Beachfront Battles: The Growing Conflict Over Cabana Culture
The serene beaches of Australia are becoming a battleground for a surprising issue: the early-morning scramble for prime spots.
On January 14, 2026, as the sun barely peeked over the horizon, a dedicated beachgoer was already staking their claim at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula. With a marquee firmly planted in the sand, they secured their territory before zipping off on a jetski, leaving the empty structure behind.
But this isn't an isolated incident. The Age found numerous cabanas and umbrellas abandoned along the beach when they returned at 11 am. This practice has become a source of frustration for locals like Adam (who prefers to keep his last name private), who lives across from the beach. He laments the sight of broken umbrellas and tents left behind by visitors who claim their spots early and then disappear for hours.
And here's where it gets controversial...
"People are arriving early, setting up, and then leaving for hours," Adam observes. "It's frustrating when it affects locals' ability to enjoy the beach." This sentiment is echoed by holidaymaker Helen Nelson, who experiences similar congestion further down the peninsula at Rye. She describes rows of cabanas, leaving no room for others to simply lay down a towel.
But is this a case of beachgoers' rights or a selfish act?
Camper Nancy Romero offers a different perspective. While acknowledging that high tide can limit beach access when cabanas are clustered near the water, she believes there's still space for everyone. However, she highlights the need for early arrivals to secure a spot.
The issue isn't illegal, but it's a long-standing annoyance for many. Interestingly, not all peninsula beaches face this problem. Adam Thompson and Jason, campers at Capel Sound, haven't witnessed overcrowding or abandoned shelters, but they're aware it's an issue elsewhere. They set up multiple marquees for a large group, accommodating up to 30 people at once.
Thompson suggests that the demographic of beachgoers may play a role, with younger groups at Safety Beach and more families at Capel Sound. However, Acting Superintendent Tim Hayward of Victoria Police's specialist response division, including the water police, has a different take. While he hasn't received complaints this year, he finds it rude when people leave their shelters vacant for hours.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh provides a nuanced view. He believes beach behavior has improved overall, but the cabana issue persists. He emphasizes that people aren't bothered by cabanas in general but by the frustration of finding empty ones when they want to use the beach.
So, is it a matter of beach etiquette or a symptom of a deeper issue?
Mayor Marsh asserts, "Beaches are public assets, not private reservations." This sentiment is shared by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who weighed in last summer, calling the practice of leaving shelters vacant for hours "not on."
The controversy intensifies as visits to patrolled Victorian beaches hit a 15-year high, with 5.4 million visits in 2024-25, according to Life Saving Victoria. Swinburne University's Associate Professor Katie Wood, a clinical psychologist, explains that Australians deeply value beach accessibility. When cabanas are used to monopolize space, it can evoke feelings of unfairness and inequality.
University of Melbourne's Sophie Paquet-Field, a skin cancer educator, offers a different perspective. While cabanas provide sun protection, she observes that many people don't rotate them with the sun's movement or use inferior quality products, compromising their effectiveness. She advocates for free communal shelters on beaches to promote sun safety.
As the debate rages on, one question lingers: Is the solution to regulate cabana use or to provide alternative options? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's explore this complex issue together.
