Backpackers Trash Coogee Beach on Christmas Day and 20 Tonnes of Rubbish Are Left Behind
Thousands of people descended on Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs for the annual Orphan's Christmas backpacker celebration. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker confirmed the beach was left with more than 20 tonnes of rubbish, including cans, bottles, food wrappers and even abandoned cooler bags. A video later suggested bins were available to revellers, but groups were seen walking away from an empty bin as litter spread across the grass. The scene sparked renewed criticism and debate over responsibility and governance. Michelle Bridges, star of The Biggest Loser, blasted revellers who left the mess, saying they should have helped clean up after people were captured walking past empty red bins.
Over 20 Tonnes of Rubbish Left on Coogee Beach as Video Captures Empty Bin
Fitness coach and podcast host Chris Katelaris blasted the Christmas Day crowd as 'lazy f***s.' He posted: 'Christmas at Coogee, powered by backpackers, cleaned up by council. If you were one of these pieces of s*** that went there and you left mountains of rubbish behind, check yourself. This is why we're losing access to good things in Australia; can't drive on beaches anymore, can't go camping in certain places because f***wits like you leave rubbish everywhere.' Bridges responded: 'If any had some self respect they'd come back down to the area today and help with a clean up. Taxpayers once again foot the bill' . The post was liked by over 114,000 people and received thousands of comments, with many agreeing with Mr Katelaris. Katelaris also asked: 'It would probably be appreciated if you went back to where you came from. You might be a lovely person but you got no respect for our country,' he said. Celebrity lifeguard Andrew Reid, who starred on Bondi Rescue for nearly two decades, questioned why Randwick Council hadn't come down harder on attendees. 'I don't understand why the council chose to enforce some rules and not others? Alcohol-free zone, not one fine issued but if you park your car in a two-hour zone for two hours & 0.003 seconds - $985 fine,' he commented. Brit Lauren Young, who lives in Sydney, also joined the online pile-on. 'I'm so glad I didn't go, I knew this would happen and as a Brit who's moved here I didn't want to be labelled as one of them, I guarantee it was mainly British and Irish and the rest, feral behaviour honestly!' However, others leapt to the backpackers' defence and called on local councils to better prepare for these types of events. Drone footage shows Coogee teeming with visitors as Sydneysiders flocked to the seaside. Council workers returned to Coogee on Friday morning to clean up and look for broken glass. More than 20 tonnes of rubbish was picked up and sent to the tip in four truck-loads.
Future Plans and Community Response
Local officials acknowledge the need for better prep and signage to manage these events, with some locals arguing that there aren’t enough bins and that access to bins is poorly directed. The local mayor assured residents that next year would be different, with the council considering fences around the park to block off the crowds. 'While we absolutely recognise how important it is for people to have a fun and enjoyable Christmas, we want it to be respectful,' he told the Daily Telegraph. 'While many people behaved responsibly, it's disappointing that some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public spaces.' On Friday morning, council crews were tasked with clearing up the mess, with locals also seen pitching in to help. Drone footage shows Coogee teeming with visitors, and more than 20 tonnes of rubbish were picked up and sent to the tip in four truck-loads.
