Is It Un-Australian To Reserve Beach Space By Putting Cabanas Up Early?

As summer sizzles on, Australians are now fiercely debating: is it un-Australian to reserve beach space by setting up cabanas at the crack of dawn?

Beachgoers arriving early to assemble their beach shelters, then leaving the cabana there until they’re ready to actually hit the beach – meaning that no one else can use the space, even if the owners don’t arrive for hours.

Aussies may have been doing this for a very long time, but it’s now being claimed as a ‘Tiktok trend’ – and now, Australia is debating whether its actually okay to do or not. 

One viral TikTok clip showed rows of cabanas lining the beaches of the Gold Coast, sparking a wave of similar setups across the country.

It’s being debated all across the internet – and now, even on morning talk shows.

Controversy erupts over beach cabana etiquette

Some arguing that it’s harmless as the cabanas provide shade and sun protection, while others have been frustrated when cabanas are set up but remain empty, taking up valuable space on the beach.

One person commented on the TikTok video, “I don’t get it. People aren’t taking up anymore space than they normally would. They just now have shade?” 

Another person wrote, “I wish I had one! My $15 umbrella didn’t stand a chance haha. Thirroul 1 umbrella 0”. 

The most recent cabana debacle, shared by News Corp, showed rows of cabanas being used to reserve spots at a beach on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. 

Early birds reportedly flocked to the strip of sand over the weekend, marking their territory with cabanas, chairs, and towels before leaving and returning later. 

PM weighs in: reserving beach space with cabanas is ‘not on’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now weighed in, stating that it is “not on” for Australians to use cabana shades to reserve spots on the beach. 

When asked on Nine’s Today program whether he agreed with frustrations about the cabanas, which the hosts called “un-Australian”, Albanese said, “One of the great things about Australia, unlike some parts of the world where you go, and you’ve got to pay to go to the beach, here everyone owns the beach.

“And it’s a place where every Australian is equal. And that’s a breach of that principle, really, to think that you can reserve a little spot,” the PM added. 

Mornington Pensinsula shire mayor Anthony Marsh said beachgoers were entitled to use cabanas however reserving spaces on the beach and “doing other stuff” was not on. 

“My message to people is to be kind and considerate to your neighbour,” he said, as reported by The Guardian.

“If you’re going to use the beach, go for it, have a great time. But if you’re not going to use the beach, don’t take up space so other people can’t.”