When it comes to Australian summers, there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. The sun, the surf, and the sand are quintessential parts of the Aussie lifestyle. But as we all know, with the summer sun comes the need for shade, and this is where Bunnings has stepped in with a product that’s causing quite a stir.
Bunnings has recently expanded its horizons beyond the garden shed and DIY projects, launching a summer range that includes a beach cabana priced at $65. This 2.4-metre beach accessory is part of a collection that also features beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents. While Bunnings isn’t the first to offer such a product—with ALDI and Kmart having previously released their own versions—the Bunnings cabana has become a hot topic on social media and beyond.
The cabana trend has been divisive, to say the least. On one hand, beachgoers are excited about the new range. Social media comments range from eager anticipation ‘Ohhhh definitely need to check these out’ to testimonials of their prevalence ‘Yes all over my local beach this summer’. Some are even looking forward to using the chairs for a ‘drinking sesh.’
However, not everyone is on board with the beach cabana craze. Aesthetics have been called into question, with calls for ‘neutral colours’ instead of the current designs. Durability is another concern, with reports of an umbrella from the range snapping immediately after use. Despite these criticisms, Cam Rist, Bunnings director of merchandise, has stated that customers are embracing the summer season with these new accessories, all while keeping sun-smart.
The debate over beach cabanas has escalated to the point where it’s not just about sun protection or style—it’s about beach etiquette and fairness. A recent news.com.au poll revealed that a staggering 82% of nearly 11,000 respondents disapproved of reserving a spot on the beach with a cabana, especially when it’s left unused. Only 15% thought it was acceptable, while 3% remained undecided.
The controversy reached its peak when a social media user, @gunclediaries, highlighted the issue by showing a Gold Coast beach inundated with cabanas, leaving little room for others. He suggested that people should be ‘charged for the space’ they take up, likening the prime beach real estate to a commodity that’s being unfairly monopolised.
Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in, emphasising the egalitarian nature of Australian beaches. He remarked that setting up a cabana and then leaving the beach is a breach of the principle that ‘everyone owns the beach.’
Have you tried Bunnings’ beach cabana? What’s your experience been like? Do you think it’s okay to reserve a beach spot with a cabana, or do you feel it’s unfair to others? Share your thoughts below!
Also read: Say goodbye to flies this summer with Bunnings’ affordable, non-toxic trap
I can well understand the divisive nature of this item for anyone wanting to visit the beach. My partner took our dog for a walk there around 8am today, only to discover that these cabanas were already being set up. They take up large amounts of space and are often left unattended for long periods. The owners bring along everything but the kitchen sink to occupy the space. These actions deny others the opportunity to enjoy some of the limited space available at the beach and they have flow-on effects. To add insult to injury, some play loud, usually culturally specific music on boomboxes. There is no consideration given to others seeking to enjoy a relatively quiet area, or any part, of the beach. Despite being locals (40 years living here) we no longer visit the beach, other than to walk the dog early in the day, as it is just way too noisy and busy now. Having spoken to shop owners, to gain their perspective on the influx of non residents that begun during COVID, they say that non locals make up a significant proportion of those who visit our beach these days. They know this because they are familiar with the local population. An issue, arising from this change is that large amounts of rubbish is being left on the beach. Non residents don’t seem to care about the state they leave the beach in. Major developments around the beach area were undertaken in recent years, becoming a source of pride for locals. The disregard for the state of the beach, after people leave, has become a point of grievance on our community FaceBook page. It appears that selfishness is alive and well in 2025.
Some people enjoy the beach only for a few hours then leave thus allowing others to share the benefits those with cabanas will invariably stay longer denying others the same benefits on the other hand having a shaded area would prevent sunburn which is desirable therefore the question is one of being equitable.
So what is equitable or the average amount of time someone spends at the beach therefore one would assume anything beyond the average perhaps should be either be asked to move on or pay.
One should also consider the area used vrs that used by someone without a cabana otherwise cabanas could reach the size of houses.
So to be equitable it’s not going to be easy and requires some thought especially if charging someone or even just to make a time limit
Bill Reynolds
Some people enjoy the beach only for a few hours then leave thus allowing others to share the benefits those with cabanas will invariably stay longer denying others the same benefits on the other hand having a shaded area would prevent sunburn which is desirable therefore the question is one of being equitable.
So what is equitable or the average amount of time someone spends at the beach therefore one would assume anything beyond the average perhaps should be either be asked to move on or pay.
One should also consider the area used vrs that used by someone without a cabana otherwise cabanas could reach the size of houses.
So to be equitable it’s not going to be easy and requires some thought especially if charging someone or even just to make a time limit
Bill Reynolds
I seem to remember the Gazebo craze where there were gazebo’s put up around the beach. The beach is free for people, what if they left towels instead, same principle. The unfortunate thing about this is if it doesn’t stop, councils will slowly put time limits or be like Europe where there will be multiple operators hiring out chairs, etc and be pushed in like sardines anyway. Been to these places and don’t want it here in Australia. I agree about the music, people are just to self absorbed about their enjoyment they forget about other people. Rubbish is a problem and not just at the beach. Bins are overflowing and people will leave their rubbish where they have been sitting and not even attempt to put it in the bin.
Here is a simple response. If a cabana is set up early and left unattended, you have every right to pull up the cabana and leave it on the ground. Use it or lose it.