The lone Norfolk pine that sat proudly out on One Tree Point was once a picture of health, so healthy its dense branches strained against the tree's protective fence.

But louts ruined that image last Friday night, when they scaled the barbed wire fence and set to work breaking off 30 branches.

Some who saw the tree in the following days said they hoped the vandals were hurt by the wire.

The tree has since been tended by an arborist.

Residents reported that a group of youths partied that night at the point.

One Tree Point Boardriders Club secretary Greg Woodford said the youths who frequent the beach weren't to blame.

In fact, Mr Woodford has proof; he has received the vandals' names.

"We know who did it and those names will be handed to the police," he said.

According to Mr Woodford, the youths in the club held the area in too high regard to have carried out the attack.

"The local kids have been excellent, they never trash the beach, they always clean up after themselves," he said.

"They're not goody-goodies by any means, but at least they look after their own playground."

The vandalism has left a dent in Tuross's pride.

"[The tree] means a lot to the people who use these beaches. It's a shame because it's probably one of the most unique places on the coast, as far as a natural lookout."

Mr Woodford said young people in Tuross, particularly those in the club, were taught a simple philosophy about caring for their area.

"If you have rubbish, pick it up and take it away with you, otherwise, you're going to be swimming in it."