Do you dare to bare?
Sun-loving Australians have a love affair with the beach and since Aussies are known for being a fit and good-looking bunch of people, some are very much open to trying something new and daring.
There are famous nudist beaches in Australia, where locals and visitors alike take it all off and go au-naturelle. Nudists, as they are called, come in all shapes, sizes and orientation. They’re confident about themselves and like the pure unadulterated enjoyment of being naked in a relatively safe public space.
If you’ve always wanted to experience an exhilarating sense of freedom, it’s time to head on to the beach, shed your garb, put on some sunscreen and partake in this liberating experience from our list of the most popular nudist beaches in Australia.
Lady Bay Beach
Lady Bay Beach is one of Australia’s oldest nudist beaches located just around the corner from Watson’s Bay. Also known as the Lady Jane Beach, it’s the favourite spot of gay men, although nude straights frequent the beach too. It’s an excellent place to enjoy, have fun and let it all hang out.
Maslin Beach
Ever heard of the best bum competition? Head down to Maslin Beach (known to the locals as Maslins) as this is where it’s annually held. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, Maslin Beach was the first to achieve legal status as a nudist beach. The southern end of the beach allows full nudity for all water enthusiasts who enjoy having the sun touch their bare skin.
Sunnyside North Beach
One of the beaches with a legal nudity status is Sunnyside North Beach, located in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria just North of Mornington and South of Frankston. Feel right at home with the friendly social atmosphere at Sunnyside North Beach. Families, couples and singles who enjoy being free the natural way frequent this gorgeous beach.
Cow Bay
Cow Bay in Queensland is a naturist beach which is very popular with backpackers. This bay is located two hours north of Cairns and is a great spot for a nude picnic or being at one with nature. For that true deserted beach experience, head over to Cow Bay.
Alexandria Bay
If you love going bare and communing with nature, Alexandria Bay in Noosa, Queensland is the best place for you. This large private beach in Queensland is a naturist’s and nude sunbather’s paradise. Although there are no legal nudist beaches in Queensland, Alexandria Bay has been acknowledged as a nudist beach. Just the 3km scenic walk to the beach is already well worth the visit.
Buchans Point
Buchans Point is the unofficial nudist beach of Cairns. In between Ellis Beach and Palm Cove, this famous yet unofficial clothes-optional beach has attracted local and tourist naturists of all shapes and sizes. It’s one of the areas that the Free Beach Association is trying to get legally recognised.
Balding Bay Beach
In spite of its technically illegal status, Balding Bay Beach is a very strong candidate for the best nudist beach in Australia. In fact, it’s considered the favourite nudist beach in the world by a lot of naturalists. Balding Bay Beach is off the coast of Townsville in Magnetic Island. You’ll need to ride a boat or walk an hour to get there.
Cobblers Beach
Situated on the northern edge of Middle Head in close proximity to Mosman, Cobblers Beach is a relatively unknown nude bathing spot to enjoy sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. This little picturesque cove is also a family-friendly nudist beach.
Obelisk Beach
One of the more popular gay-friendly beaches is Obelisk Beach. It’s located at the southern end of Middle Head near Cobbler Beach. Aside from it being a nude bathing spot, it’s also the best place to watch the sun go down over the Harbour from the water.
North Swanbourne Beach
Despite its supposedly illegal status, North Swanbourne beach is one of the most famous clothing optional beaches in Perth. It’s located north of Fremantle between Cottesloe and City beaches. The nude bathing area is 3km long starting from the “Clothing Optional Beach” sign 275m north of the Swanbourne beach access so make sure you are past an official clothing optional sign before stripping off.
