Photos: Backpackers party at Bronte Beach for Christmas, sea of trash left behind
Bronte Beach has been left strewn with rubbish for the second year running after tens of thousands of backpackers partied on Christmas Day, leaving council workers scrambling to clean up the mess.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Sydney’s eastern beaches was left resembling a tip for the second year running after tens of thousands of backpackers descended on Bronte Beach for Christmas celebrations.
Police on horseback were called in to manage the unruly crowds, while large industrial bins were stationed across the park in an effort to curb littering.
Despite these measures, Bronte Beach was strewn with rubbish by the end of the day, with broken glass, bottles, and other trash littering the sand and parklands.
Council workers scrambled to clean up the mess early on Thursday morning, as locals expressed frustration over the chaotic scenes that have become an unwelcome Christmas tradition in the area.
The rowdy gathering, which has become an annual fixture for international tourists, transformed the beach into a party zone.
Surf lifesavers, council rangers, and security teams worked to maintain order, confiscating alcohol and monitoring intoxicated swimmers as lifeguards conducted “active surveillance” to prevent accidents.
Upwards of 10,000 backpackers, many decked out in Christmas-themed bikinis, descended on Bronte Beach yesterday in what has emerged as the party of the year to them.
The rowdy tourists – hailing everywhere from England to Ireland to South America – were lapping up the day that has become a fixture on the tourist circuit down under, including a group of young Brits in red swimwear who broke into a rendition of Mariah Carey’s seminal song Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).
At one point a man was rushed to hospital with head injuries when he slipped and fell while trying to jump into one of Bronte’s pools.
Isabella Richardson told The Daily Telegraph that spending Christmas on one of the Emerald City’s famous beaches was worlds apart from what she is used to in drab London.
“It’s such a big change from London — the cold, grey weather,” Isabella said.
“Christmas in the heat is such a different experience.
“Honestly, everyone — especially the English and Irish — comes down here, so we thought we’d join in.”
In 2023, locals and authorities were shocked to wake up on Boxing Day to find litter strewn everywhere on Bronte Beach after the Christmas Day celebrations, which has been growing in popularity in recent years among backpackers.
But this year Rangers and security were seen confiscating alcohol from those brazen enough to carry bottles and beer cans onto the beach itself.
Others disguised their illicit beverages in red plastic cups.
Surf Lifesaving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said a “significant amount” of his lifesavers had been to deployed to Bronte to support the council’s local lifeguards.
He said they were trained to engage in “active surveillance” of high-risk swimmers.
“One of the biggest risks is alcohol consumption during the festive period ... it has a significant impact on many coastal rescues during this period,” Mr Pearce said.
“We won’t be acting to enforce any ban on alcohol, but we will try to intercept anyone we think is intoxicated and deter them from getting in the water.
“If they ignore our advice, we’ll do active surveillance on those people and inevitably go out to assist them.”
Canadian Kurtis Dawe dressed as Santa Claus for his third Bronte bash, which he described as “a free music festival”.
“I think it’s super important to clean up after yourself,” he said.
“Every year, I bring a garbage bag and make sure to leave no trash behind. I’ve even stayed late in past years to help clean up. The amount of garbage people leave is honestly disgusting — like broken glass and bottles in the sand. It ruins the vibe and gives us all a bad reputation.”
Waverley mayor Will Nemesh thanked lifesavers for keeping his constituents safe during the party.
“We (took) a number of significant proactive measures to ensure our community can relax and enjoy the summer period as part of our Summer Safe program,” he said
“These measures were communicated to our local community and Council has been in regular contact with surf life saving clubs.
“I would like to thank all our staff, lifeguards and volunteers who have been working hard throughout the day to keep our parks and beaches clean and safe for all.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Photos: Backpackers party at Bronte Beach for Christmas, sea of trash left behind
‘Sick of being told what to do’: Readers react to Aus Day debate
As Australia Day discussions heat up, The Daily Telegraph readers weigh in, with many voicing support for keeping the holiday on January 26.
Health breakdown: Experts’ dire warning over psychiatrist exodus
A chorus of healthcare professionals warn NSW’s most vulnerable patients are at serious risk of harm after 200 psychiatrists in the public hospital system resigned amid a bitter pay dispute, while the Minster responsible is on holiday.