Alcohol restrictions at beaches and parks will be enforced on Australia Day 2026, amid increased focus on crowd behaviour after an unofficial Christmas Day gathering at Coogee Beach left large volumes of rubbish across the foreshore and required an overnight clean-up.
Alcohol Ban to Apply Across Beaches and Parks
Alcohol will be prohibited at beaches, parklands and selected foreshore areas across parts of Sydney from 12:01 a.m. on January 26 until midday the following day. Signage will be installed at affected locations, and enforcement powers allow for alcohol confiscation and fines where breaches occur.
Crowds Redirected to Coogee Beach
The annual backpacker Christmas gathering, often referred to as Backpacker Christmas or Orphans Christmas, took place at Coogee Beach after warnings were issued against celebrations at nearby beaches. Restrictions and safety concerns elsewhere led many revellers to relocate, with attendance estimates reaching about 15,000 people.
The gathering was not an organised event, and authorities did not have confirmation of its final location until crowds arrived.
Waste Volume and Clean-Up Operation
By the evening of Christmas Day, cleaning crews began clearing rubbish from the beach and surrounding parkland. More than 20 tonnes of waste were removed, including litter scattered across the sand, grassy areas, and pedestrian paths.
Crews worked through the night into Boxing Day to restore the area. By Friday morning, the beach and reserve had largely returned to normal use.
Logistical Challenges on the Day
Additional bins, signage, and cleaning staff were deployed in anticipation of large crowds. However, the size and density of the gathering made it difficult for waste crews to access overflowing bins until later in the evening.
Alcohol-free conditions were in place across the beach and park areas. Lifeguards issued safety warnings during the day, particularly about swimming while drinking.
Community Reaction
Community response following the event was mixed. Some residents and attendees expressed frustration at the volume of rubbish and reports of public urination caused by long toilet queues. Others noted that many people cleaned up after themselves despite the scale of the crowd.
On Boxing Day, some locals returned to assist with additional litter collection, citing safety concerns for children, pets, and beach users.
Ongoing Considerations
The Christmas Day gathering highlighted ongoing challenges associated with managing large, informal crowds at coastal locations. With attendance patterns shifting between beaches, planning and resource allocation remain complex for future holiday periods.
Published 27-Dec-2025
