Hordes of young people were filmed singing and dancing on Bronte Beach, in breach of regulations, with videos then shared on social media. A number of the crowd were believed to be British.

Officials labelled the event “absolutely appalling”.

It comes as Sydney battles a new outbreak after months of no local cases. The re-appearance of the virus prompted new restrictions being imposed on the city, including clampdowns on holiday gatherings.

Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke said he had been "shocked" by the scenes at Bronte Beach and issued a warning to other visitors: "If somebody is threatening public safety or health, their visa can be cancelled and revoked.” 

He did not say however whether authorities would track down the partygoers – none of whom were fined or otherwise penalised according to New South Wales state police.

Witnesses told the BBC they believed the majority were from the UK or "not Australian".

Local journalist Peter Hannam said: “You could hear lots of clearly English accents, and several people were wearing the white English football jerseys.”