Christmas Day tensions are escalating at Bronte Beach, a popular destination in Sydney, as partygoers plan to gather for a large celebration. Last year, over 15,000 people flocked to the beach, prompting Waverley Council to strongly urge potential visitors to reconsider their plans this year due to ongoing safety concerns.
The festive atmosphere at Bronte Beach typically attracts a mix of locals and tourists eager to enjoy the summer sun and surf. Footage from December 25, 2024, captured a scene filled with sunseekers embracing the waves. However, the council has expressed serious concerns this year, primarily due to construction work in the area.
Waverley Council stated, “Roughly half of Bronte Park is currently off limits to the public while the development of the new Bronte Surf Club is underway.” The ongoing construction has resulted in temporary fencing and a significant reduction in available open space, leading to potential hazards for large crowds.
The council’s statement highlighted that the current layout compromises crowd flow, raising safety issues, particularly on a day known for heavy foot traffic. Following last year’s event, which saw an unauthorized gathering dubbed “Orphan’s Christmas” or “Backpacker Christmas,” the council is determined to avoid a repeat of the chaos.
During last year’s festivities, the beach was left littered with debris and broken glass as attendees departed without cleaning up. The council described crowds of that size as “hugely challenging at the best of times.” In light of previous antisocial behaviour and crowd control problems, Waverley Council consulted with the community to develop enhanced measures for this year.
The council has allocated more than $250,000 to improve safety and manage crowd control effectively. This includes increased police presence, enhanced crowd management strategies, and strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy for antisocial behaviour. Alcohol and glass items will be confiscated at checkpoints to mitigate risks associated with large gatherings.
Waverley Council reiterated its warning to beachgoers, stating, “Bronte is not a good option and brings significant personal risk.” The message was initially communicated on December 11, 2025, but was reinforced following the Bondi Beach incident, which further heightened concerns about overcrowding and safety.
Despite the council’s efforts to dissuade visitors, reactions on social media suggest a divided sentiment. Some individuals expressed their intentions to still attend the beach, with comments like, “I’m already there,” while others criticized the council, calling for more bins and better management of the situation.
In an attempt to bolster its message, the council posted a list on social media outlining “five reasons why Bronte Beach isn’t the place to be this Christmas.” These reasons included nearby construction zones, overcrowded conditions, the presence of extra police, confiscation of alcohol, and an invitation to explore safer alternatives for celebration.
As Christmas Day approaches, the tension between the council’s safety concerns and the community’s desire to celebrate at Bronte Beach continues to rise. With a significant investment in safety measures and a clear message to avoid the area, the council is determined to ensure a safer environment for all.
