Overview
- Thousands of backpackers and expats gathered on Coogee Beach for Christmas Day celebrations.
- Waverley Council tightened controls at Bronte, spending more than $250,000 on checkpoints, security, cleaning and crowd management after last year’s 15,000-strong party and heavy litter.
- Bronte Park was partly closed with temporary fencing for surf club works, reducing space and deterring gatherings.
- Randwick City Council and NSW Police patrolled Coogee, enforced alcohol-free rules, and added bins and cleaning crews, including some redeployed from Bronte.
- Lifeguards cautioned against drinking and swimming, and police reported no specific incidents requiring response on Thursday afternoon.