NSW Police break up beach parties along Byron coast

Police have issued dozens of fines after hundreds of people gathered to party on a popular northern NSW beach, leaving angry locals to clean up the mess.

Police and Byron Bay locals have blasted a wave of unauthorised beach parties after hundreds gathered, breaching COVID rules and leaving mountains of rubbish in their wake.

Social media posts show Belongil Beach covered with discarded bottles, cartons and Eskys in what’s been called a “disgusting act” by locals.

NSW Police confirm they have broken up multiple parties on Byron beaches in the past week, reminding revellers that COVID restrictions in NSW only allow 100 people in a public place.

“Police have … dispersed large crowds gathered at Apex Park, on Thursday 24 and Friday 25,” NSW Police said on Sunday morning.

Byron Bay locals left to clean up after a massive beach party. Picture: Ivan Saric

There were three more parties overnight, with one at Main Beach that attracted about 300 people.

There was also one in the National Park area at Tyagarah and another in Apex Park.

Police dispersed around 200 people from the unauthorised beach bash, seizing music equipment and issuing 73 parking infringements.

Investigations are continuing into who organised the event.

Rubbish left on the beach at Byron Bay after a party. Picture: Ivan Saric/Facebook

Photos of rubbish left on beaches in the aftermath of the gatherings have angered locals, who have called the party a “disgusting act” and a sign of “disrespect” to the community.

“This was the remains of a backpacker beach party at Belongil Beach yesterday,” one post said.

“The sand had so much buried trash that I was stepping on buried bottles, cans & trash of every description. This is bloody disgusting.

“That’s disgusting you come to our beaches to take your **** with you. Respect seriously,” another local commented.

“This needs to stop before it gets out of hand in summer,” was another comment.

A crowd of mostly backpackers hold an impromptu party at Bronte Beach on Christmas Day. Picture: Toby Zerna

The string of Byron parties come after similar parties took place at Sydney’s Bronte Beach on Christmas Day, causing NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to call the event “appalling”.

Originally published as NSW Police break up beach parties along Byron coast