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Beachgoers hit the surf on Christmas Day at Sydney's Bondi Beach under the watchful eye of lifeguards in Santa's hats.

For many British tourists it was the first time swapping the snow for dipping the big toe into the water on Christmas.

"I find it very weird here. Because there's no snow or anything. So for us, you know it's a, Santa comes with reindeer. But, it seems just happy vibes, you know. The families are out. It's different, but it's still amazing. Like, the Christmas trees on the beach is just ridiculous but, very good, very good," said Pete Ross, a tourist from Scotland.

It was a day of relative relief after weeks of soaring temperatures and bushfires that ahve destroyed more than 3.7 million hectares since Spring.