Australia’s 7 best nudist beaches

There are many beaches in Australia where nudism and bare-nakedness are accepted. The majority of these destinations are tucked away and have friendly communities of like-minded, welcoming naturists. You may be the only one there, with just the sun, sand, and surf, no clothing.

Why do you go nude?

Stripping down on a beach is a great way to boost your self-esteem. You’ll see that most people do not have supermodel body types. The naturist community is a friendly and open group of people who have nothing to conceal, not even their tan. Nudists claim that they feel more themselves when not wearing clothes.

Nudist beach etiquette for first-timers

You can try it out if you have never been before. All you need is common sense and some respect. You are in control of how you wish to behave.

If you are not wearing clothing, spread your towel out before sitting down on a chair. Check out our list of the top nude beaches for beginners.

Are nude beaches legal?

The local and state councils determine the legality of beaches. Queensland the only Australian state that does not have a legally nude beach, is located in Queensland. If you stick to the beaches that are listed below, there is little chance of running into legal issues. The general attitude in Australia is to live and let it be, even if that means wearing your birthday suit.

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Queensland

Hike the unspoiled Alexandria Bay near Noosa National Park.

Feel like you are the first person ever to see this beach. The Noosa Park hike may keep the yellow strip of pristine sand hidden from tourists. Perhaps the sparkling waves that pound the shore make it seem ancient and savage. It doesn’t matter what you think; being naked in Alexandria Bay (Abay to the locals) is an experience that only you, nature, and other like-minded bathers can share.

If the water is choppy and the beach unpatrolled by lifeguards, you may want to take your gear to the eucalyptus tree and play in the shallows instead of the surf. After your swim, wear a chic dress or sharp shorts to enjoy gelato at Noosa.

How to reach Alexandria Bay

From Noosa Main Beach, keep your clothes on and walk 3km through the National Park. The path follows the coastline and winds up high, offering spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you might even see whales, dolphins, or eagles.

Alexandria Bay does not have mobile phone reception, but there are emergency phones at both ends of the beach. Alexandria Bay, despite the fact that there are no nudist beaches legal in Queensland, has been a nudist area with few issues for many decades. Overzealous police have made isolated arrests, but be on the lookout.

Cow Bay, north of Cairns, is where the Daintree meets South Pacific.

This Bay, located two hours north of Cairns, is a natural tangle. At high tide, the wide beach becomes an obstacle course with rocks. The wild Australian landscape is all around you. Stinging jellyfish, lurking crocodiles, and stinging insects keep casual tourists away, but European visitors seem to be drawn in. The mangrove trees rise above the beach, where the untamed Daintree Rainforest meets the soft pale sands and calm waters of the South Pacific. You can also enjoy the shade of tropical trees and swing on their branches.

How do I get to Cow Bay?

Camping and caravan supplies are available in nearby stores. Cow Bay is a beautiful place for a picnic in the sun or to be at home with nature. However, swimming here is not recommended due to the presence of crocodiles.

South Australia

The “Nude Olympic Games” are no longer held, but you can still compete on Maslin Beach near Adelaide.

Who has the best genitals? Maslin Beach is the site of what used to be called the Nude Olympics. Since 1983, the competition has held naked three-legged racing here. The new name did not amuse the Australian branch of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and neither were they impressed with the Maslin Nudo Lympics. The official name is now Pilwarren Maslin Nude Games. Although the name of the competition has changed, it is still called “the best bum contest.”

Maslin Beach, although not the oldest beach, was the first to receive legal recognition in 1975. The 1.5km of beach on the southern end allows full nudity. Rarely do the white cliffs that tower above the squeaky sand attract visitors. The shielded cove is far from the north end. You can expect clean sand and blue water, as well as golden sun on your skin.

How to reach Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach’s beauty is that it is only 45km from Adelaide and easily accessible via public transport. Take the train from the city to Noarlunga Centre. Take a Maslin Beach Bus from the bus station. The drivers can park in the car park on the cliff top from Tuit Road and then walk down. As this is an urban beach, food and drinks are available at a small kiosk. A 4WD also passes by the beach, selling refreshments in summer.

Victoria

Sunnyside Beach, Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula

This is the perfect place for first-timers. Sunnyside Beach (North) is known for a friendly, social atmosphere. Families, couples, and individuals come to the beach alone in order to be anonymous. The water is usually calm, and there are no rough waves.

Mount Eliza residents pushed for a review of the clothing-optional policy at this nude beach in 2021. Melbourne’s strict Covid-19 lockdowns prevented tourists from visiting the beach. This allowed locals to swim without being bothered by the nudists who had traditionally used this stretch of coast. It’s not the first time that locals have tried to close down the nudist beaches. In 2006, despite residents’ objections, the signs were left up after a review. Keep an eye on this…

How to reach Sunnyside Beach

This beach is located just north of Frankston. It has a legal nudity. The drivers should drive the Nepean Highway 2.5km north to Mount Eliza, park at (the clothed Sunnyside Beach), and then walk through the bush from the parking lot to Sunnyside North Beach. You will not find shops in the area, so bring food and water or buy them at Mount Eliza. Bring good walking shoes, as pebbles often strew the yellow sand.

New South Wales

Lady Bay is Sydney’s most famous beach for nudists

It is Australia’s first nudist beach. You are part of history when you strip off at Lady Bay Beach. Australians bared all for years here before nudity became legalized in 1975. Women are not the majority at Lady Bay all the time, despite the name. Gay men have been splashing around in this sandy cove for decades before attitudes and laws changed.

It’s easy to see why coming here in a different era would have felt like a relief. The two natural piers in Lady Bay provide a haven for you to shrug off Sydney’s social mores and behave however you please. You can see the jagged skyline of the city far away. In the easygoing modern Sydney, straight couples with their children and gay visitors can all enjoy the same blue waters. There is a lookout that is located far above the beach. Privacy is not guaranteed.

How do I get to Lady Bay Beach?

It’s a scenic journey to get to Lady Bay or Lady Jane Beach. Catch a 15-minute boat to Watson’s Bay from Circular Quay. Enjoy the classic harbor views on your way. As you cruise, you’ll pass the Sydney Opera House as well as wealthy harbour-side suburbs.

Turn left from Watson’s Bay Wharf and walk to the Heads, which is the entrance to Sydney Harbour. The first beach is family-friendly Camp Cove. Continue up the stairs to the north and follow the path until you reach Lady Bay Beach. Park your car on Cliff Street if you are driving. If you’re afraid of ferries, you could take the longer bus ride.

There is no surf, and the water is calm. The beach measures only 100m. This small stretch of golden sand is a lot smaller at high tide, which makes it more crowded during summer. The perfect time to visit Doyle’s On The Beach Restaurant back on the pier to sample the famous seafood.

Kings Beach is the perfect place to escape the crowds in Byron Bay.

The secluded Kings Beach, near the world-famous Byron Bay, is surrounded by Broken Head Nature Reserve. It offers nudist bathing and decent east coast waves. ).

It’s as beautiful as the place itself. You can either walk a short distance along a forest trail from the nearest parking lot or take a mile-long hike around the headland starting from Broken Head. It’s important to bring your supplies, such as drinking water and snacks, for the day. The walk is steep, with many steps.

How to reach Kings Beach

Turn south from Byron Bay and head towards Ballina. About 15 minutes into your journey, turn off towards Broken Head Caravan Park. When you arrive at the park entrance, there is a dirt track to your right (Seven Mile Beach Road) marked “No Through Road.” Here, turn right and enter the forest reserve. You will reach the Kings Beach parking lot by taking the next left off this road. From here, it’s only a few hundred meters to the beach. You can also park at Broken Head and walk a mile-long coastal path around the densely forested headland.

Western Australia

North Swanbourne Beach, Perth

The line between the clothing-optional and clothed parts of Swanbourne Beach is becoming blurred. Unsuspecting bathers have stumbled upon naked ones in the bright white sands. The legality of stripping off your clothes at this beach is grey, and no one knows if it’s legal.

The naturists have been bathing in this area since the Second World War, before the invention of the swimsuit. Although the State Government of Western Australia has technically criticized it, you are unlikely to be in trouble for stripping down. It would be best if you waited until you reached the yellow trash bins before stripping down.

How to Get to Swanbourne Beach

Bring a hat and sunscreen for those parts that are sensitive. North Swanbourne Beach can be reached in 20 minutes by car from Perth’s city center. The Stirling Highway should be taken towards Fremantle. Park behind the surf lifesaving clubs. The beach is 1.5km away from Grant Street Station (2km from Swanbourne Station). You can also catch the 102 bus at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and get off Marine Parade.