Nudist Beaches Down Under: Where's Best to Bare All
There’s no denying that for some, the thought of going topless on a beach is nothing short of mortifying, but if you want to throw caution to the wind, what better way to liberate yourself than to feel the sea breeze on your bare skin? After all, you’re on holiday, surrounded by strangers—why not get your kit off, embrace the all-natural, and avoid the tan lines?
If you’re new to hitting the beach in your birthday suit, there are some codes of conduct to know before you go. Firstly, remember to apply sunscreen—the sun is unforgiving south of the equator, and some of your bare bits may not have been exposed to that kind of heat before. Pop a towel down before sitting on public chairs, don’t get pervy, and above all, don’t take photos—you’re likely to offend your neighbors, and some memories don’t need documenting. The Australian shores have a ton of beaches where nude is the norm, so here’s our advice on where to bare all and where's best to avoid.
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Lady Bay Beach
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North Swanbourne Beach
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Samurai Beach
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Buchans Point
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Lady Bay Beach, also known as Lady Jane Beach by locals, is a laid-back sandy shore open to all. As one of Australia's oldest nude beaches, first legalized in 1976, going nude on Lady Bay Beach is paying homage to history. Visitors can arrive either via ferry at the nearby Watsons Bay ferry wharf, by bus from Circular Quay, or in a car. Lady Bay Beach is a short walk along the clifftop walking track from Camp Cove Beach—another tourist hot spot and one of Australia's many wheelchair-accessible beaches.
Where to Stay: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel overlooks Sydney Harbour and is the closest hotel to Lady Bay Beach.
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North Swanbourne Beach is a 20-minute drive from Perth’s city center and is a popular summer sanctuary among the Western Australian nudist community. Only the north end, a 3km-stretch of Swanbourne beach, is clothing-optional, so visitors should pay close attention to the signposted nudist areas before getting their kit off.
Where to Stay: The historic Ocean Beach Hotel offers affordable rooms with ocean views.
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If you’ve ever dreamed of getting naked in a national park, head to Samurai Beach in NSW. Set in a remote corner of Tomaree National Park, this stretch of sand between One Mile Beach and the coastline is an officially designated nude-bathing beach.
You can get to this secluded spot by walking from the Big Rocky area or driving—just be aware that you need a 4WD vehicle.
Where to Stay: For a uniquely Australian experience, book a glamping tent at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, where you can wake up with koalas in a natural bushland setting.
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A state that falls into the category of where’s probably best to avoid on a nude beach excursion is Queensland. Naturalism or nude bathing is illegal in Queensland, and people caught skinny dipping can be fined—so strip off at your own risk.
There are some thrill seekers that, despite the laws, frequent the shores of Buchans Point in Cairns. It’s said to be most popular among the local gay group, coined the Sunboys, who protest there regularly by getting their kit off.
Where to Stay: The Reef House is an adults-only beachfront hotel with two outdoor pools not too far from Buchans Point.