A popular item on Aussie beaches has recently sparked a heated debate, leaving many wondering whether it’s a must-have or a complete hassle.

While some swear by its benefits, others believe it’s taking up too much space and ruining the beach vibe. The conversation is growing, and opinions are divided like never before.

Australians have found themselves divided over a popular beach item, with one individual claiming it was occupying 'prime real estate' by the water's edge.

Beachgoers divided over cabanas’ impact on space. Image source: Kmart

Cabanas have become a fixture at Australian beaches since January 2023, with CoolCabanas emerging as the leading brand.

Other retailers, including Aldi and Kmart, also released their versions, adding to the trend.

Despite entering their third summer in Australia, these sun shades remain highly polarising. Social media users, including Nic from @gunclediaries, shared their thoughts on the matter.

Nic praised certain beaches, such as those on the Northern Beaches and the cement area of Clovelly, as the 'place to be,' highlighting their lack of cabanas.

In another video, he counted up to 'eight' cabanas in one spot, lamenting that there was 'no room on the beach.'

He suggested that people should be 'charged for the space' the cabanas occupied, arguing that they were taking up 'prime real estate' by the water.

The comments section was split.

One user stated, 'They should only be at the back of the beach.’

Another chimed in with, 'Cool cabanas are AMAZING!'

Key Takeaways

• A popular beach item has caused division among Australians, with varying opinions on its usefulness.
• While some see it as a game-changer, others argue it takes up valuable beach space.
• Social media user Nic voiced concerns, suggesting people should be 'charged for the space' the item occupies.
• The debate continues, with commenters expressing opposing views on where the item should be placed at the beach.

As the debate rages on, one question remains: is this beach item truly a game-changer, or is it just taking up space where we’d rather stretch out and relax? We’d love to hear your thoughts – drop a comment and join the conversation.

 

[JKD]

I would just go and plonk myself right under their shade too. Would be good if there was a few of you "sharing". LOL

 

[Teddy is my boy]

I don’t think they would take up any more room than chairs, towels and esky’s would actually

 

[Colette 3799]

I like them. They would be great sun protection and it’s not as if they are blocking views, it’s not at a music festival or anything

 

[JKD]

I actually love the look - so tropical and sensible. Plenty of beach for everyone if people bothered to walk a little way. Safer than beach umbrellas too which are known to take off in the wind.

 

[Jo Piper3]

They are pretty harmless and provide sun protection. Why complain about them?

 

[Littleboy8]

I would just go and plonk myself right under their shade too. Would be good if there was a few of you "sharing". LOL

Yeah good thinking Ollie

 

[Veggiepatch]

Cabanas have become a fixture at Australian beaches since January 2023, with CoolCabanas emerging as the leading brand.

I purchased a similar product from Bunnings about 20 years ago. Never used it....

 

[Dynamo]

It would blow over with the strong sea breezes in South Aus.

 

[Littleboy8]

It would blow over with the strong sea breezes in South Aus.

My neighbour when he moved in put one up in his backyard so he could smoke outside and not get wet. Bad move frankston south is notorious for being a wind tunnel as we are on a hill, I was going to tell him. But too late it blew away didn’t it landed on my friends roof. he never put it back up

 

[Veggiepatch]

My neighbour when he moved in put one up in his backyard so he could smoke outside and not get wet. Bad move frankston south is notorious for being a wind tunnel as we are on a hill, I was going to tell him. But too late it blew away didn’t it landed on my friends roof. he never put it back up

Some people have no idea how to erect a temporary shelter such as a tent or gazebo.

Better to err on the side of safety, rather than rely on the flimsy thin gauge pegs supplied with such items.

Just buy some decent round bar from a steel supplier, cut it into 30 cm plus lengths and bend it into a hook in a vice and voilà! You have sturdy tent pegs for any terrain.

Better than paying a squillion dollars at Bunnings!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Maybe beaches should have a section with beach lounges and cabanas . Santarini and Rhodes in Greece have them and people are charged $5 for like 6 hours.
They also have a service where they bring drinks and food or you just take your own.
I like this idea, you then don't need to cart chairs and tents with you.

When my kids were young we always put a tent up mainly so the kids wouldn't burn

This is the ones in Greece. My granddaughter's enjoying their mocktails

I think this would be a hit on our beaches

 

[relljube]

Some people have no idea how to erect a temporary shelter such as a tent or gazebo.

Better to err on the side of safety, rather than rely on the flimsy thin gauge pegs supplied with such items.

Just buy some decent round bar from a steel supplier, cut it into 30 cm plus lengths and bend it into a hook in a vice and voilà! You have sturdy tent pegs for any terrain.

Better than paying a squillion dollars at Bunnings!

They don't need tent pegs as the bottom of the corners has a pocket built in so that it is filled with sand. This keeps them grounded. No stubbed toes or lost pegs. They are brilliant. Went to the beach at Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay in NSW and it was filled with these colourful tents which were bobbing simultaneously in the breeze - looked like they were dancing to music. So festive and cheerful.

 

[Veggiepatch]

They don't need tent pegs as the bottom of the corners has a pocket built in so that it is filled with sand. This keeps them grounded. No stubbed toes or lost pegs. They are brilliant. Went to the beach at Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay in NSW and it was filled with these colourful tents which were bobbing simultaneously in the breeze - looked like they were dancing to music. So festive and cheerful.

Similar to the sand bags used to hold down temporary signage for roadworks.

A few kilograms of sand at each corner should do the job in moderate breezes.