The 9 top nude beaches to get your kit off at

Australia

04 Sep 2024

These beautiful beaches are well worth a visit for the nude curious.

Australians love a reason to get naked. While there’s no official nude beach in Queensland, a (mostly) warm nude-friendly climate coupled with the world’s best beaches, means there are plenty of amazing Australian nude beaches for those who dare to go bare.

A recent worldwide study by pour moi put Australians as the keenest to nude sunbathe, closely followed by New Zealanders. So, here’s our list of Australia’s top nude beaches.

1. Lady Bay Beach, Sydney, NSW

This well-known, gay-friendly, nude beach in Sydney Harbour National Park has been a popular spot with naturists since it became one of Australia’s first nudist beaches in 1976. It’s a pretty small beach, so if you like your space it’s best to visit at low tide when there is more sand, given its city locale it can get busy.

the entrance of Lady Bay Beach — Dare to bare at Lady Bay Beach. (Image: John Yurasek)

Address: Between South Head and Camp Cove in Sydney Harbour National Park. From Camp Cove car park follow the South Head heritage trail to the beach.

2. Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Darwin, NT

Casuarina Coastal Reserve encompasses a large coastal area, including eight kilometres of white sand beaches, in Darwin’s northern suburbs. The central section of the reserve includes a ‘nudist zone’ on the beach north of Darriba Road.

Perfect for those taking their first foray into nude sunbathing given its remote setting and ample space to find some privacy. Combine your visit with a look around the heritage-listed ruins from World War II that can be found dotted through the reserve.

sunset at Casuarina Beach, Darwin, NT, Australia — Admire sunset views over Casuarina Beach.

Address: 445 Trower Rd, Brinkin, NT 0810

3. Armands Beach, Bermagui, NSW

Armands Beach is the only nude beach on the Sapphire Coast in NSW. A secluded and serene beach, there is very little shade so remember your beach umbrella.

Named after Armand Lemmeric, a French man who owned a farm behind the bay and regularly swam nude at the beach, nude cricket matches were reportedly played here in the 1930s, but it wasn’t given its official ‘clothing-optional’ status until 1993.

Address: Barragga Bay, Kullaroo Road, Bermagui, NSW 2546

4. Samurai Beach, One Mile, NSW

Pack light and make a weekend of it at Samurai Beach in Port Stephens as behind the dunes that line the beach is a clothing-optional campground. A 4WD is a prerequisite to drive along the access trail that leads to the campground, via Gan Gan Road. Pristine waters, good surf and clean expanses of white sand in a beautiful setting make this a top spot.

Aerial shot of Samurai Beach — Show your skin some love at Samurai Beach, One Mile. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Tomaree National Park, (Near Port Stephens) One Mile, NSW 2316

5. Kambah Pool, Canberra, ACT

Not technically a beach but the sandy banks of Kambah Pool at the northern end of the reserve that sits on the Murrumbidgee River in Canberra’s south are nudist-friendly. Enjoy tranquil river views and perhaps a spot of fishing as you become one with nature.

Address: Off Kambah Pool Road, Kambah, ACT 2901

6. Sunnyside North Beach, Port Philip Bay, Vic

Sunnyside North Beach can be found on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. This small, sandy beach has held clothing-optional status since 1986.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council ran a survey in early 2022 with locals to gauge whether the beach would continue to be nudist. The consultation showed strong support for this secluded beach to retain its clothing-optional status.

Address: North of Sunnyside Road Car Park. Mount Eliza, Vic 3930

7. Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

This three-kilometre-long beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula was Australia’s very first nudist beach. With its beautiful sandstone cliffs as a backdrop, it has an allocated nude sunbathing area, and a good snorkelling spot too, so don’t forget your goggles and your water-resistant sunscreen.

an aerial view of Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA — Laze on the soft sands at Maslin Beach.

Address: Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA 5170

8. Point Impossible, Torquay, Vic

This long, open, dog-friendly beach on the Great Ocean Road has a designated clothing-optional section for those wanting to enjoy a day at the beach in their birthday suit, rather than their swimsuit. It’s a popular surf spot for the locals, providing some good entertainment while you catch some rays.

Address: 425 The Esplanade, Torquay, Vic 3228

9. Long Beach, Hobart, Tas

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an official nudist beach on the Apple Isle, amongst the abundance of ‘unofficial’ ones. So, if you’re looking to toe the line your only chance may be at Dark Mofo’s annual Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach in Hobart.

In temperatures of around three degrees, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Gather at dawn before running into the River Derwent en masse with your fellow nudists for an invigorating start to the day.

Dark Mofo’s annual Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach. — Get nude at Dark Mofo’s annual Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach. (Image: Dark Mofo and Rosie Hastie)

Address: Long Point Road, Sandy Bay, Tas 7005

See all articles

hero of gift guide

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

A woman sits with her dog at her campsite by a campfire at Misty Mountain in NSW

The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

AllTrails and HipCamp teamed up to reveal the top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list; the best hiking and camping spots to visit in one holiday for plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf in Elf

The ultimate 2025 Christmas movie watchlist

The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a solid movie marathon?

An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline

The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

By Kassia Byrnes

21 Nov 2025

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

Slip, slop, slap.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

Husk Farm Distillery — Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Tweed Holiday Parks — Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .