Thousands of revellers — many of them international backpackers — turned Sydney’s Coogee Beach into a major party hub on Christmas Day, only for the festive gathering to leave behind a massive environmental and community headache. Local councils, volunteers and residents were left to tackle an estimated 20 tonnes of rubbish strewn across sand, grass and pathways after the unsanctioned celebration dissipated late Thursday.
From Bronte to Coogee: An Unplanned Migration
The annual informal beach celebration known colloquially as Orphans Christmas or Backpacker Christmas traditionally takes place at Bronte Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, attracting thousands of young travellers seeking a communal celebration away from family. However, this year’s event did not unfold as usual.
Waverley Council, responsible for Bronte, had urged revellers to avoid the beach amid ongoing construction of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club and safety concerns over reduced open space — a message amplified by warnings about disruptions following the 2025 Bondi terror attack. Bronte remained relatively calm throughout Christmas Day, prompting the majority of the crowd to shift further south to Coogee Beach instead.
A Festive Crowd and Rapid Mess
Despite overcast skies and a council-imposed alcohol ban across Randwick City beaches — aimed at preventing the very disruptions seen in past years — thousands of people packed Coogee Beach for impromptu celebrations on Thursday. Many wore Santa hats, red swimwear and festive accessories as DJs, dancing and music set the tone for a lively holiday atmosphere.
However, as the party wound down, the scale of the aftermath became clear. Four truckloads of rubbish were collected by Randwick City Council staff and support crews from neighbouring Waverley Council, amounting to more than 20 tonnes of mixed waste — including food packaging, drink containers, coolers, bottles, mats and discarded accessories.
Cleanup teams deployed beach rakes, street sweepers, high-pressure hoses and manual labour to restore the shoreline and surrounding parklands late into Thursday night and into Friday.
Council Response and Community Frustration
Randwick City Council and Mayor Dylan Parker expressed both appreciation for the clean-up crews and disappointment at the level of littering and unsanitary behaviour. While many beachgoers acted responsibly, officials noted that some attendees ignored signage and council messaging, contributing to the extensive mess and reports of public urination in grassed areas and bushes.
“The scale of the waste left behind crossed a line,” Parker said, urging future celebrations to be conducted “respectfully” and reminding the public that alcohol is prohibited on Randwick beaches. He also signalled that the council will review its response strategies and may consider additional measures, such as portable fencing, enhanced waste facilities, or better coordinated planning for informal gatherings in subsequent years.
Locals expressed a mix of frustration and resignation on social media, with some lamenting the environmental impact and disrespect for public spaces, while others sympathised with young travellers seeking camaraderie at Christmas. Numerous comments underscored the challenge of balancing beach culture with environmental stewardship.
No Major Incidents But Hard Lessons
Despite the sheer number of participants and the extensive cleanup required, NSW Police reported no significant incidents, arrests or fines related to the Coogee gathering. Patrols by police and council rangers focused on ensuring crowd safety and discouraging prohibited behaviours, such as bringing glass or consuming alcohol in alcohol-free zones.
Lifeguards also issued warnings about swimming while drinking, and additional resources were routed in from Waverley Council to assist with crowd management and post-event cleanup.
Still, the mass accumulation of waste — roughly equating to four truckloads — has prompted calls from residents and advocacy groups for more structured planning or formalised events that can provide sufficient infrastructure, waste disposal and safety oversight tailored to large seasonal gatherings at public beaches.
Environmental Impact and Future Planning
Environmental advocates have warned that such large volumes of rubbish, if not promptly collected, risk harming marine ecosystems and coastal wildlife. Plastic and other debris can wash into the ocean, posing dangers to seabirds, fish and other marine life, and leaving long-term residues in sand and water.
In response, council officials and volunteer groups are reviewing ways to integrate sustainable event practices — such as increased bin capacity, real-time waste monitoring, and comprehensive public education campaigns — ahead of future holiday seasons. Whether through formal permits or partnerships with backpacker hostels and local businesses, there is a growing push to channel the energy and enthusiasm of such celebrations into more environmentally conscious and community-friendly formats.
A Summer Scene With Wider Implications
The Coogee Beach cleanup comes amid a broader debate on managing Sydney’s summer beach culture, particularly as iconic coastal spaces increasingly draw large crowds of tourists, young travellers and locals alike. As temperatures rise and holiday traditions persist, councils face the ongoing challenge of balancing freedom and festivity with environmental protection and community standards.
For now, the sands of Coogee have been restored for another summer of sun and surf — but the memories of this Christmas Day’s aftermath underscore the importance of planning, respect and collective responsibility when public spaces become the stage for spontaneous celebrations.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
