Thousands of backpackers, many from the UK and Ireland, packed onto one of Australia’s most famous beaches on Christmas Day, turning the shoreline into a sea of red Santa hats, festive swimwear and camera-ready crowds.
Despite cloudy skies and cooler-than-expected summer temperatures, Christmas Day beach celebrations in Australia once again became a magnet for young travellers keen to swap winter coats for sand and surf.
Why did so many backpackers gather at Coogee Beach on Christmas Day?
Coogee Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was the main focal point this year after local authorities warned revellers to avoid nearby Bronte Beach.
Known as a traditional hangout for British and Irish backpackers, Coogee filled rapidly from the early hours of Christmas morning.
By midday, there was barely a patch of sand visible as crowds posed for photos, waded into the water and celebrated in festive outfits.
For many UK travellers spending Christmas away from home, the event is often dubbed “Backpacker Christmas” or “Orphan’s Christmas”, a chance to mark the holiday with friends met on the road.
Did the weather affect Christmas Day beach celebrations in Australia?
Surprisingly, no. After a week of sweltering heat, Sydney temperatures dropped sharply:
- Previous week: Daily highs in the low to mid-30s°C
- Christmas Day: Top of 24°C, but felt closer to 17°C due to grey skies
- Boxing Day outlook: Low 20s°C with possible showers
While far cooler than last year’s sunny 26°C Christmas Day, the weather failed to dampen spirits. Many visitors told local media they preferred the cooler conditions for crowded beaches.
How did Bondi and Bronte compare to Coogee this year?
While Coogee was packed shoulder-to-shoulder, other famous beaches told a different story.
Bondi Beach
- Noticeably quieter than previous years
- Some revellers dressed head-to-toe as Father Christmas
- A visible police presence following the Bondi Junction attack on 14 December
- A small memorial of flowers and candles remained near the footbridge
Bronte Beach
- Smaller crowds after strong warnings from Waverley Council
- Ongoing construction at Bronte Park has reduced safe space
- Temporary fencing has limited movement and crowd flow
Bronte Beach Sydney Australia 13:20 pm #bronte #bondi #sydney #Christmas pic.twitter.com/J283gPKaSp
— Paul (@lefthandwave) December 25, 2025
Last year, more than 15,000 people attended an unauthorised Christmas gathering at Bronte, leaving behind broken glass, rubbish and safety concerns.
What have local authorities said about backpacker crowds?
Waverley Council issued a clear message ahead of Christmas, urging people not to attend Bronte Beach this year.
In a statement released earlier this month, the council said: “Roughly half of Bronte Park is currently off limits to the public while the development of the new Bronte Surf Club is underway.
This means there is a drastic reduction in open space and only narrow channels are available to move around.”
Following last year’s disorderly scenes, the council confirmed it has spent over AUD $250,000 (£130,000 approx.) on safety and crowd control measures for 2025, without state government funding.
Another warning added: “This year, that kind of crowd is simply not safe. A zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour will be enforced.”
Alcohol and glass items are now subject to confiscation if detected.
Why are Christmas Day beach celebrations so popular with UK travellers?
For many young Britons working holiday visas in Australia, Christmas falls during peak travel season.
Key reasons include:
- Escaping the UK winter
- Large backpacker communities in Sydney
- Iconic beach culture is widely shown on social media
- Public holiday atmosphere with minimal commercial pressure
Coogee, in particular, is known for its relaxed vibe compared to Bondi, making it a popular choice for group celebrations.
