Discover Australia’s Clothing-Optional Beaches with iBestTravel

Easygoing Australia has an abundance of choice when it comes to beaches where nudism is legal and accepted. Most of the destinations on this list are nestled away and home to communities of friendly, like-minded naturists who welcome newcomers. At some, you may be the only person there – just you, the sun, the sand, the surf… and not a stitch of clothing to separate you from your surroundings.

Why Go Nude?

Stripping down at a beach can deliver a boost to self-esteem, seeing firsthand that most people don’t have supermodel bodies. There is also a strong community of naturists to join, whose openness and friendliness derive from the fact they have nothing to hide – not even tan lines. Many naturists say the reason for nude beach-going is simple – they just feel more like themselves without clothes getting in the way.

Nudist Beach Etiquette for First-Timers

If you’ve never been to a nudist beach before, common sense and respect are all you need to try it out. Remember that you have full control over when you want to disrobe and when you want to leave.

• Don’t litter or take photos
• Avoid sexual activities
• Stay within designated nude areas
• Bring sunscreen and shade
• Take your time to acclimatize
• Spread out your towel before sitting

Also, be mindful of the best nude beaches for first-timers.

Are Nude Beaches Legal?

The legality of individual beaches depends on the state and local council. Queensland is the only Australian state without a legal nude beach. However, by sticking to recognized clothing-optional beaches, you’re unlikely to encounter legal issues. The general attitude of Australians is live and let live, even if you’re in your birthday suit.

Queensland

Hike to the Unspoilt Alexandria Bay near Noosa National Park

You can feel like the first human to see this beach. Perhaps the hike through the Noosa National Park keeps the pristine strip of yellow sand a secret from most tourists. The sparkling waves batter the shore, making it feel unusually savage and ancient. Whatever the reason, getting naked at Alexandria Bay feels like an experience shared only between you, nature, and like-minded bathers (who tend to be middle-aged and older).

The waters can be choppy, and the beach is unpatrolled. Therefore, you might want to stay in the shallows rather than venture into the surf. Pack some clothing to enjoy gelato back at trendy Hastings Street in Noosa after your swim.

How to Get to Alexandria Bay

Keep clothed from Noosa Main Beach and meander 3km along the tracks through the National Park to the very end. The path winds up high along the coastline, offering spectacular views of the ocean and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of whales, dolphins, and eagles.

There’s no mobile phone reception at Alexandria Bay, but emergency phones are available. Although there are no legal nude beaches in Queensland, Alexandria Bay has generally been accepted as a nudist beach for decades with very few issues. Nevertheless, isolated incidents have occurred, so stay alert.

South Australia

The Nudo Lympics at Maslin Beach near Adelaide

Seeking the best bum? Find out at Maslin Beach, previously home to the Nude Olympics, where naked three-legged races have been held since 1983. While the official title has changed due to concerns from the International Olympics Committee, the best bum competition remains. Maslin Beach was the first beach to achieve legal status in 1975, with the southern 1.5km end permitting full nudity, providing clean sand, blue water, and golden sun on your bare skin.

How to get to Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach is conveniently located only 45km south of Adelaide and accessible by public transport. Take a train to Noarlunga Centre and then a bus directly to Maslin Beach. Drivers can use the cliff-top car park from Tuit Road for a short walk down to the beach. The urban setup offers food kiosks and a 4WD service during summer for refreshments.

Victoria

The Contentious Sunnyside Beach on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula

For first-timers, Sunnyside (North) Beach may be suitable. This beach is renowned for its friendly social atmosphere with a mix of families, couples, and individual visitors seeking anonymity in their nudity. The calm blue water rarely gets rough, and the beach is separated from the clothed side.

However, in late 2021, this nude beach was assessed by local councils, potentially threatening its clothing-optional status. Previous reviews have seen mixed outcomes, maintaining the beach’s nude accessibility despite local opposition. Keep an eye on developments regarding this issue.

How to Get to Sunnyside Beach

This beach is situated just north of Frankston and maintains legal nudity status. Drivers should navigate the Nepean Highway to 2.5km north of Mount Eliza, then park at the clothed Sunnyside Beach and walk through the bush to Sunnyside North Beach. There are no nearby shops, so ensure to pack food and water. The sandy beach can be strewn with pebbles, so good walking shoes are advisable.

New South Wales

Sydney’s Most Famous Nude Beach is Lady Bay

As Australia’s oldest nudist beach, Lady Bay is steeped in history. Disrobing here allows visitors to embrace a past where nudity was outlawed until 1976. While women are often in the minority, particularly gay men have enjoyed this beach long before the laws changed. Modern-day Sydney sees a mix of gay and international visitors enjoying the blue waters alongside families without concern.

How to Get to Lady Bay

Getting to Lady Bay is a scenic adventure. From Circular Quay, take a 15-minute ferry to Watson’s Bay, enjoying classic harbor views. After arriving, walk towards the Heads where the first family-friendly beach, Camp Cove, is situated. Continue further north to discover Lady Bay. For drivers, park in Cliff Street or consider public transport for a longer route.

The beach, while only about 100m long, is inviting with calm waters. During high tide, this small strip can feel crowded. This is an excellent time to enjoy seafood at the renowned Doyle’s on the Beach restaurant nearby.

Escape the Throngs of Byron Bay and Discover Kings Beach

Located within Broken Head Nature Reserve, the secluded Kings Beach merges nude bathing with decent east coast waves (although surfing naked is not recommended!).

To reach this location, either take a short walk from the car park or experience a lush mile-long tram through the headland from Broken Head. It’s crucial to carry ample drinking water since the steep walk can be strenuous.

How to Get to Kings Beach

Travel south of Byron Bay towards Ballina and turn off after about 15 minutes towards Broken Head Caravan Park. Follow the dirt road marked “No Through Road,” which will lead to Kings Beach car park, just a few hundred meters from the beach.

Western Australia

Clothing is Optional on North Swanbourne Beach in Perth

The dividing line between the clothed and clothing-optional areas of Swanbourne Beach has become blurred. The mixed crowd has sparked controversy with pedestrians discovering nudists on the bright white sands. Stripping down here possesses grey legal status, leaving many unsure of its strict legality.

Nonetheless, naturists have been frequenting this beach since before World War II. Though technically frowned upon by the local government, this 3km stretch of sand is regarded as a ‘Clothing Optional Beach,’ and you are unlikely to face trouble for disrobing, provided you move past the garbage bins.

How to Get to Swanbourne Beach

Finding shade can be a challenge, so ensure to bring a hat, umbrella, and ample sunscreen. North Swanbourne Beach is a mere 20-minute drive from Perth. Drivers should follow Stirling Highway towards Fremantle and park behind the surf lifesaving clubhouse. The beach is a 1.5km walk from Grant Street train station (2km from Swanbourne Station) or you can catch bus 102 from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.

This article was first published May 21, 2019 and updated Jan 16, 2022.