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Sydney Beach Wars: Cabanas Spark New Year's Eve Outrage
31 Dec, 2025
Summary
- CoolCabanas and gazebos unfairly claimed public space on Manly Beach.
- Locals expressed anger, calling the display 'grotesque' and 'selfish'.
- Unattended camps were set up at dawn and left until the afternoon.
New Year's Eve in Sydney saw a significant dispute arise over the use of public space at Manly Beach. Dozens of unattended CoolCabanas and gazebos were erected on prime waterfront spots, sparking outrage among locals. Many viewed these elaborate setups as a 'grotesque' display of selfishness, effectively claiming public land for personal use.
The images, shared widely on social media, triggered a wave of anger, with residents accusing beachgoers of 'squatting' on publicly accessible areas. Critics argued that these camps, often set up at dawn and left abandoned until the afternoon, significantly restricted access for others during the peak holiday period.
While a sign invited others to share the space until 5 PM, many locals demanded the structures be dismantled. The controversy unfolded as Sydney prepared for massive crowds, with over 1.1 million people anticipated for the world-famous midnight fireworks extravaganza on Sydney Harbour, and thousands more for the 9 PM displays.
