Imagine arriving at your favorite beach, eager to soak up the sun and enjoy the waves, only to find row after row of empty cabanas blocking the prime spots. This is the reality for many Aussies this summer, as a growing trend of beachgoers reserving spots with cabanas—and then vanishing for hours—sparks heated debates across the country. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a harmless way to secure a spot, or a selfish practice that ruins the beach experience for everyone else?
As Australia battles a scorching heatwave, the issue has reached a boiling point, particularly in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where this practice is becoming alarmingly common. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE to see how these so-called 'beach cabana wars' are dividing communities. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the cabanas themselves, but the broader question of how we share public spaces fairly.
Stretches of pristine sand are now dotted with these view-blocking structures, as early birds stake their claim before dawn, only to disappear until the afternoon. Meanwhile, latecomers are left scrambling for any available space, frustrated by the sight of unused shelters. Is this a clever hack for a day at the beach, or a blatant disregard for others?
In a recent interview on Sunrise, Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh shed light on the scale of the problem. On an average day, up to 50 cabanas are set up before 9 a.m., with only a handful actually in use. “It’s not just about being sun smart,” Marsh explained. “It’s about claiming territory for the day. People arrive early, set up, and then disappear for hours, only to return later in the afternoon.”
Here’s the kicker: local councils have no authority to remove these unattended cabanas. “The beach is a public asset, not a private playground,” Marsh emphasized. He’s now calling for common-sense solutions, urging beachgoers to set up cabanas at the back of the beach to avoid obstructing access to the water—and, most importantly, to actually use them.
“We want people to enjoy the beach, support local businesses, and have a great time,” Marsh added. “But let’s do it in a way that’s fair and respectful to everyone.”
So, what do you think? Is reserving a beach spot with an unattended cabana a reasonable practice, or a selfish one? Should councils have more power to manage public spaces? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to make waves.
