Ashes Viewing Party—Cricket-Ready Outdoor Lounges

Nothing beats an Ashes session outside—sun going down, stumps on the screen, and the whole crew sprawled across the deck. The problem? Seats that go soggy, glare on the telly, and not enough comfy spots by the second innings. Let’s fix it so your outdoor entertainment spaces actually feel like the members’ stand—without the price tag.

In this guide you’ll get:

• Why outdoor setups matter for Aussie heat, UV and wind (cricket season realities)

• A simple step-by-step to build a comfy, view-friendly lounge layout

• Buyer’s tips for Perth, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Byron and Sydney

• Easy care and “time to upgrade” triggers

• Two quick stories, FAQs, meta copy, and image prompts

Why it matters (real Aussie conditions, cricket season)

Test matches run long. If people aren’t comfy, they’ll head inside at tea. The big three to plan for:

• Heat & UV: Shade and fabric choice are everything. Safe Work Australia recommends reducing exposure and using shade when outdoors, which doubles as comfort for spectators too. Safe Work Australia

• Wind & storms: Strong winds can flip light furniture. WA’s DFES explicitly says to pack away or secure outdoor furniture before storms and cyclones—great habit on blustery days or when a squall rolls through mid-innings. dfes.wa.gov.au

• Build & safety basics: If you add shade or fix heavy items, ask your tradie to follow NCC structural provisions (wind actions, fixings, spans). Indoors near doors to the deck, anchor tall storage—there’s a new ACCC toppling furniture information standard designed to prevent injuries. National Construction Code

How it works: a cricket-ready lounge in 6 easy steps

If you’re aiming for an easy, no-dramas Ashes backyard viewing setup, this guide shows you how to map the seats, beat the heat, and keep movie-marathon comfort all summer.

1. Sort the screen & sightlines
   Keep the screen out of direct sunlight and away from street lights; angle it so fielders in the outfield aren’t washed out. Leave a clear walkway to the esky and the loo—no stepping over legs during a classic cover drive.

2. Map the zones

   • Lounge zone: low, comfy seating in a shallow “U” facing the screen.

   • Bean-bag bay: flexible front row for kids and extra mates.

   • Slow-sway corner: a hammock chair with stand off to the side for end-of-day chills.
     
     Safety quick note: Use rated hardware, respect load limits, and keep clear swing space around hammock chairs and stands—especially with kids weaving through during drinks breaks.

3. Pick seats people actually use

   • Outdoor lounge settings with weatherproof outdoor cushions (quick-dry cores) feel like box seats, not plastic chairs.

   • Outdoor bean bags create instant extra rows—easy to stash between overs.

   • Hanging chairs for patios or hammock chairs with stand deliver a cosy “third man” nook without drilling.

4. Choose materials that last all summer

   • Frames: marine-friendly aluminium or quality powder-coat (touch up chips early).

   • Surfaces: UV-stabilised PE rattan/wicker; outdoor-grade timbers with occasional oil.

   • Fabrics: UV-resistant covers; lighter colours run cooler in the arvo heat.

5. Comfort, neighbours & safety
   Soft furnishings reduce echo, lighter fabrics stay cooler, and keep a clear swing space around hammock chairs. If kids are bolting through to the kitchen for Zooper Doopers, anchor tall indoor storage near the verandah door (toppling risk). ACCC

6. Have a wind plan
   If the forecast looks gusty, pack away light items, strap what stays out, and bring freestanding hammocks inside. Five minutes now saves an hour of chasing bean bags across the yard. 

Quick comparison: best seats for cricket marathons

Aussie Buyer’s Guide (by city)

Perth (big skies, salty air)

• Prioritise UV-resistant covers and quick-dry cores; rinse frames after sea breezes.

• Keep a strap handy for sudden easterlies during Day 3.
  Helpful picks (one-time links):

• Versatile sets: Outdoor Furniture 

• Recline row: Sun Lounge Chairs 

• Luxe look: Premium Grey Rattan Day Bed Lounge Set 

Melbourne (four seasons in a day)

• Go modular with washable covers and keep a quick indoor Plan B.
  Helpful pick:

• Coral Springs 3-pc Lounger Set 

Gold Coast (pool-adjacent viewing)

• Mix a comfy lounge with outdoor bean bags for crowd games and splashy drinks between overs.
  Helpful pick:

• Bean Bags 

Byron Bay & Sydney (coastal casual)

• Add hanging chairs or a freestanding hammock for the end-of-day wind-down. Rinse frames after salty gusts; lighter fabrics stay cooler for day-nighters.
  Helpful picks:

• Hammock Chair Collection 

• Freestanding Hammocks 

• Hammocks 

Mini checklist (before first ball)

• Shade plan (umbrella/pergola) to cut glare

• Measure rows + walkway (no toe-stubs mid-over)

• Cushion spec: UV cover + quick-dry core

• Swing clearance for hammock chairs

• “Pack-away in five” routine (straps + storage spot)

More how-tos (each once):

• Portable ideas — The Ultimate Guide to Camping Hammock Chairs

• Maintenance basics — Hammock Swing Maintenance

• Choosing stands — Best Hammock with Stand

• Set-ups that last — Guide to Hanging a Hammock

• Portable stands (2025) — Buyer’s picks

Maintenance Must-Knows (and safety nudges)

• After play: stand cushions on edge; stack bean bags somewhere dry.

• Weekly: quick rinse of frames; brush sand from wicker; check stand bolts.

• Monthly: touch up powder-coat chips; wash covers; rinse salt.

• Wind on the way: pack away light items and strap what stays out—standard storm prep in WA/NSW/QLD guides.

• Indoors near exits: anchor tall storage if kids are racing through for snacks—the toppling furniture information standard raises awareness for this exact risk. 

Trust signs to look for:
AFRDI/“Blue Tick” certification for strength and durability (independent testing recognised across AU/NZ), or a NATA-accredited lab listing for outdoor furniture testing—both signal gear that’s built to last.

When to Upgrade 

• Cushions stay damp or smell musty → switch to quick-dry cores

• Rust returns near the coast → move to aluminium frames

• Frame creaks or flexes → replace before it fails mid-innings

• Fabric fading/chalking after summers → upgrade to UV-smart covers

• Guests end up on the grass → add a bean-bag row or freestanding hammock

Smart add-ons (one-time links):

• Accessories (covers, straps, side tables): 

• Outdoor Lounge Chairs (extra comfy row): 

Two quick stories

Sydney balcony Test—small space, big comfort
Sam and Priya squeezed a winning layout onto a small balcony: a compact modular seat, two outdoor bean bags for mates, and a hammock chair on a stand tucked into the corner. Shade up before the lunch break, pack away in five if the nor’easter kicks in. Easy.

Perth backyard—family day-nighter
The Nguyens wanted a “members’ stand” vibe without fuss. They chose an aluminium-frame lounge with UV-smart cushions and a freestanding hammock for the last-over sway. After stumps, cushions go on edge, bean bags stack in the shed—dry by morning, ready for the ODI tomorrow.

FAQs

How do we keep viewers comfy in the afternoon heat?

Use lighter-coloured fabrics, add shade before the hottest part of the day, and keep airflow behind the screen. Principles for reducing heat and UV exposure outdoors align with Safe Work Australia’s guidance. Safe Work Australia

Is a hammock chair with a stand okay on a small deck?

Yes—no drilling, easy to move, and you can shorten the chain to reduce swing. Place it in the back row, angled to the screen.

What frame material works best near the coast?

Marine-friendly aluminium or high-quality PE rattan on aluminium. Rinse after salty days and touch up any powder-coat chips each month.

Should we secure furniture if a storm’s forecast?

Absolutely—bring in lighter items, strap what stays out, and move freestanding hammocks inside. It’s consistent with state storm-prep advice. 

Ready to turn the next Ashes session into a proper lounge experience? Map your zones, choose UV-smart comfort, and keep a five-minute wind plan. Your backyard’s about to feel like the members’—no jacket required.

 

Written by Rica Francia Macaspac — Content Writer at Siesta Hammocks. Rica helps Aussies create relaxing spaces with hammocks, swings, and egg chairs. She works with product experts and NDIS providers to keep guides accurate, practical, and family-friendly.