Red hot Christmas: Thousands of bikini-clad revellers embrace the festive season by hitting Bondi Beach

There was no shortage of Christmas spirit as thousands of Aussies flocked to Australia’s most famous beach to celebrate with a festive day in the sun.

Bondi Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was packed with families and friends and holidaymakers by mid-morning on Wednesday, with many dressed in Yuletide attire.

Santa hats, Christmas-themed jumpers and red bikinis were spotted as far as the eye could see across the famous beach. 

Temperatures reached a top of 25C in Bondi on Wednesday with the sun coming out in time for the afternoon following a cloudy morning. 

Lifesavers in Bondi even went to the trouble of erecting and decorating a Christmas tree on the beach to add to the festive atmosphere. 

Each year the Bondi transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world. 

Councils around Sydney’s coast are reminding the public to behave responsibly in the coming days with massive influx of crowds expected to descend on the state’s beaches on Christmas Day. 

Last year, eastern suburbs residents slammed a raucous Christmas party at Bronte Beach, as the ‘worst ever’ festive event to date, with locals forced to pitch in to clean up broken glass and vomit which they said was left behind by travellers.

Tens of thousands of mostly tourists flocked to the spot, donning red bathers for the annual beach party event, which was branded ‘out of control’ by some shocked residents. A similarly rowdy event took place in 2022, with scenes described as ‘like a rave’.

This year Waverley Council launched its ‘Stay Safe this Summer’ campaign, which aims to protect people in the surf, and remind people how to behave responsibly at beach reserves.

Sydneysiders can expect a warm and dry Christmas recovery on Boxing Day, but temperatures are set to soar to a sweaty 38C on Friday. 

There are several small bush and grass fires live but are under control, though a significant part of the state faces high fire danger on Boxing Day.