There’s no doubt about it - Australia is the home of the swag. Early settlers of Australia used swags extensively when travelling by foot or horseback over long distances.
It was their protection from the elements, keeping them safe from the wind, rain, sun and insects alike. It was their home away from home.
Despite this rich history, most swags are unfortunately no longer manufactured in Australia. However, there is still quite a strong demand for Australian swags, so I have put together this list of the best Australian made swags!
Let’s take a look!
Why Buy Australian Made Swags?
By purchasing a swag made in Australia, you are supporting our local economy and jobs - that means that you are keeping fellow Australians in employment and businesses running. This benefits us all.
Australian made swags are also typically much higher quality than the ones produced overseas. The manufacturers below pride themselves on adhering to very strict manufacturing processes and refusing to sell any swag that doesn’t meet their quality standards.
Many of the manufacturers below offer 10 year or even lifetime guarantees on their entire swag range. You are lucky to get 1 to 2 years worth of warranty from an overseas supplier.
Australian manufacturers also typically use Australian made canvas, which is free from formaldehyde. There has been some concern that formaldehyde represents a health risk to some people, so having your sleeping quarters free from it is definitely a good thing.
Lastly, Australian made products haven’t travelled halfway around the world to get here. They likely have a lower carbon footprint than overseas models and therefore are gentler on our environment.
AOS Swags
Aussie Outback Supplies (commonly known as AOS) was founded in 1991 by the Spencer family and is currently enjoying its 30th anniversary.
From their factory in Western Australia, they produce very high quality canvas swags. They also supply a wide range of other outdoor goods such as cutlery and knives.
AOS swags can be purchased online via Snowys. All of their swags are covered by a 10 year warranty!
They make 2 types of swags. A more traditional design, known as the Bushman Deluxe, or a more modern dome design, known as the Tracker Deluxe.
In addition to swags, they also make a number of swag bags and even a swag protection system (swag bag and groundsheet all-in-one).
Murchison River Swags
Husband and wife duo John and Gabrielle Andrews are responsible for the highly regarded Murchison River Swags brand, founded almost 40 years in 1983!
All of their swags are hand made at their workshop in Geraldton, WA, and they pride themselves on ensuring that every swag that they produce is absolutely top quality.
All of their swags are covered by a 10 year warranty. You can purchase them from their website.
Saul Swags
Saul Swags have been in business for over 45 years, being founded by Hal Saul in 1975! Manufactured entirely in Tawonga in regional Victoria, these are very high quality swags with true attention to detail.
Saul Swags have gone to great efforts to ensure that every detail on their swags is perfect, right down to the sewing thread that they use and the style of seam joints they create.
Their swags come with a lifetime guarantee. You can purchase them from their website via the link below.
Southern Cross Canvas
Ian Dix founded Southern Cross Canvas about 35 years ago, and it has since grown into a leading Australian manufacturer of canvas products, such as swags and canopies.
They pride themselves on their build quality, workmanship and customer service.
Their swags are available for purchase directly from their website.
CC Swags
Founded in 1991 as Candy Canvas by Phil and Sandy Candy, the brand changed to CC Swags once Jane took over the business in 2015.
Manufactured in South Australia, CC Swags produce a number of high quality swags and are even open to doing custom work if you have something in mind that can’t be bought off the shelf.
Their swags can be purchased from their website via the button below.
Beehive Vinyl Products
Beehive Vinyl manufacture their products in Townsville, QLD and have done so since their inception in 1978. It is still held by the original owners, Roger and Margaret Bishop.
They make both flat and peak style swags (amongst a wide variety of other textile products), which can be purchased from their website.
Sunset Canvas
Founded in Toowoomba in 1985, Sunset Canvas is another big name in the Australian swag scene.
They make a wide variety of swags that can be personalised in a variety of colours or with your name stenciled directly onto the canvas.
Find out more about them in the video below.
You can also check out their product range on their website.
In the market for a new swag? Check out my list of the best swags in Australia!
Do you know of another Australian swag maker that deserves to be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
This article may contain affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase a product or service after clicking on my link. This helps pay for the cost of running the website. You will not be disadvantaged in any way by using my links.
Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
Fishriverswags are 100% Australian made in Bathurst, great swags
Fishriver Swags ” Mitchell” is the best Aussie made in my opinion
Hi mate
Wormald Canvas in Adelaide makes awesome swags and are great to deal with
Good to know!