A Christmas Day party at Bronte Beach saw around 15,000 people, many of them backpackers, pack the sand and parklands, leaving behind broken glass, waste, and frustration among long-time locals.
Residents Say Enough is Enough
The crowd gathered on December 25 for the informal “Orphan’s Christmas,” popular with young international travellers, mainly from the UK. Locals say the festive mood quickly spiralled, with reports of public urination, fights, vomiting, and rubbish strewn through streets and laneways.
At a recent Waverley Council forum, residents said they were fed up with the yearly disruption. Some reported people urinating on fences and fights breaking out near their homes, with one describing a nearby lane as a “mass urinal.”
Council Copes with the Cost
Waverley Council said the party cleanup cost ratepayers over $60,000, with another $75,000 spent on extra police and rangers over summer. Despite efforts, resources were stretched.
The council asked the NSW Government to help cover costs, but state officials said Waverley should manage its own events like other councils.
Mayor Will Nemesh said the event’s impact was unsustainable and hard to manage, as it isn’t formally organised and spreads via word of mouth and social media.
Locals Call for Stronger Action
Many in the Bronte community want stronger council action this year. Suggestions included more police, street closures, geofencing, or fencing off the park as a dry, ticketed zone.
Despite these ideas, the prevailing message from residents was not to manage the party, but to stop it altogether. They argued that the beach and surrounding streets should not have to suffer the same mess and damage year after year.
Divided Views Among Locals
While most supported ending the party, some locals and business owners said it brought energy and income, suggesting better facilities instead of a shutdown.
Still, the community voice at the recent forum leaned heavily towards change. Residents said it was time for Bronte to reclaim its beach and parks for peaceful family celebrations, not be left to clean up after 15,000 tourists each year.
Published 13-May-2025