Want to feel the sun on your skin – in fact, all over your skin? You are not alone. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, there are apparently more than 20 beaches in NSW where it is OK to get your kit off, some with legal status, others where the law looks the other way, so to speak.
So before we get to the list of best nude beaches in NSW, what is the correct nude beach etiquette?
Here are some nude beach rules:
– Can I strip off anywhere?
No. Make sure your level of clothing matches those around you, whether it is just topless, or full nudey rudey. Also, for your comfort, don’t forget to put sunblock everywhere! And insect repellent is also smart.
– Can you check out the human scenery?
Not a good idea. Tripsavvy suggests it’s rude to stare and taking piccies without permission is a definite no no. “Many people simply like to enjoy being nude in nature and don’t want to be disturbed. Unwelcome or unwanted advances are not acceptable anywhere, and especially at a nudist beach,” says the site. Take a book, crossword or some other activity to help keep your eyes to yourself.
– Is it possible to do nude camping in NSW?
Yes, see below for beaches where you can pitch a tent.
– Can you have sex on a nude beach?
Um, that would be a hard NO. Nomadsworld says, “remember, it’s a nudist beach, not a hotel room. People are there to relax on the beach, not watch you and your partner get to know each other.”
More on Australia nude beaches here
10. Werrong Beach
(Lady Wakehurst Drive, Otford Lookout, Royal National Park)
Distance from Sydney CBD 60km (1hr 30 mins drive)
Despite the challenging 30 minute hike to get to Werrong Beach, the scenic coastal view, incredible sandstone rock formations and serene rainforest make a day trip here one of a kind.
Situated in the Royal National Park, it is remote and secluded for a nude beach in Sydney, making it the perfect place to get an all over tan. However, nude swimming isn’t recommended due to strong rips and currents and lack of lifeguards.
To get there, you can catch a train from Central to Otford, then walk 700m to the park entrance.
9. Little Jibbon
(Jibbon Point Loop Track, Royal National Park)
Distance from Sydney CBD 60km (1 hr 25 mins drive)
Another one in the Royal National Park, Little Jibbon is a small strip of sand positioned on the north-eastern tip of the park.
It is an unofficial naked beach and privacy may be an issue due to bushwalkers going past. The shore is mostly rocky and swimming is primarily from these rocks or in the many stunning rock pools that surround the beach, however the current can get dangerous and the tide height should be considered before swimming. It is also challenging to find the path down to the beach, but once you reach it you can enjoy a nice relaxing day and a cool dip in the crystal-clear water.
On uncrowded or week days, nudists are also know to frequent the Main Jibbon Beach.
8. Lady Bay Beach
(Watsons Bay, Sydney)
Distance from Sydney CBD 11.5km (30 mins drive)
Lady Bay Beach, also known as Lady Jane Beach, is situated along the picturesque South Head Heritage Trail, boasting panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and is one of the most popular for swimmers who prefer not to wear bathers.
As the oldest nudist beach in Australia, it even attracted naturists before 1996 when the beach was legalised “for the purposes of nude bathing”. Lady Bay Beach attracts all, including families, the gay population and tourists but it is also known for its older crowd who are predominantly men, and some say that it is not always safe for women.
You can get to the beach by ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf and then it’s as easy 1km walk along the gorgeous nature trail. However, as it is easily accessible, privacy is not entirely guaranteed and onlookers walking along the trail can watch from the top.
7. Little Congwong
(La Perouse)
Distance from Sydney CBD 20km (29 mins drive)
Although it is an unofficial nudist beach, Little Congwong provides excellent swimming conditions and a calm beach that is highly frequented by naturists.
Situated in Botany Bay National Park, it isn’t completely private, however there is plenty of room and it doesn’t get too crowded. The beach contains a wide variety of people including men, women, gay and straight, young and old, some nude and some clothed.
Recently the council reinforced the prohibition of nudity at Little Congwong by erecting signs, however these were vandalised, and many swimmers remain unclad. Another warning, refrain from swimming at dawn or dusk as a swimmer was attacked by a great white shark in 2018.
6. Samurai Beach
(545 Gan Gan Road, Port Stephens)
Distance from Sydney CBD 208km (2hrs 50 mins drive)
Samurai Beach is a little further from Sydney, however it does allow camping. You can also find accommodation in caravan parks nearby. So why not make a weekend out of it?
Many families and couples camp on the beach by night and swim in the nude by day. However, there are also many beach goers that prefer to keep their swimmers on.
It’s great for surfing and fishing and you can even drive right down on to the beach if you have a 4WD. Otherwise, you will need to take a long walk to get there. There is no shade or toilets close by, so make sure to bring water, sunblock and a hat with you. Weekdays can be quiet, but on the weekends or in the summer it can get rather busy.
5. Obelisk Beach
(Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, Sydney)
Distance from Sydney CBD 11.5km (25 mins drive)
Located on the southern side of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour, Obelisk Beach boasts stunning views of Watsons Bay and is a secluded place for clothing-optional swimming.
The gorgeous turquoise water and clear sand promise a relaxing day and some say they have even spotted penguins swimming around. With a more male oriented crowd than female, this beach is a hot spot for gays. Obelisk was legalised for nude bathing, however it is said that people have been arrested for doing illegal things in the bushes.
The only cons would be the steep bush walk to get there and the lack of sun in the afternoon due to shade from trees.
4. Little Diggers Beach
(Coffs Harbour, New South Wales)
Distance from Sydney CBD 531km (5hr 42 mins drive)
Little Diggers Beach offers quiet and secluded areas that you can have all to yourself. During low tide, the beach creates many nooks and coves to get that complete sun tan without gathering the irritating stares of other beach goers.
It is located in Diggers Headland Place in Coffs Harbour and is known for its calm waters and stress-free swimming.
It also has facilities, such as toilets and a picnic area, and is a great place to watch the sunrise. Before you strip down to your birthday suit make sure that you aren’t on the Main Diggers Beach where clothing is less optional.
3. Birdie Beach
Distance from Sydney CBD 120km (1hr 40 mins drive)
Birdie Beach is great for surfing naturists who can enjoy the great waves sans clothes. It is positioned between Wybung Head and the Budgewoi Peninsula and is near the Munmorah State Conservation Area.
You can camp at night nearby and there are both toilet and cooking facilities. Birdie Beach is a beautiful spot for people of all types and everyone is known to be friendly and respectful of your privacy. Dolphins are also often seen playing in the waves and both the sand and water are pristine.
2. Armands Beach
(84 Kullaroo Rd, Barragga Bay)
Distance from Sydney CBD 400km (5hrs 30mins drive)
One of the prettiest nude beaches that NSW has to offer, Armands Beach is the perfect place for first time nude swimmers.
It is situated in a private area and mesmerises swimmers with its flawless sand and the opportunities for a body surf in the sparkling waves.
Receiving its name from Frenchman Armand Lemmeric, who enjoyed a skinny dip here at the end of each day, Armand’s was legally declared a clothing optional beach by Bega Valley Shire Council in 1993 and is the Sapphire Coast’s only official nude beach.
You can even enjoy a day there with the whole family on their nude family fun day that promises “games, events, prizes and fishing.”
1. Cobblers Beach
(Middle Harbour Road, Mosman)
Distance from Sydney CBD 11.5km (25 mins drive)
Considered one of Australia’s best nudist beaches, Cobblers is the perfect place for picnics, paddling and snorkelling.
This idyllic beach is made up of clean water and sand and welcoming locals who will get rid of any anyone that is inappropriate. Because of this protective environment, the beach is family friendly and also great for female naturists.
The beach is also host to the annual Sydney Skinny Dip where swimmers compete in a 900m race in the nude to raise funds for cancer research.
On sunny days it can get quite crowded and the track to the beach is relatively hard. However it is definitely worth bathing here for it’s beautiful scenery and safe atmosphere, making it the best naked beach in Sydney.
Still want more?
If you want to check out the best nude places in other states and to find a nudist beach near NSW, Lastminute.com recommends these resorts:
North Swanbourne Beach in Perth, WA
Maslin Beach in SA
Alexandria Beach in Noosa Heads, Qld.
Point Impossible Beach in Vic.
and
Bakers Beach in Tas.
More Victorian nude beaches here
