to Market Stalls and Sporting Clubs

One of the biggest advantages of using tarps for outdoor events is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering in your garden or organising a large community event, the right tarp can provide reliable shade, weather protection, and functional outdoor cover.

Backyard BBQs and Private Parties

A shade tarp is an easy way to create a more comfortable outdoor entertaining area. It can provide sun protection for seating areas, keep food and drinks dry during unexpected showers, and create sheltered spaces for children’s play areas, helping your event continue regardless of the weather.

Market Stalls and Community Fetes

For market stalls and community events, heavy-duty tarps can help protect products, equipment, and displays from the elements. They can provide shade for customers, weatherproof temporary stalls, and even create sheltered storage areas for stock and supplies throughout the day.

Sporting Clubs, School Fetes, and Outdoor Presentations

Tarps are also ideal for larger community events where temporary shelter is needed. They can be used to cover spectator seating, registration desks, presentation stages, equipment storage areas, and volunteer stations, helping events run smoothly in both sun and rain.

Tarp vs Marquee — Which Is Right for Your Event?

A marquee may be preferable when hosting an event that requires a fully enclosed shelter, when a formal appearance is a priority, or when a long-term installation is planned. In contrast, a marquee alternative tarp may be more suitable for flexible layouts, more extensive coverage, and easier transport.

Feature	Tarp Shelter	Marquee / Event Tent
Cost	Budget-friendly purchase or hire option	Higher purchase or rental cost
Flexibility	Highly adaptable to different terrains, layouts, and event sizes	Fixed footprint with limited layout flexibility
Setup Speed	Quick to install with basic rigging skills	Slower to set up; often requires multiple people
Coverage Area	Easily customised by combining multiple tarps	Fixed dimensions based on tent size
Weather Protection	Excellent when correctly pitched and securely rigged	Excellent, with optional fully enclosed sides
Portability	Lightweight and easy to transport	Bulkier and heavier to transport
Best For	Casual gatherings, markets, sporting events, camping, and temporary shade	Weddings, formal events, long-duration functions, and premium event spaces

Create the Perfect Outdoor Event Setup with ARK Tarps

From backyard celebrations to large community events, the right tarp setup can make all the difference in Australia’s unpredictable weather. A high-quality tarp provides flexible protection from sun, rain, and wind while helping create a more comfortable environment for guests, staff, and equipment.

Whether you need a simple shade tarp for a private gathering or a heavy-duty event cover for a larger outdoor function, ARK Tarps has solutions designed for Australian conditions.

FAQs

What size tarp do I need to cover 20 people at an outdoor party?

Ultimately, the correct tarp size you need to cover 20 people at an outdoor event depends on the space required for both seating and movement. We recommend larger is usually better than smaller, and even using multiple tarps may work better than just one.

Is a tarp waterproof enough to use as a rain cover at an event?

Premium, high-quality heavy-duty waterproof tarps provide excellent rain protection. With proper installation and adequate slope, these tarps are appropriate for rain coverage at an outdoor event.

How do I stop a tarp from blowing away in wind?

Securing a tarp in high winds is easy with the right technique and proper accessories.

Use multiple anchor points.
Secure with bungee cords and quality rope.
Add weighted sandbags where staking isn’t possible.
Keep the tarp under even tension.

Are polyethylene tarps UV resistant?

Many quality polyethylene tarps include UV-resistant treatments. ARK Tarps designs our products using X-Film, which delivers greater durability, tear resistance, and reliable field performance, ensuring your outdoor furniture stays protected in all conditions.

Ready to Weatherproof Your Next Event?

Don’t let unpredictable Aussie weather put a dampener on your plans. Whether you’re setting up a backyard BBQ, running a weekend market stall, or organising a community sports event, ARK Tarps provides durable, 100% waterproof, and UV-resistant shelter you can count on.

Built with advanced X-Film technology, our extra-heavy-duty tarps are lighter to transport, easier to set up, and tough enough for any occasion.

Explore the full ARK Tarps range today, including heavy-duty tarps, bungee cords with hooks, sandbags, and other accessories to help you create a reliable outdoor event cover Australia organisers can depend on!