For years, a contentious newcomer has been gradually overtaking Australia’s cherished beaches. This invader, a sea of large beach tents known as cabana in Australia, is swallowing up the sand, obstructing ocean views, and transforming the shore into a frustrating maze.
“It’s packed. They’re everywhere,” 30-year-old Sydney resident Claire told the media.
For Claire, like many Australians, cooling off on a hot day involves a long drive to the coast and an endless hunt for parking. Now, the cabana craze adds another challenge once they reach the beach.
“The sheer amount of space people take up… when you’re just trying to find a spot to lay your towel, it can be really frustrating,” Claire says.
She’s not alone in her annoyance. Several summers of mounting tension have, by early 2025, erupted into a full-fledged turf war, sparking debates on Australian culture and beach etiquette.
Discussions about the acceptable use of cabanas have dominated social media, spawned numerous opinion pieces and TV segments, and even involved the prime minister.
Critics argue that cabana users are selfishly hogging public space and disrespecting fellow beachgoers.
“When you clutter the beach with multiple cabanas, where is someone like me supposed to go?” anti-cabana TikToker Nic Salerno commented on The Project talk show.
“I just want my space on the beach,” he added.
Supporters of cabanas argue that seeking shade from Australia’s harsh sun is a necessity, not a crime.
Australia, the skin cancer capital of the world, sees many supporters, including the Cancer Council, endorsing the trend for sun safety.
“My partner and I have a cabana because we burn easily and want to avoid skin cancer. Hope this helps,” one person responded to a TikTok rant.
Critics acknowledge the importance of sun safety but claim it’s often an excuse for many users. They argue that many don’t even sit under the tents, and a whole tent for a brief beach visit is excessive when sunscreen and a hat would suffice.
Some cabana users admit they aim to secure prime beach spots. TV presenter Davina Smith revealed she pitches her cabana early to reserve a spot for her family.
“This requires effort. You have to monitor the tides. You can’t just leave it there and walk away,” Smith explained on Nine’s Today show.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared his displeasure with the trend: “That’s unacceptable,” he said on the same show.
“One of Australia’s great features is our free, open beaches. This goes against that principle.”
Even lifeguards have voiced concerns, saying the cabanas make their job harder.
Cultural aspects amplify the controversy. Australians pride themselves on egalitarianism, and beaches are seen as democratic spaces where social hierarchies dissolve.
“Australian beaches have always been shared spaces, a great equalizer,” says Ece Kaya, a researcher at the University of Technology Sydney.
Australians fiercely protect this ideal, viewing beach access as a birthright, reminiscent of past outcries against exclusive beach access.
While sprawling cabanas are a new trend, longstanding class tensions surround beach access, says Chris Pepin-Neff, an expert in Australian beach culture.
Limited infrastructure, high housing costs, and local attitudes often restrict ordinary Australians’ beach access, which is perceived as being monopolized by wealthier residents.
“There’s a perception that ordinary families can’t even find a spot at the beach,” he adds.
There’s no concrete data on cabana use, but supporters argue there are valid reasons for using them, such as long travel, disabilities, or young children.
As the debate rages, some call for a truce to restore peace on Australian shores.
Rowan Clark, founder of Beachkit Australia, suggests cabanas be set up in designated areas to ensure fairness.
Others propose regulations to limit the number of cabanas on beaches.
Despite her frustration, Claire hopes for mutual consideration: “We shouldn’t get too precious about it. It’s just the beach, after all. Let’s try to be considerate of one another.”
