Gold Coast beaches being overtaken by cabanas

Australian beaches look a little different this summer as people make the most of the warm weather – while still being sun safe.

With the holiday period almost at an end, most Aussies are taking advantage of the warm weather and heading down to the beach before trudging back to work.

But a new trend seems to be taking over the shorelines of Australia as beachgoers do their best to enjoy the sun without getting burnt – the use of beach cabanas.

Essentially an open-air tent, the beach item is typically seen on the sand in places such as Spain.

But social media videos have seen beaches in places such as on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and in Perth, Western Australia, filled with them.

One clip from @viralqueenliv, saw one beach covered in the colourful tents.

Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only >

Aussie beaches are now covered in the beach cabanas. Picture: TikTok/@viralqueenliv

They help keep beachgoers safe from the summer sun. Picture: TikTok/@viralqueenliv

“CoolCabanas taking over the Gold Coast,” text over the clip said, referring to a popular brand of the beach cabanas.

Later in the clip, the poster complained they were taking up “prime real estate”.

But many social media users were quick to defend the new trend, calling it a positive step for sun safety.

“I don’t get it – people aren’t taking up more space than they normally would, they just have shade,” one person wrote.

Another added: “They’re all over Perth too! I don’t know, I think it’s cool people are being conscious about the sun.”

One said: “I think they’re great – they don’t block the view like the old tents.”

“I wish I had one! My $15 Kmart umbrella didn’t stand a chance. Thirroul 1, Umbrella 0,” another commented.

Others said they had seen the cabanas in places such as Sydney, Newcastle and Noosa.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer diagnoses in the world, with 2000 people dying every year from the disease.

The Cancer Council recommends that, while in the sun, Aussies should be using sunscreen that is at least SPF30+ in protection.

It also recommends wearing clothing, putting on a hat and sunglasses, as well as finding a spot in the shade.