bronte beach Archives

Bronte Beach to See Glass Ban and More Police on Christmas Day

Thousands of backpackers who packed Bronte Beach on Christmas Day last year left behind more than just footprints, shattered glass, piles of rubbish and overwhelmed locals have now pushed for firm action to manage the event in 2025.

Community Concerns After Last Christmas

On Christmas Day 2024, more than 15,000 mostly young international visitors gathered at Bronte Beach for the popular “Orphan’s Christmas” event. While the tradition is cherished by many travellers, residents and officials reported serious damage and safety concerns.

*Photo Credit: visitbondibeach/Instagram*

Broken bottles, vomit and blocked laneways left parts of the suburb unusable, with one alley described as a “mass urinal.” Clean-up crews collected over 15 tonnes of rubbish, and emergency services were heavily stretched. The event cost Waverley Council more than $135,000 in clean-up and enforcement, prompting widespread community frustration.

Council Chooses Tougher Controls

Waverley Council has voted to adopt “Option 3” to manage the 2025 Bronte Beach Christmas event. The plan includes a glass bottle ban, more police and crowd control officers, and alcohol checkpoints, but no fencing or ticketing. It also involves a public awareness campaign and better coordination with emergency and transport services.

Council documents labelled last year’s event as “out of control,” citing major safety concerns. The new measures will cost over $220,000 and aim to keep the beach safe while still allowing people to gather.

Mixed Reactions From Locals

Some residents want the Bronte Beach Christmas event scrapped, saying it’s turning the area into a party spot and disrupting local life. During community forums, concerns were raised about families being pushed out by large crowds and festival-like behaviour.

Council has decided not to cancel the event, instead opting for stronger enforcement and public education. Officials say tougher rules may follow if the new measures don’t work.

What to Expect This December

Bronte Beach will see tighter controls on Christmas Day 2025, with a ban on glass bottles and increased police presence to manage alcohol-related risks. Rangers and crowd control teams will monitor the area throughout the day.

Council is also working with NSW Police and rideshare services to manage traffic and keep access routes clear. The event will still go ahead, but officials say the chaos of 2024 will not be repeated. The new measures aim to protect both the local community and holiday visitors.

Published 20-June-2025

Calls Grow to End Bronte Beach’s Christmas Chaos

Photo Credit: visitbondibeach/Instagram

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

Bronte Beach Remains Closed Due To Dangerous Easter Swells

Photo Credit: Facebook / Naes Nnylf

Bronte Beach remained closed during the Easter long weekend due to the powerful ocean swells battering New South Wales. The hazardous conditions claimed three lives yesterday, with a fourth person still missing.

Bronte Beach was among several across Sydney’s eastern suburbs that were deemed too dangerous for swimming as four-meter waves pounded the coastline.

The closure of Bronte Beach comes at what would typically be one of its busiest periods, with the Easter long weekend coinciding with temperatures reaching 29 degrees across Sydney. Lifeguards maintained a strong presence at the beach, enforcing the closure as dangerous surf conditions persisted.

The powerful swells created particular hazards around Bronte’s famous ocean pool, with waves occasionally breaking over its walls. Coastal walking paths near the beach were also affected by dangerous conditions, with authorities advising visitors to maintain a safe distance from surf-exposed areas.

The dangerous conditions at Bronte reflect the broader situation across Sydney’s eastern beaches, where a 24-year-old man remains missing after being swept away at Little Bay Beach. The multi-agency search operation was suspended as darkness fell yesterday and will resume at first light.

Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed additional personnel to beaches including Bronte, with rescue teams remaining on high alert through the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology warns the hazardous conditions will persist until Saturday as the deep low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea moves eastward toward New Zealand.

Authorities continue to urge the public to stay away from coastal rock platforms and to avoid swimming at unpatrolled locations or closed beaches as the dangerous conditions persist through the Easter holiday period.

Published 18-April-2025

Bronte Beach Summer Crowds Raise Concerns On Clean-Up Costs

Photo Credit: instantmoustache/Reddit

A proposal to seek financial support to help cover the escalating costs of managing large crowds at Bronte Beach during the summer, including the infamous Christmas Day gathering, is being considered.

Rising Costs of Managing Bronte Beach Crowds

Bronte Beach has long been a popular summer hotspot, attracting thousands of beachgoers daily. However, major seasonal events—particularly the Christmas Day celebration—have led to significant challenges for Waverley authorities, which is now calling for state-level assistance to manage the financial burden.

Bronte Beach summer crowds — *Photo Credit:* *Blueys66*/*Reddit*

The most recent Christmas Day gathering saw approximately 15,000 revellers at the beach, marking a significant increase from previous years. The large-scale celebration resulted in substantial amounts of litter being left behind, requiring extensive clean-up efforts.

Waverley authorities had to deploy additional waste management resources, including extra bins and collection services, pushing the clean-up costs to $60,000.

Beyond waste management, extra funding was needed to ensure public safety, with more lifeguards, rangers, and security personnel on duty. The overall cost of maintaining a police presence throughout the summer season alone reached $75,000, adding to the financial strain on the local officials.

Bronte Beach Christmas crowds — *Photo Credit: aussiechap1/Reddit*

Community Concerns and Calls for Change

The aftermath of the Christmas Day event has sparked frustration among residents and regular beachgoers, many of whom believe visitors should take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.

While the local officials has introduced more bins and increased patrols, some argue that stricter enforcement measures or alternative event management strategies should be considered.

Push for State Support

Waverley authorities have highlighted the growing scale of summer crowds and the increasing costs associated with maintaining public safety and cleanliness as reasons for seeking state assistance. Officials believe that managing large-scale public events should not fall solely on local ratepayers.

The issue will be formally raised at an upcoming meeting. The plan is to advocate for financial support from the State to assist with the costs associated with peak summer crowds.

Bronte Beach — *Photo Credit: aussiechap1/Reddit*

The State’s Response

The State has indicated that local officials are expected to manage their own public spaces, including event-related expenses. Waverley authorities collect substantial revenue from its beaches, including significant income from parking, which is expected to contribute to maintenance and management costs.

Despite this position, local officials argue that the sheer scale of summer beach crowds, combined with rising costs for security, waste management, and public safety, makes additional support necessary.

As discussions progress, Waverley officials will continue exploring ways to balance visitor demand with sustainable resource management, such as crowd restrictions and glass bans, ensuring that Bronte Beach remains a safe and enjoyable destination throughout the summer.

Published 20-Feb-2025

Alleged Intimate Image Incident Sparks Arrest at Bronte Beach

Photo Credit: Pexels

A 63-year-old man has been arrested at Bronte Beach after allegedly recording intimate images without consent and engaging in offensive behaviour. Police responded to reports from beachgoers and detained the individual.

Bronte Beach is a popular Sydney destination that attracts large crowds, especially on public holidays. With growing public safety concerns, authorities have increased vigilance through initiatives like Operation Australia Day.

Bronte Beach arrest — *Photo Credit: Paul Bronte William/Facebook*

Incident Details

Police arrived at Bronte Beach following reports of inappropriate behaviour and arrested a 63-year-old man, later identified as Kamal Arora.

He was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with three counts of intentionally recording intimate images without consent and three counts of offensive behaviour in a public place. Mr Arora was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Parramatta Local Court.

Police Presence and Public Response

NSW Police conducted high-visibility operations across Sydney’s beaches, including Bronte Beach, as part of Operation Australia Day. The initiative aimed to curb anti-social behaviour and ensure public safety, with specialist units such as the Riot Squad and Water Police assisting local officers.

Several arrests were made, including those related to knife and assault offences. Authorities have urged beachgoers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Public discussion on social media has presented varied perspectives on the incident. Some have questioned the focus on individual actions, citing the widespread presence of surveillance cameras in public spaces.

Others stressed the importance of respectful behaviour in shared areas and the need for personal accountability. Some believe such incidents have been ongoing but often overlooked, potentially making them more common than realised. Concerns about retribution have also been raised as a possible reason for underreporting.

The arrest highlights the importance of law enforcement and community vigilance in maintaining public safety. Police are expected to provide further updates following the court proceedings.

Published 27-Jan-2025

Overcrowding and Litter Issues Emerge After Bronte Beach Christmas Event

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Christmas Day celebrations in Bronte Beach drew large crowds, leading to discussions about event management and environmental concerns following reports of litter and overcrowding.

Bronte Beach has been a favourite spot for festive celebrations, attracting locals and visitors alike. This year’s Christmas Day event saw around 15,000 attendees, far exceeding expectations and putting strain on the facilities. City authorities had prepared by adding 250 extra bins and increasing police patrols, but the efforts were overshadowed by the volume of waste left behind.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Vaughan (@michaelvaughan)

Rubbish, including broken glass and packaging, littered the beach and nearby parks. Clean-up efforts extended well into the night, with Waverley city officials, like Will Nemesh, stepping in to help. Mr Nemesh said it is truly disappointing that despite their efforts, the scale of the mess raised questions about whether current measures are enough to handle such large gatherings.

Residents Share Concerns Over Litter and Overcrowding

Local residents have expressed frustration with the aftermath. Some described the scene as overwhelming and criticised the lack of responsibility from attendees. Others pointed out that cleaning crews and bins were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd.

Lifeguards also reported a significant uptick in beachgoers. Lifeguard Anthony “Harries” Carroll described it as the busiest day he’d ever seen at Bronte Beach, highlighting the challenges of managing such events.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glenn Marsden (@_glennmarsden)

Looking at Solutions

In response to these concerns, city officials are considering new strategies for managing future celebrations. These include introducing crowd limits, alcohol bans, and restricting glass containers at the beach. Officials have acknowledged the need to strike a balance between maintaining the beach’s accessibility and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the area.

Some local business owners have proposed alternative approaches, suggesting the event be treated more like a festival, with increased resources such as cleaners and security personnel. “They should plan for it and make it work, instead of clamping down,” David Martin, a cafe owner, commented.

Managing Popular Beaches During Peak Seasons

The situation at Bronte Beach highlights the ongoing challenges of managing popular public spaces during peak periods. Large gatherings require significant resources, and officials are exploring potential funding options, such as entry fees, to cover costs associated with maintenance and clean-up.

Bronte Beach Christmas Day — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov/Bronte Beach and Baths*

City authorities plan to review current policies and consult with local stakeholders to determine the best way forward. While immediate changes have not been confirmed, existing initiatives such as the “Summer Safe” program will continue to address crowd management and safety during the summer season with more police deployed.

As the discussions unfold, Bronte Beach’s Christmas Day gathering provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing shared spaces while preserving their appeal and accessibility.

Published 27-Dec-2024

Bluebottle Invasion Hits Bronte Beach

Photo Credit: Facebook / Hu Beer

Bronte Beach has been hit with a bluebottle jellyfish invasion this week. Swimmers and beachgoers have been warned to exercise caution as hundreds of bluebottles have washed up on the shore.

**A bluebottle jellyfish**
Photo Credit: The Australian Museum

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has put swimmers at risk of painful stings from the venomous creatures. Bronte Beach, located just south of the world-famous Bondi Beach and north of Coogee Beach, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In a statement, Waverley Council, the local government authority responsible for the beach, said that it would be conducting clean-up operations throughout Thursday night to address the issue.

“Bluebottles come ashore frequently in the warmer months when there are prevailing onshore winds and are deposited on the beach at high tide,” the council spokesman said. “This has been particularly noticeable this week at the southern end of Bronte Beach which is exposed to north-easterly winds.”

Bluebottles, also known as the Portuguese man-of-war, are not deadly to humans, but their sting can be extremely painful. According to researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the bluebottle’s long, trailing tentacles are designed to sting prey and any creatures they feel threatened by, including humans.

The bluebottle swarm at Bronte Beach comes just days after a similar incident at nearby Coogee Beach, where hundreds of mysterious black balls were discovered washed up on the shore. Randwick Council, the local authority responsible for Coogee Beach, closed the beach while it investigated the material, ultimately concluding that the balls were a hydrocarbon-based pollutant “consistent with the makeup of tar balls.”

Published 2-November-2024

Bronte Beach Reopens After Mystery Black Ball Scare

Bronte Beach and several other eastern beaches have reopened just a day after closing due to mysterious black debris washing ashore, though questions remain about the origins of the peculiar substance.

Read: Heroic Rescue at Bronte Beach: A Community’s Fight Against a Deadly Rip Current

The incident happened last week when beach authorities first spotted tennis ball-sized black spheres at Coogee Beach, prompting immediate closure. The debris quickly spread to neighbouring beaches, including Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, and parts of Maroubra, leading to temporary closures across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“No remaining evidence of the reported debris can be located on Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches,” Waverley Council announced on October 18, giving the all-clear for beachgoers to return to the water. The swift reopening comes as a relief to locals and tourists alike, particularly with the popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibition proceeding as planned.

The Mystery of the Black Balls

Photo credit: NSW Environment Protection Authority/Facebook

The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken charge of the investigation into the strange debris, which varied in size from tennis balls to marbles. Early observations suggest the spheres might be “tar balls” – a phenomenon that occurs when oil spills coagulate into spherical shapes over time.

The EPA indicated that preliminary findings suggest the material appears to be hydrocarbon or oil-based in nature, leading them to assess the threat level as relatively low. However, the agency continues to exercise caution, conducting extensive testing on collected samples to determine the exact composition and origin of the material.

Ongoing Precautions

Despite the beaches reopening, authorities maintain a cautious approach. The EPA has advised the public to avoid contact with any remaining debris they might encounter. “While we understand initial Randwick City Council testing suggests the presence of hydrocarbon, at this stage EPA tests cannot confirm the contents,” EPA stated.

Photo credit: Art Takes Over Tamarama: Sculpture by the Sea Returns to Wow Sydney

Ocean pools throughout the affected areas remain open for swimming, providing a safe alternative for those still concerned about entering the ocean waters.

Published 23-October-2024

NRL Legend Andrew Johns Allegedly Stalked at Bronte Beach, Man Charged

NRL legend Andrew Johns was allegedly stalked by a 27-year-old man while surfing at Bronte Beach and subsequently in his local suburb of Bronte, leading to the man’s arrest and charge by NSW Police.

Mr Johns, 49, first encountered the alleged stalker on 29 March 2024 while surfing at Bronte Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Police reports state that the man followed Johns into the water and stared at him for an extended period.

After Mr Johns left the beach and returned home, he noticed the same man pacing outside on the footpath. The following day, the man allegedly approached Johns at a local café and continued to stare at him.

Concerned for his safety, Mr Johns contacted the NSW Police, who arrested the 27-year-old man on 31 March. The man was charged with one count of stalking and initially refused bail.

After a court appearance on 1 April at the Parramatta Local Court, where he was granted bail, further complications arose when police could not verify his Bondi address, leading to a re-arrest for breach of bail conditions.

Legal Proceedings and Court Orders

After discovering the falsity of the Bondi address, police re-arrested the man on 2 April. A magistrate at Waverley Local Court deemed that a breach of bail had occurred, remanding the man in custody. The court postponed the man’s future court dates for the stalking charges pending a mental health assessment.

In addition to the charges, the police have applied for an apprehended personal violence order (APVO) for Mr Johns’ protection. The conditions of the APVO, which the alleged stalker faced in court, include prohibitions against assaulting, threatening, harassing, or contacting Mr Johns.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings and the personal distress caused by the alleged stalking, Andrew Johns has maintained his public role as a commentator for Channel 9. His appearance on the network’s NRL coverage has continued without disruption.

Published 16-April-2024

Heroic Rescue at Bronte Beach: A Community’s Fight Against a Deadly Rip Current

Photo Credit: Serena Woodward/Unsplash

A seemingly calm Saturday evening in Bronte Beach transformed into a desperate struggle for survival. Four swimmers, caught in the grip of a fierce rip current, found themselves fighting against the powerful forces of nature.

The drama unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 13 January 2024. What started as a peaceful day for beachgoers quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation. The swimmers, unable to overcome the strong current, were seen struggling in the water.

A lifeguard, officially off duty but ever vigilant, noticed the distressing scene. Alongside him, local surfers, well-versed in the ocean’s temperaments, did not hesitate. They plunged into the water, battling the fierce current to reach the struggling swimmers.

The rescue was fraught with challenges. Battling the rip current required strength, skill, and determination. The rescuers worked in unison, each move critical in ensuring the safety of the swimmers.

Their efforts were not in vain. The swimmers, exhausted but alive, were brought back to the safety of the shore. Emergency services, which had been called to the scene, provided immediate medical assistance. The swimmers were then transported to the hospital, where they began their recovery.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rip currents.

Rip Current Bronte Beach — Photo Credit: Anders Marlowe/Unsplash

A rip current, often called a rip tide, is a strong, localised, and narrow current of water which moves directly away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves. These currents can be hazardous to swimmers who get caught in them because they can drag swimmers away from the shore.

To escape a rip current, it’s important not to swim against it, as this can lead to exhaustion. Instead, try to remain calm and float or tread water to conserve energy. Signal for help if you can.

The key is to swim parallel to the shore to escape the current’s pull. Once out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and towards the shore. Remember, rip currents are typically narrow, so swimming parallel to the shore helps you exit the current more quickly.

Meanwhile, beachgoers are advised to stay alert, swim in patrolled areas, and understand how to safely extricate themselves from a rip current: by swimming parallel to the shore and conservatively conserving energy until they can safely reach the beach.

Published 15-Jan-2024