New Aussie beach trend that’s ‘gotten out of hand’

A recent invention has changed the way Aussies enjoy the beach for good – but Aussies are fiercely divided on the issue.

The invention of the beach cabana has completely changed the way Australians hit the sand.

But when it comes to using the popular sun shade, it seems there is no in-between.

You’re either team “yes”, or team “no”.

The debate has raged fiercely for the past two years, with some branding the bold structure “un-Australian” as others declare it “amazing” for preventing sunburn.

Others have criticised these structures for taking up prime beach space and blocking views of the water, calling for designated sections of the beach for their use.

There are even some who have suggested charging a fee for beachgoers who use cabanas.

This summer, Aussies even began reserving plots of sand with their brightly coloured tarps, leaving the area, and then returning during peak hours.

Things have gotten out of hand.

And while some may think this isn’t a pressing national issue, our very own Prime Minister weighed on the subject recently, telling us this behaviour is “not on” – so you know it’s serious stuff.

Ahead of launching The Great Aussie Debate - a new survey that will reveal what Australians really think about all the hot topics of 2025, from the lighthearted to the serious - asked a sample of Aussies their thouhghts on an array of issues and found some surprising results when it came to these polarising structures.

Have your say in The Great Aussie Debate. Take the survey here:

We surveyed a cross-section of 1870 Australians regarding the question, “Do beach cabanas have a place on our shores?” and the results show that the nation isn’t as divided as you might think.

Among those surveyed, 21 per cent stated that they love cabanas and find them “perfect” for a day at the beach.

A significant 61 per cent said “they don’t bother me” while 16 per cent referred to cabanas as an eyesore and wanted them removed.

Additionally, three per cent expressed annoyance at them but admitted they secretly wanted one.

So although opinions vary, the majority of Australians either support or are indifferent to cabanas on our beaches.

Surprisingly, most Aussies support beach cabanas. Picture: Facebook

When broken down by generation, younger Australians show the most enthusiasm for cabanas.

Among Gen Z, 39 per cent are in favour, and 33 per cent of millennials share the same sentiment.

Conversely, baby boomers (21 per cent) and over-75s (23 per cent) would prefer to see them gone from the shorelines, cherishing their cabana-less beach experiences from years past.

When it comes to family life, couples with kids at home (29 per cent) are all for cabanas, loving the shade to help keep their family safe while enjoying a day in the sun.

But empty-nesters (21 per cent) yearn for the simpler, cabana-less days of times gone by.

Younger generations are pro-cabana more than older ones. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

“Cabana-gate” has received a lot of airtime in recent weeks, especially after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the behaviour.

During an appearance on Sunrise, Mr Albanese backed the critics slamming people for reserving spots on the sand and said “unlike some parts of the world” – where beachgoers need to pay for access – “here, everyone owns the beach”.

“Everyone. And it’s a place where every Australian is equal,” he continued.

“And that’s a breach of that principle, really, to think that you can reserve a little spot as just yours.”

When the hosts cheekily asked the Prime Minister to legislate against the practice he said, “Well, maybe.”

Anthony Albanese is not a fan of people hogging the beach with their cabanas. Picture: Sunrise

People have been leaving their cabanas at the beach and returning during peak times. Picture: Facebook

The solution to the cabana conundrum

Until that happens, let’s all agree on some common ground rules, shall we?

According to a recent Kidspot article, the best way to keep the peace at the beach is to follow an unofficial rule book.

First up, don’t hog the shoreline. Find a spot towards the back of the sandy area so you don’t obstruct the view of other families – they want to be able to see their children play in the sand and supervise them in the shallow water without you setting up camp right in front of them.

Next, if you’re not planning to stay long, leave the cabana at home.

While sun safety is paramount, if you’re not planning to stay longer than half an hour, ask yourself – is it really necessary to pack the whole beach set up?

Last but not least, if you take it – use it!

A recent iteration of cabana culture has seen people setting up their cabanas only to sit outside the shaded area, in direct sunlight.

The shelter is there to protect YOU, not the patch of the sand it’s over.