Bronte spared from usual ‘Backpacker Christmas’ chaos, clean-up help sent to Coogee
26 December 2025 | Council News
Thousands of backpackers who traditionally descend on Bronte Beach for a rowdy, non-sanctioned party on Christmas Day heeded warnings from Waverley Council to stay away this year.
An estimated 15,000 people were at Bronte for the so-called ‘Backpacker’s Christmas’ in 2024, with anti-social behaviour, excessive noise and a mammoth mess frustrating local residents and sparking a lengthy and costly clean-up effort.
While Council always discourages people from attending the unwelcome mass gathering, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said it was especially important to drive home the message this year.
“The redevelopment of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club means half of the park is a construction site and off limits, so we were very concerned about the safety risks of a huge number of people crammed into such a small space,” Cr Nemesh said.
“Council undertook a comprehensive strategic communications campaign to reach those who might have been considering going to explain why it was not a good idea.
“Just in case, knowing we can’t ban people from public places and always keen to be prepared, Council devised a multi-pronged management plan to help cope with crowds, bad behaviour, traffic, noise and the clean-up task.
“But our warnings were heard, and it was a peaceful day at Bronte. I am pleased we did not see a repeat of the chaotic scenes of 2024, and I am sure locals are relieved too.”
Partway through Christmas Day, it became clear the backpacker contingent had chosen to gather at nearby Coogee Beach instead. As a result, Council lent its support and resources to neighbouring Randwick Council.
Council staff, contractors and police were on the ground at Bronte throughout the day and reported low and manageable crowd numbers.
“By dusk, the park was nice and clean, and the beach area looked as it does every other day of the year – beautiful and pristine," Cr Nemesh said.
“Thank you to those who heard our request to not party at Bronte and listened. We are grateful.
“Thank you also to Council’s amazing staff from multiple teams, as well as our contractors, for their hard work and diligence.
“And, of course, thank you to the Waverley community and Bronte residents whose feedback helped inform our action plan.”