A familiar summer debate has resurfaced at Sydney beaches, with beach cabanas once again dividing opinion. This year, Clovelly Beach has found itself at the centre of the conversation, not because of an influx of cabanas, but because of their noticeable absence.
Sydney-based content creator Guncle Diaries recently shared a video filmed at Clovelly, drawing attention to the fact that while beach cabanas were visible on the sand, none had spilled onto the concrete areas. The post revisited a topic that gained traction last summer, when cabanas became a flashpoint for discussions about space, etiquette and beach culture.
A Trend That Keeps Returning
Beach cabanas, particularly branded versions such as CoolCabanas, rose sharply in popularity from 2022 onwards. Marketed as an easy way to create shade, they were quickly adopted by families and beachgoers concerned about sun exposure.
Over time, however, criticism grew. What began as a practical shade solution became, in some cases, a dominant presence on busy beaches, with cabanas occupying large sections of sand, grass and access areas.
Why Clovelly Stands Out
Clovelly’s layout has long influenced how people use the beach. Limited sand space and shared concrete areas mean there is less room for large structures compared with wider beaches.
The latest video highlighted that dynamic, suggesting Clovelly’s physical constraints may naturally discourage the spread of oversized cabanas, particularly on hard surfaces where they cannot be anchored.
For many locals, that absence reflects an unspoken understanding about how space is shared at Clovelly, especially during peak summer days.
Opinions Split Online
The video sparked renewed discussion online. Some viewers supported the idea that large cabanas dominate shared areas and detract from the beach experience. Others defended their use, pointing to the importance of shade, particularly for people who burn easily, families with children or those managing medical or skin-related concerns.
Sun safety remains a central argument in favour of cabanas, especially as awareness around skin cancer and UV exposure continues to grow.
A Broader Beach Culture Conversation
Beyond Clovelly, images shared on social media have shown cabanas spreading across beaches in Australia and overseas. In some cases, beachgoers have reportedly set them up early in the morning, or even the night before, to secure prime spots.
The debate has become part of a wider conversation about how shared public spaces are used, and where the balance sits between personal comfort and collective courtesy.
As summer continues, Clovelly’s cabana-light approach may appeal to some, while others continue to prioritise shade wherever they can find it. Either way, the discussion shows no sign of disappearing with the tide.
Published 28-Dec-2025
