The best nudist beaches in Australia

Exmouth in Western Australia is known for being home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. At remote Mauritius Beach on the North West Cape, you are right on the Ningaloo Reef, which means that you're basically in heaven. With very few people around, you can expect a giant stretch of white sand, turquoise water and (if you're very lucky) baby sea turtles hatching. This beach is just a five minute walk from the car park nearby, but doesn't have any access to toilets, food or shade – so come prepared. 

This tiny cove hidden in the bush at Middle Head on Sydney's north shore is part of Sydney Harbour – but is slightly more discreet than the better-known parts of this tourist hot-spot. Located on Chowder Bay Road just 40 minutes from Sydney's CBD, you'll have to park on the hill and then clamber down a fair few steps to find this little LGBTIQ+ friendly haven where clothing is optional. With clear water, a small slice of golden sand and beautiful native Aussie trees protecting your privacy, this is a great place to bare it all. 

Fun fact of the day: Maslin Beach – an official nude beach (just one hour from Adelaide in South Australia), was the nation's first-ever official nudist beach, and trust us when we say this place *bares* its history well.

Sheltered, spectacular and tranquil, Maslin only lets you officially take your swimmers off on the southern end, after the 'Clothing Optional' sign. A known LGBTQI+ haven, Maslin is gay-friendly, inclusive and has been running 'The Annual Nude Games', including a 'Best Bum Competition' since the 1980s. Cheeky.

If gorgeous beachy seclusion and gay-friendly vibes are your kind of vibes, put Kings Beach on your list. Located just south of Broken Bay Beach (also known as Tallow Beach), this tiny hidden cove has soft white sand, blue water and is fringed by lush rainforest. While being a well-loved place for gay men, this beach exists for everyone, and can often be found completely empty during the week. With lots of shady spots and beautiful (but unpatrolled) waters for swimming, you can easily spend a day here. 

Having declared clothing-optional way back in 1986, this beloved nudist beach almost got cancelled in 2022 – but as of 2024, it's still very much kicking. Located at Mount Eliza in Port Philip Bay, ten minutes from Frankston and 50km from Melbourne's city centre, this beautiful and serene little spot is adored by locals who like getting their kits off. Conveniently located just five minutes from the car park, you can disrobe once you see the very clear 'NUDE BEACH STARTS HERE' signs. Expect toilets, but no other amenities. 

You'll need a 4WD to get to this stunning and remote nude beach in NSW's Tomaree National Park. Hidden away on the famous (and huge) One Mile Beach, this is an official place for stripping off, so you can get nude without a worry in the world. Gentle dunes, fragile plants and seclusion await you at Samurai – however beware of strong and unpredictable swells, with this bit of coast prone to dangerous swimming conditions. Other than that, there is a campsite nearby, which means you can get back to nature in more ways than one. 

One of Perth's only two legal nude beaches, North Swanbourne has been bringing joy to naturists since WW2, and is about 40 minutes drive from Perth's city centre. Although perhaps not as pretty as other WA beaches, Swanbourne gets points because of how much easier it is to reach in a state that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'long road trip'. Swimmers can come off once you reach the 'Clothing Optional' signs, and you can expect sheltering dunes to cut you off from the rest of the beach.

Pro tip: Go early in the day to avoid blustery winds. You heard it here first.

If the words 'Sapphire Coast' don't stir your imagination, then what does? Named after a French guy who used to swim nude here fairly regularly, this tiny sandy paradise is secluded and ringed by native Australian bush. About nine kilometres south of the renowned NSW tourist town Bermagui, Armands has a creek, a glittering ocean and a whole 250 metres of totally nude-designated sand. Isolated and remote, you won't find any toilets or food nearby, so if you're coming for a day trip, make sure you're ready to strip down and eat up.