Crackdowns on Bronte Beach’s Orphans Christmas Party Could Turn It Booze-Free

Waverley Council has voted in favour of new enforcement measures targeting its iconic coastal locations — Bronte Park, Bronte Beach and Bondi Beach — in a bid to curb the noise and rubbish associated with the much-loved Christmas Day party known as ‘Orphans Christmas’.

Among the key proposals are stricter controls on the Bronte Beach festivities, including a ban on alcohol, prohibition of glass containers, increased police presence, limits on ride-share drop-off points, and set park closure times.

Bronte’s Christmas Day gathering has become an Eastern Suburbs tradition, drawing thousands of revellers from across the globe each year.

In 2023, an estimated 15,000 people descended on the beach, donning red swimsuits and Santa hats. The atmosphere resembled a full-blown music festival, with booming music and free-flowing alcohol.

However, the aftermath has left residents increasingly frustrated. “It’s basically people sh***ing on our doorstep,” said Waverley-Bondi Councillor Leon Goltsman on Boxing Day last year.

One local described the park as a “mass urinal” on a community forum.

That same year, Bronte Surf Club shared photos on social media showing bags, bottles, chairs, and tables strewn across the grass following the informal party.

Orphans Christmas: booze ban and crackdowns preferred over fences

Following numerous calls from residents to cancel the event altogether, council officers presented three possible approaches in last night’s report.

The most widely supported option involves enhanced police presence, a total alcohol and glass ban, penalties for violations, limited ride-share access, and firm park closing times.

This plan, estimated to cost at least $220,000, was endorsed by council staff and backed by Mayor Will Nemesh, who called it “a measured approach to dealing with this ongoing issue we have each year at Christmas in Bronte.”

An alternative proposal involving fencing off the park and requiring paid entry was considered more costly, with an estimated expense of at least $360,000, and carried the risk of disorderly behaviour from partygoers potentially toppling the barriers.

Another suggestion to relocate the event and repackage it as a ticketed festival elsewhere in the eastern suburbs was dismissed as impractical, with officials noting it would not prevent crowds from gathering at Bronte.

According to an online survey conducted by the council, 56 per cent of the 119 respondents supported increased waste collection and improved security, while only 25 per cent backed the fencing proposal. The council ultimately decided not to pursue the latter. 

Speaking to 702 ABC Sydney, the Mayor said the Council does not wish to restrict access to public spaces, adding that while visitors are encouraged to enjoy themselves in Waverley, “we want them to be respectful, particularly of our locals.”