There was no shortage of Christmas spirit as thousands of Australians flocked to Australia’s most famous beach to celebrate with a holiday in the sun.
Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was packed with families, friends and tourists mid-morning on Wednesday, many of them dressed in Christmas attire.
Santa hats, Christmas-themed sweaters and red bikinis were seen as far as the eye could see across the famous beach.
Australians are seen in their best Christmas outfits as they flock to Bondi Beach.
The beach was filled this Monday with bathers enjoying a dip
Temperatures peaked at 25C in Bondi on Wednesday and the sun came out in time for the afternoon after a cloudy morning.
Bondi lifeguards even went to the trouble of erecting and decorating a Christmas tree on the beach to add to the festive atmosphere.
Each year, Bondi transforms into a vibrant celebration center that attracts locals and tourists from all over the world.
Sydney coastal councils are reminding the public to behave responsibly in the coming days, with a massive influx of crowds expected to hit the state’s beaches on Christmas Day.
Last year, eastern suburbs residents criticized a raucous Bronte Beach Christmas party as the “worst festive event ever” to date, with locals forced to pitch in to clean up broken glass and vomit which, they said, were left by travelers.
Many bathers chose to wear red swimsuits to celebrate the Christmas holidays
A group of mates are seen enjoying some champagne as they head to the beach for Christmas.
A Christmas tree was installed in the sand.
Bathers pose under the surf lifesaving tent in North Bondi
Ladies dressed in red and festive swimsuits were a popular choice among beachgoers
Tens of thousands of mostly tourists flocked to the site wearing red swimsuits for the annual beach party, which some shocked residents called “out of control.” A similarly rowdy event took place in 2022, with scenes described as “rave-like”.
This year, Waverley Council launched its ‘Stay Safe this Summer’ campaign, which aims to keep people safe in the waves and remind them how to behave responsibly on beach reserves.
Sydneysiders can expect a warm and dry Christmas recovery on Boxing Day, but temperatures are expected to rise to a sweaty 38C on Friday.
There are several small live bush and grass fires but they are under control, although a significant part of the state faces a high fire danger on Boxing Day.
Christmas Day weather forecasts for your capital
Sydney: 26C max, sunny. Light easterly winds at 15 to 25 km/h during the day and then light at night
Melbourne: 30C maximum, mostly sunny
Canberra: Maximum 31°C, winds expected in the afternoon
Adelaide: 37C max, sunny
Brisbane: 30C maximum, mostly sunny
Darwin: 34°C maximum, partly cloudy. Average chance of showers, more likely in the afternoon. The possibility of a storm. light winds
Perth: 24C max, mostly sunny
Hobart: 23C max, partly cloudy. Little chance of rain
Sweltering hot conditions expected across the country over Christmas