Popular Sydney beach Coogee has been left looking more like a landfill site than a coastal paradise after a massive Christmas Day celebration by backpackers and tourists. The aftermath saw an estimated more than 20 tonnes of rubbish strewn across the sand and grass, prompting a major overnight clean-up operation and widespread condemnation.
Festive Fun Turns to Environmental Mess
Thousands of people descended on Coogee Beach on Thursday, December 25, 2025, for the annual gathering known as "Orphans Christmas" or "Backpacker Christmas." The event provides a place for those away from home to celebrate the holiday. However, this year's festivities took a grim turn as revelers departed, leaving behind mountains of waste including drink cans, food packaging, mats, and cooler bags.
The event is traditionally held at Bronte Beach but was moved to Coogee this year. This shift came after Waverley Council urged crowds to stay away from Bronte due to ongoing construction and heightened sensitivities following the recent Bondi terror attack.
Overnight Clean-Up Effort by Council Crews
Randwick City Council waste teams began the enormous clean-up task around 8pm on Christmas night, working through the night and finishing on Boxing Day morning. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker expressed his disappointment at the behaviour of some attendees.
"While many people behaved responsibly, it’s disappointing that some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public spaces," Mayor Parker said. He extended his gratitude to the dozens of council staff who "worked overnight in tough conditions" to restore the beachfront.
The clean-up required a significant effort, utilising beach rakes, footpath sweepers, high-pressure hoses, and manual labour to clear the rubbish and sanitise toilets, sand, and grassed areas. In a show of inter-council cooperation, Waverley Council sent extra crews from nearby Bronte Beach to assist with the mammoth task. The collected waste filled four large trucks before being sent to the tip.
Community Backlash and Alcohol Ban Reminder
The shocking state of the beach sparked immediate and fierce criticism from local residents on social media. Many voiced their anger at the blatant disrespect for the shared environment.
One frustrated local commented online, "I’m all for people having a good time but seriously if you can walk carrying your stuff in, you can carry your stuff back out. It’s not that hard of a task really." Another simply stated, "There is no excuse for people to litter like this." Others thanked the cleaning crews for their hard work, lamenting the treatment of a beloved public space.
In light of the event, Mayor Parker took the opportunity to remind the public that all Randwick City beaches and beachside parks are alcohol-free zones. The council hopes this message, coupled with the visible consequences of this year's party, will encourage more responsible behaviour in the future.
