Beach towels are a non negotiable part of any beach day. They dry you off, wrap you up after a swim and live permanently in beach bags, cars and caravans. A good towel is worth its weight in gold.
But when beach days turn into full day affairs with kids, food, drinks and a bit of everything else, families often find themselves using towels for jobs they were never designed to do. That’s where beach mats come in, not as a replacement for towels, but as a natural extension of a well thought out beach setup.
Used together, towels and beach mats make beach days calmer, cleaner and far more comfortable.
Towels do their job best when they’re used for drying
Towels are designed to absorb water. That’s exactly what you want after a swim or when the breeze picks up and kids need to be wrapped up quickly. Lightweight, quick dry towels are especially practical for families because they dry fast, pack down small and shake sand free.
Where towels start to struggle is when they’re used as a base layer on wet sand or grass for long periods. That’s not a design flaw, it’s simply not their purpose. Using towels primarily for drying and comfort allows them to perform at their best and last longer.
This is why many families pair quick dry travel towels with a dedicated mat rather than relying on towels alone.
Beach mats create a clean, dry base for the day
Beach mats are designed to sit between you and the ground. A quality mat includes a water resistant or waterproof backing that stops moisture from coming through, even on damp sand or grass. This keeps everyone dry and comfortable for longer, particularly during extended beach sessions.
For families, this means kids can come and go without turning the entire setup into a soggy mess. Drinks can be placed down without panic and snacks stay cleaner.
This is exactly the role waterproof beach mats are designed to play. They don’t replace towels, they protect them.
Stability makes a noticeable difference with kids
Anyone who has spread towels out on the sand knows how quickly they can shift, curl or bunch up. When kids are running in and out, this constant movement becomes frustrating.
Beach mats are more structured and designed to stay put. Anti slip backing or slightly weighted designs keep them flat and secure. This stability makes it easier to set up a central space for bags, food and kids to gather without constantly rearranging.
Less movement also means less sand sticking to everything, which helps keep towels cleaner and more pleasant to use throughout the day.
Spills are part of beach life
Beach days usually involve food and drinks, especially with children. While towels can handle the occasional splash, they’re not ideal for repeated spills.
Beach mats with water repellent surfaces allow spills to bead up on top rather than soaking in. A quick wipe is all it takes to keep the area clean, while towels stay reserved for drying and comfort.
This simple separation of roles makes beach days feel far less stressful.
Comfort without compromising portability
Modern beach mats are designed to fold or roll down compactly, making them easy to transport alongside towels. They don’t replace towels in your bag, they complement them.
Families who travel frequently or spend time outdoors often appreciate having gear that works across multiple settings. A beach mat can be used at the park, on camping trips or at outdoor events, while sand free travel towels remain essential for swimming, showering and drying off.
Together, they create a flexible setup that adapts to different environments.
Towels and mats work better together
The most enjoyable beach days tend to come down to good preparation. Towels and beach mats each play a role, and when used together, they reduce mess, increase comfort and make packing up easier.
Towels dry, wrap and comfort. Mats create a clean, stable base. Neither replaces the other.
A more relaxed way to do beach days
Beach mats aren’t about replacing what already works. They’re about making beach days easier by allowing towels to do what they’re designed for, while mats handle the ground, spills and movement.
When everything has its place, beach days feel less chaotic and far more enjoyable.
Why Will and Wind beach mats are designed for Australian family beach days
At Will and Wind, our waterproof beach mats are designed specifically for Australian conditions and the way families actually use the beach. They’re built to handle long days, changing weather, kids, food, drinks and everything in between.
The top side of each mat is made from a remarkably durable yet soft Oxford fabric. This material is hard wearing while still being comfortable to sit and lie on. It’s also water repellent, which means spills don’t soak straight in. If a drink is knocked over, liquids bead on the surface and can be wiped away easily, leaving the mat dry and ready to use again.
The bottom side is crafted from water repellent, wipe clean PVC. This prevents moisture from damp sand, grass or dewy ground from coming through, keeping everyone comfortably dry even when conditions aren’t ideal.
Ease of transport is just as important as performance. Will and Wind beach mats roll down neatly into themselves and feature built in carry handles and straps, making them easy to carry from the car to the beach and back again, even with kids in tow.
There are also thoughtful extras designed for real beach days. Inside the corner pocket, you’ll find a small Will and Wind towel, perfect for quickly wiping up spills or drying hands without needing to reach for a full sized towel.
Every mat also comes with four metal pegs, allowing you to secure it firmly in place. This makes a noticeable difference on windy days, helping the mat stay flat and stable while kids move around.
Design plays a big role too. Will and Wind beach mats are made to stand out in any crowd, not through loud patterns, but through considered, photographic designs. All designs are photographs taken by our collaborators and other incredible Australian photographers, inspired by real landscapes and locations.
The Kalbarri Beach Mat, for example, reflects the rugged Western Australian coastline through earthy tones and layered imagery, creating a mat that feels connected to place while still being practical for everyday use.
Rather than replacing towels, Will and Wind beach mats are designed to work alongside them. The mat creates a clean, dry and stable base, while towels are used for drying, wrapping and comfort after a swim. Together, they create a beach setup that feels calmer, cleaner and far more enjoyable for families.