Beach trend majority of Aussies want to see banned
It's something people have long debated over, but one recent study may have put the controversy to rest.
Spending sun-soaked summer days at the beach is a rite of passage for both Aussies and overseas visitors, with millions of people around the country flocking to the nation's coastlines every year.
While there are a number of protocols in place to keep people safe, particularly inexperienced swimmers in rough surf, there are also some unspoken rules on the sand that shouldn't be broken, according to beach enthusiasts.
Being mindful of people's space, avoiding shaking off your towel in the vicinity of others and limiting ball games when in a crowd are just a few that spring to mind. But what about packing your portable speakers to complement the afternoon with a set of tunes from your favourite playlist?
Aussies back ban on loud music at our beaches
It's a divisive idea that's long been a topic of heated debate. Now, according to new data from Spotify, the verdict's in and it's not looking good for those in favour of the move.
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According to the streaming heavyweight, a whopping 78 per cent of Aussies are in support of banning loud or offensive music at the beach, with just under half of respondents considering it "rude" to blast tunes too loud. In addition, 6 in 10 believe there "should be fines or penalties" for those caught violating beach music "etiquette". Some 51 per cent said they'd like to see "designated loud and quiet zones".
Queenslanders at odds with national vote
Overall, residents around the country voted to can the act, but people in Queensland appear to take an opposite view from their interstate counterparts.
Roughly 65 per cent of Queenslanders said they're happy to listen to "communal music" at the beach, apparently at odds with the general consensus. Though, according to Spotify, 62 per cent of Aussies conceded that they would tolerate music at the beach, so long as it's not too loud or invasive.
Footage from Bondi divides
On social media, footage of packed crowds revelling in loud music on the sand also divided people, with one video uploaded to TikTok showing a crowd at Bondi chanting and singing in a huge group.
The caption read: "Sunday afternoon at Bondi Beach — good vibes only". But in the comments, it seemed not everyone agreed with the sentiment. "All the locals absolutely hating this sh*t," a person replied.
"Can't imagine anything more bogan," said a second. "Damn these backpackers literally have taken over Australia, can't even enjoy our own beaches no more," a third wrote.
Others claimed the video was "a hard watch", some blamed the "cringe" scenario as the reason they avoid Bondi altogether. But some enjoyed the fun, with at least one user revealing the footage gave them "FOMO".
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