Sydney locals fuming after popular NYE vantage points are inundated with cabanas and gazebos: 'Grotesque'
Tensions have flared at one of Sydney's prime fireworks vantage points after a controversial move sparked outrage online.
- Cool Cabanas left unattended at Manly foreshore
- Locals furious over attempts to claim the space
- READ MORE: New Year's Eve chaos kicks off as huge crowds swarm Sydney
By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 05:09 GMT, 31 December 2025 | Updated: 10:22 GMT, 31 December 2025
A New Year's Eve dispute has erupted at popular vantage points in Sydney after after rows of CoolCabanas and gazebos sparked outrage among locals, who say public space is being unfairly claimed in a 'grotesque' display of selfishness.
Photos from Manly Beach on the city's Northern Beaches show the premium grassy spots near the waterfront blanketed with striped cabanas, tents and chairs.
Beside the unattended camps was a handwritten sign inviting others to 'Please feel free to use this space until 5pm. Happy New Year!'
The images, shared in a community Facebook group, triggered a wave of anger, with some accusing beachgoers of 'squatting' on public land.
'Seriously, it's public space - they can't claim it, otherwise they're squatting, aren't they?' one person commented.
'That is grotesque,' another wrote.
Others demanded the makeshift camps be dismantled.
'Pretty simple - take them down and sell them as last-minute options on Gumtree,' one person said.
Unattended Cool Cabanas were placed along the Manly foreshore on Wednesday morning
A sign (pictured) which was placed on the site of the Cool Cabanas left some locals outraged
'Supportive of these being torn down if left unattended,' another agreed.
'Worse than a chook raffle at a country pub. Should be no reservation,' one said.
Critics say the elaborate camps, usually set-up at dawn and then abandoned until 5pm, blocks off rare public space at the busiest time of year.
'Someone has to take one for the team and sit under the CoolCabana,' one local said.
However, not everyone opposed the arrangement, with one person saying the offer to share the space until 5pm was fair enough.
As of 3:30pm, the cabanas were still placed on the foreshore.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to Manly Cove for the 9pm fireworks on New Years, one of several displays around Sydney.