Jaw-dropping scenes as thousands of backpackers squeeze onto one of Australia’s most famous beaches for Christmas Day celebrations

One of Australia’s most famous beaches has been painted festive red as thousands of revelers dressed in Christmas-themed outfits flocked to the seaside to celebrate the public holiday.

Cloudy skies did not dampen Christmas cheer as crowds braved the unseasonably cool summer weather at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Thursday.

There wasn’t a shred of ground in sight as the coastline was packed with holidaymakers decked out in Santa hats, reindeer-style hair accessories and red bikinis.

Groups of friends were smiling as they raised their hands in the air, climbed on each other’s backs, and gathered around to take photos wearing identical outfits.

After a week of sweltering heat, temperatures across the Harbor City have fallen by around 10C after back-to-back daily highs of 30C.

The downward trend in Sydney is expected to continue over the coming days, as the mercury remains around the low 20C over the weekend and showers are possible in Boxing Day.

Although temperatures peaked at a mild 24C in Sydney on Thursday, gray skies made it feel much cooler, at up to 17C.

But the lack of sunlight didn’t seem to deter visitors; cheerful people were still traveling towards the coastline.

Drone footage shows Coogee bursting with visitors as Sydneysiders flock to the seaside

Friends climbed on each other’s shoulders for holiday photos

Red swimsuits were the dominant theme along the Australian coastline on Thursday

The festive spirit was on full display as costumed tourists threw away drinks and food.

The stunning turnout came after Waverley Council pleaded with backpackers not to flock to Bronte Beach after revelers left a trail of destruction last year.

Coogee Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the country and a popular destination for British and Irish tourists.

The remarkable sight was in sharp contrast to beaches further north, with smaller-than-usual crowds seen at both Bondi and Bronte Beach.

In Bondi, some beachgoers embracing the cooler weather have gone so far as to dress up for Santa himself, donning head-to-toe red suits with white fake beards.

But other men showed off their festive spirit by wearing red speedos.

Others were seen laughing as they rode each other on their backs on the beach, while other groups were seen having fun with picnics on the grass.

While the couples took photos in front of the tree set up on the beach, they also made the most of the Christmas decorations set up on the beach.

Some tourists also took the opportunity to take photos next to the lifeguards dressed in their iconic yellow and red uniforms.

A group of friends opted for the red bikinis common in Sydney’s east on Thursday

Holidaymakers who spent the day at the beach were smiling

Despite the cold weather, beachgoers managed to swim in the sea

The parklands were bustling with activity; It was a stark contrast to the beaches to the north

A group of friends raise their hands in joy as they celebrate a gray Christmas Day in Bondi

Many holidaymakers chose red clothes to celebrate Christmas celebrations

Some beachgoers walked along the shoreline wearing Santa Claus costumes with white beards

While a couple took photos with a selfie stick, other revelers mingled with their friends on the sand.

Although the iconic beach was crowded, the tourist hub appeared quieter than in years past as the country continues to mourn the horrific Bondi attack on December 14.

After the attack, a small memorial of flowers and candles remained on the footbridge for revelers making their way between the parking lot and the beach.

Police were also in high visibility as units were seen patrolling along the promenade.

Last year, the iconic beach was packed with visitors as tens of thousands flocked to Bondi for Yulletide celebrations amid sunny skies and temperatures of 26 degrees.

Some friends were taking each other back while having fun on the shoreline

Two women made a peace sign with their hands while taking a photo

Two friends embraced each other while a third woman took a photo

Dressed in matching Christmas-themed outfits, this group of friends kept their Christmas cheer high

Our loved ones huddled together to take photos in front of the Christmas tree on the beach

Chef Rami Tan, second from the right, offers the tiramisu he had previously prepared to young women celebrating Christmas Day at Bondi Beach

Even smaller crowds were seen south of Bronte after the local council urged visitors to stay away from the beach due to safety concerns due to ongoing construction work in the park.

Bronte Beach has become a well-known Christmas destination in recent years, with more than 15,000 revelers flocking to the coastline on December 25, 2024.

However, the massive chaos that followed the celebrations sparked anger among both locals and Waverley Council.

‘About half of Bronte Park is currently closed to the public as the development of the New Bronte Surf Club continues,’ Waverley Council said in a statement earlier this month.

Friends wearing Christmas-themed outfits supported each other along the beach

Families and friends mingle on the sand, chatting, eating and drinking beer

Although the beach was still busy, there were quieter scenes at Bondi this year, unlike the sunny celebrations in 2024.

A group of people celebrating a public holiday raise their hands in the air

Some beachgoers stopped wearing swimsuits and preferred to stay in their clothes because the weather was unusually cold.

Police officers seen patrolling Bondi Beach

Floral mementos remain on the footbridge as Christmas Day celebrations take place on the beach

‘Temporary fences have been erected across much of the area.

‘This means there is a drastic reduction in open space and only narrow channels are available for movement.

‘Significant compromises to crowd flow are a safety concern any day, let alone prone to overcrowding.’

More than 15,000 people attended an unauthorized gathering at Bronte Beach last year dubbed ‘Orphans’ Christmas’ or ‘Backpackers’ Christmas’.

The incident left the coastline covered in debris and broken glass as beachgoers left without disposing of their rubbish.

The council said crowds of this size were ‘extremely challenging at the best of times’ and due to the antisocial behavior and crowd control issues witnessed last year, they were consulting with the community on how the impacts could be better managed.

Few beachgoers were seen at Bronte Beach on Christmas Day this year; This is in stark contrast to 2024.

Waverley Council said it had invested more than $250,000 in measures to reduce beach overcrowding after large parties left the area a dump in recent years.

Visitors appear to have heeded council’s warnings to stay away from Brontë

As a result, the council said enhanced measures would be introduced for 2025, including increased crowd management, strengthened control measures and greater police and security presence.

The council said it had invested more than $250,000 in total on these measures without help from the government.

‘This type of crowd is simply not safe this year and the Council’s message to those hoping to play at Bronte is clear,’ they said.

‘A zero tolerance approach to antisocial behavior will be taken and alcohol and glass will be confiscated when detected.

‘Bronte is not a good option and brings significant personal risks.

‘Don’t come.’