A Sydney beach has been left trashed after thousands of revellers gathered for the first major public celebration in the area since the Bondi attack.

Partygoers, including many backpackers, packed Coogee Beach’s foreshore on Christmas Day, and police reported no incidents.

The gathering sprang up at Coogee after the public was advised to avoid Bronte Beach, which was the site of last year’s “chaotic” festivities.

“Council undertook a comprehensive strategic communications campaign to reach those who might have been considering going to explain why it was not a good idea,” Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh stated.

“But our warnings were heard, and it was a peaceful day at Bronte. I am pleased we did not see a repeat of the chaotic scenes of 2024, and I am sure locals are relieved too.”

At Coogee, however, rubbish was left strewn across the park when the party eventually dissipated — with alcohol bottles, bags and packaging visible.

Randwick City Council was left to pick up the mess this year, with the assistance of staff from Waverley Council.

“Council staff have commenced the cleanup of Coogee Beach after a large backpacker Christmas party,” Randwick City Council posted on Facebook.

“A big thank you to all our lifeguards, rangers and waste and cleansing staff for all your hard work under difficult circumstances on Christmas Day.”

Partygoers left behind mess at Coogee beach which the council cleaned up. Photo: Randwick City Council

The council said it had worked closely with NSW Police to prepare for Christmas Day.

“Council rostered on extra cleaning and waste staff and brought in additional rubbish bins.

“Waverley Council has also sent extra resources and cleaning crews from nearby Bronte Beach to assist.”

The backpackers’ bash did not appear to cause as much upset as Christmas 2024 when Bronte was overrun, however some residents did express their disgust.

“Thank you to the team who clean up this mess, I have been at Coogee early Boxing Bay and appalled at the mess left,” wrote Theresa Traynor on the council’s Facebook page.

However Nicky Williamson welcomed people enjoying themselves in the public space.

“I have heard from locals that the people celebrating yesterday at Coogee were well-behaved and friendly.

“Police: no incidents of note, no problems encountered, no arrests.

“The beach is for all to share and it’s wonderful to see young people having some fun in the sun.”

For visitors like Jamie Martin, the Coogee gathering was a welcome celebration.

“Missing family so much this year, but love new experiences. Swimming (getting battered by the waves) and being cold, all while dancing at Coogee beach — what a day,” he posted to X.

In 2024, backpackers swarmed Bronte Beach for the second year in a row, sparking fury among locals.

Despite being an alcohol-free zone, residents said drunk revellers urinated in people’s gardens and caused chaos well into the night.

There were also raucous scenes, with police patrolling on horseback to ensure crowds behaved as thousands tried to beat the heat.

Locals woke on Boxing Day to discover the visitors had left behind their waste — beer and wine bottles, cooler bags, plastic bags, food packaging and more.