Thousands of backpackers flock to Coogee Beach as Bronte Christmas party restrictions push crowds south
One of Australia’s most iconic beaches was transformed into a sea of red on Christmas Day as thousands of revelers flocked to Coogee Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Backpackers and expats headed to the sand and surf wearing Santa hats, reindeer accessories and red bikinis, making it impossible to miss the holiday celebration.
Lifeguards warned against drunk swimming, while high-visibility council rangers patrolled the crowds and signs reminded participants that alcohol was prohibited and glass was not allowed.
By 7pm, Waverly Council Staff were out in full force to clean up the mess left behind.
The jaw-dropping turnout comes after Waverley Council urged backpackers to stay away from Bronte Beach after a chaotic meeting last year left a trail of destruction.
Last year the unauthorized event, dubbed ‘Orphans’ Christmas’ or ‘Backpackers’ Christmas’, attracted more than 15,000 people and left behind debris, broken glass and safety hazards.
Waverley Council said: “This type of crowd is simply not safe this year and the Council’s message to those hoping to play at Bronte is clear.” “A zero tolerance approach to antisocial behavior will be taken and alcohol and glassware will be confiscated if detected. Bronte is not a good option and carries serious personal risk. Do not come.”
This year Waverley has invested more than $250,000 in police, security, cleaning, buses and toilets to manage crowds; Approximately half of Bronte Park is off-limits due to the ongoing construction of the new Bronte Surf Club.
“This is not an approved or managed council event, and while we strongly discourage crowds from attending, we cannot ban people from the beach,” Mayor Will Nemesh said in a statement in early December.
“However, we are committed to mitigating impacts on the community as much as possible.”
As a result, many revelers have moved south to Coogee, where Randwick Council is preparing for a potential influx.
“The no-alcohol rule allows police to take enforcement action where necessary,” a Randwick spokesman said.
“Whilst crowd numbers are large, feedback so far suggests most people are well-behaved and celebrating an Australian Christmas on the beach.”
Additional bins, cleaning teams and information campaigns to nearby backpacker hostels were put in place, along with some extra resources from Bronte.
Despite the gray skies, participants continued to arrive in droves. Long lines for the toilets were reported, with some urinating in bottles or showers, and police patrolled the area, with more officers arriving as the afternoon progressed.
Further south, Bronte Beach remained quieter than usual as ongoing construction and council safety concerns restricted access.
Residents have long criticized the Christmas Day party there for noise, litter, antisocial behavior and the use of the park as a “public urinal”.
