Naked and free
In the early 1900s, conservative by-laws at popular Brighton Beach reportedly forbade swimming in anything but a neck-to-knee suit. Fast forward a century, and the words “nude beach Melbourne” in the same sentence are not so shocking to delicate Victorian ears. There are now many places to legally go skinny dipping in every state and territory across our fine country.
What to do at a nude beach?
Guess what? Pretty much the same things you would enjoy at a non-nude beach! Nude swimming, nude picnics and of course nude sunbathing. Although there’s no beachside nude camping in Victoria, there are plenty of nearby caravan parks to enjoy a family camping experience.
Nude beach etiquette
Along with the things you can do, there are definitely things you can’t do.
Taking photos. I know, this liberating moment might be something you’d want to document. But best to keep that camera switched off – nobody wants to accidently photobomb your picture for time immemorial. Even worse, nobody wants naked pictures of them to end up ‘who knows where’.
Jokes. Having fun at a nude beach is all part of the experience, however just as you don’t make bomb jokes at an airport, you don’t make body jokes at a nude beach.
Staring. For first-timers, I understand it might be hard not to. But starring or leering is a big no-no! Nobody likes a perve.
Stay in the ‘nude zone’. Literally. Some nude beaches abut regular beaches and you don’t want to wash up on the shore in front of unsuspecting beach goers.
Sex on the beach. And here’s the big one “can you have sex on a nude beach?” Sex in any public place, nude beach or not, is illegal. Nude beaches aren’t there to satisfy any form provocative desire.
The 3 best Naked Beaches in Melbourne
We’ve rounded up the top 3 nudists beaches near Melbourne:
3. Sunnyside North Beach
Located in upmarket Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, Sunnyside is only 50 minutes from Melbourne making it the closest nude beach to Melbourne. Having said that, it is quite hidden, so it may take you a bit of time to find. The beach is only accessible by foot and you need to follow a windy narrow path to get there. Once you get there, it’s all worth it.
Sunnyside North Beach is known to be best for first-timers due to its social atmosphere comprising of families, couples, and friends.
Where to stay?
Woodman Estate 15 Minute drive to Sunnyside
Camp Manyung 1 Minute walk to Sunnyside
2. Southside Nudist Beach
On the other side of Port Philip Bay, halfway between Torquay and Angelsea, you’ll find Southside Nude Beach. Although officially a surf beach, it is fairly sheltered from the wind and about 500 metres to the left of the main beach. The tide gets high quite quickly here so be careful where you lay your towel! Southside is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, so a totally doable day trip.
Where to stay?
RACV Torqay Resort 10 Minute drive to Southside
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park 10 Minute drive to Southside
1. Point Impossible Nudist Beach
On the other side of Torquay, not too far from the Southside is Point Impossible Nude Beach (again, an hour and a half from Melbourne). Point Impossible is a beautiful wide beach is covered with sand dunes. The beach is well-signed and with plenty of parking space. The only down-side is there no showers. But for true naturalists, a visit at Point Impossible Beach is the perfect opportunity to unite with nature.
Where to stay?
Peppers the Sands Resort 10 Minute drive to Point Impossible
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park 15 Minute drive to Point Impossible
So there you have it! Think naked beach Melbourne is for you?
