Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly jammed with revellers as Freedom Day approaches

Dancing and singing revellers crammed into the popular Manly beach just hours after police were forced to disperse crowds from Bondi. SEE THE VIDEO

Huge crowds converged on popular the popular shorelines of Bondi and Manly as the combination of the looming end to Sydney’s hard lockdown and warm weather had thousands deciding that Freedom Day had come two days early.

Pictures taken throughout the day at Bondi showed many revellers not socially distanced or wearing masks, despite public health orders in place until Monday.

Crowds soaked up the sun at North Bondi on Saturday. Picture: Damian Shaw

Many stayed long after the sun went down. Picture: Damian Shaw

Under current restrictions, fully vaccinated people are allowed to gather outdoors in groups of up to five, but groups much bigger than that were seen congregating on the grassy knoll.

The pictures also showed police in masks moving among the crowd.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said a number of move-on orders had been given at Bondi but no fines were issued.

Video showed a line of officers directing people away from the area after sunset.

At 7.30pm police officers move in to disperse the crowds. Picture: Damian Shaw

Video posted on social media also showed a large crowd also gathered at Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly on Saturday night.

Packed in tight and dancing to speakers that had been set up by the shore, the crowd began arriving in the afternoon before numbers grew as the sun went down.

The crowd at Manly on Saturday. Picture: Instagram

The crowd at Manly on Saturday. Picture: Instagram

Bondi Beach on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Julian Andrews

The grassy banks were packed with bathers at Bondi. Picture: Julian Andrews

The grassy banks were packed with bathers at Bondi. Picture: Julian Andrews

Not as crowded as Bondi but there were plenty enjoying the sun at Manly. Picture: Tim Hunter

Stay-at-home orders will lift across the state on Monday, with outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people among the new rules coming into effect.

Vaccinated residents from other Sydney LGAs will also be allowed to move freely around the city.

Also from Monday, beachgoers will be able to adjourn to the local pubs and restaurants after their day of sun and surf.