Hundreds attend Cullen Bay’s Sandbar party 2022

Police have commented on the number of arrests and fines dished out at one of the Top End’s most notorious events. Here’s the fallout from the 2022 Sandbar party.

Northern Territory Police have praised the behaviour and organisation of this year’s Sandbar party off the coast of Cullen Bay.

After a chaotic end to the 2021 event, emergency services conducted an operation to manage attendees.

Police said it was “satisfying” to report only one person was taken into protective custody.

“Attending police estimated that there were approximately 700 attendees inclusive of a large number of vessels,” Northern Watch Commander Mick Field said.

“Water Police formed part of the response with 66 vessels undergoing safety checks resulting in 13 infringements for safety related deficiencies,” he said.

Mr Field also said two parking infringements were handed out, two litres of alcohol destroyed and two medical episodes resulting in hospitalisation.

The previous year’s event saw 300 litres of alcohol seized and destroyed.

The NT’s most notorious beach party returns for 2022

Hundreds of revellers crossed the treacherous waters of Cullen Bay for the annual Sandbar party.

And despite making national headlines, the chaos of last year’s evacuation did not deter keen party-goers.

Locals and visitors headed out to makeshift island to bask in the sun and fun.

Swedish import Oscar Jonasson has been in the Territory three years and was more than excited to be heading out to the event.

“I’m Oscar and I’m here to party,” he said.

He had some advice for the masses, albeit in contradiction to the NT Police’s safety messages.

“No sunscreen no water, beers only baby,” he said.

Visitors from Adelaide Austin Bridge and Georgia Todd were attending with friend and local Lachy Boyle for the first time.

“I heard it's a bit like a doof so we’re into that scene,” Mr Bridge said.

“We stayed for the party we were gonna leave earlier but heard it was pretty popular.”

Mr Boyle said he wasn’t worried about how they would get back to dry land once the tide rose.

“A mate’s got a boat so hopefully we don’t have to swim, we might swim — see how we go,” he said.

Sarah Knight and Maddy Ellis, both from Darwin, were also first-time attendees.

“We’ve never been to one but heard good things,” Ms Knight said.

“Got a mate that's got a boat and is staying sober so can take us out and back.”

The girls had a barbecue set up and were looking forward to having a dance with friends.

“See some friends, get some sunshine and do one of the greatest things in Darwin,” they said.

One of the many organisers of the event DJ Von Lit said the goal was to make sure it was a safe and fun afternoon for everyone involved.

“We’ve got free water, we’re keeping an eye on things and we’re gonna work with the police and the police will shut it down a bit early and make sure everyone gets off safely,” she said.

Ferries were deployed from the Cullen Bay marina, with all profits made donated to the Coast Guard charity.

“Nobody’s making any money off this like we just do it because it’s a way to celebrate the Northern Territory,” she said.

The beach at Cullen Bay was lined with interested locals watching on as revellers jumped in boats and on jetskis to attend the party.

One keen anonymous observer said it was the first time he had witness the spectacle.

“It’s very unique. They don’t do anything like it anywhere else,” he said.