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See Australia The Naturist Way

Lisa Valentine | Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 9:23 am

The nudist approach advocates a freer way of life.

The nudist approach advocates a freer way of life.

The idea of whipping your clothes off on a crowded beach may not appeal to everyone, but nudism is a growing trend. A recent Gallup Poll showed that people are much more tolerant of nudism than in the 1980s and in fact a growing number of people embrace the naturist notions. In Australia, social nudism has existed for more than 80 years and has spilled out from private clubs into everyday life. There are dozens of beaches and resorts that now cater for naturists and those who just want to be able to sunbathe in the nude without being stared at.

It’s an activity that one would find hard to do in Britain, thanks to our pebbly beaches and cold winds, but in Australia where the weather is warm and sunny, the beach smooth and golden and the sea tempting and cool what could be better than stripping off and enjoying nature as nature intended you to enjoy it, without the shackles of clothing that prevent contact between your skin and the pure crystal air.

And if you think that nudism is reserved only for beautiful people, think again! Nudist beaches have all sorts of body shape and age, from the very young to the very old. It is an unwritten rule of naturism that staring is not allowed, so you needn’t worry about being leered at. Photography is also not allowed and you’ll find a sense of community here that is hard to find elsewhere.

We’ve brought you a list of some of the very best nudist resorts and beaches across Australia. So if you have a fixed idea of what a nudist resort is like, read on and let us enlighten and perhaps even inspire you. You may not be throwing your clothes away and embracing the naturist way just yet (much to your neighbours’ relief) but you may re-consider your ideas and pencil a visit to a nudist beach in your next Australian holiday.

Most resorts will be strict on their no-clothing policy, the idea being that everyone can relax in an environment where naked flesh is accepted and de-stigmatised. Having clothed people in that kind of environment can interfere with this philosophy. The only exceptions will be for children. However most beaches do have a clothing optional policy, so if you are a beginner it may be best to head for one of the legal nudist beaches that are listed at the bottom of each resort.

New South Wales

Why restrict yourself to the beaches when on a naturist holiday? With 100 acres of rainforest and bushland to explore the Twin Falls Nude Retreat offers more than just sand and sea. An hour from Port Macquarie, Twin Falls offers seclusion and privacy and because of this they feel that all guests should embrace naturism, therefore wearing clothes is not optional.

You can choose either bed and breakfast, camping or self-catering at Twin Falls. There are two bed and breakfast rooms with a bar and fridge. Guests can also choose to take extra meals or use the BBQ provided. For those who perhaps want a little more privacy and independence there is a self-catering cabin on site that sleeps up to 4 people. Camping facilities are also available on site.

There are a number of marked walks that take guests into the rainforest where they can enjoy spotting the varied wildlife on show.  This resort is mainly geared up for couples who enjoy being close to nature. I wouldn’t recommend it for first-time naturists due to the strict ‘no clothing’ policy, but if you want peace and quiet in a secluded spot close to nature then this is the place for you.

Official nudist beaches.

  • Obelisk Beach at the southern side of the National Park, Sydney.
  • Cobblers Beach, northern side of Middle Head, Sydney.
  • Lady Bay, 12km north east of Watsons Bay, Sydney.
  • Werrong Beach, 40km south of Sydney near Stanwell Park.
  • Armands Beach, 10km south of Bermagui, NSW.
  • Birdie Beach at Lake Munmorah, north coast of NSW.
  • Samurai Beach at Anna Bay along the north coast.
  • North Belongil Beach, 4km north of the Byron Bay turnoff from the Pacific Highway.

Northern Territory

Top End Naturist Retreat is a family orientated resort with a wide range of activities set in natural bush land in Litchfield, 70 kilometres from Darwin.It is open all year round and with this being a family resort there is a lovely sense of community as holidaymakers are encouraged to mingle and socialise together. There are life-sized boards of chess and drafts as well as an open-air swimming pool, miniature golf course, petanque, pool table, table tennis, library and common area. The common area has two gas barbeques and a fridge and guests can help themselves to complimentary teas and coffees. There is even a TV available.

The beautiful Litchfield National Park is just a stones throw away.

The beautiful Litchfield National Park is just a stones throw away.

To appreciate the bushland there are a number of marked walks that guests can use to explore their surroundings and spot the native wildlife, including some impressive termite mounds that guests can measure themselves against. The resort is also close to both Kakadu and Litchfield National Park, not to mention the Territory Wildlife Park that is practically on the doorstep, so this is the perfect base to see some of the Northern Territory’s finest natural wonders.

Accommodation can either be booked on site in one of their cabins or caravans or campers can bring their own tents to pitch up. There is an onsite shop for those holiday essentials and a fully licensed bar.

This resort is recommended for families and couples who are practised naturists and enjoy socialising.

Official Nudist Beaches

  • Casuarina Beach in Darwin.

Western Australia

Forty-five minutes from Perth is the camping resort of Sunseekers Nudist Club. Set amidst beautiful native bush fauna and within walking distance from the John Forrest National Park the resort is open all year round and is probably one of the oldest nudist clubs featured – it was established in 1962.

The club is affiliated with both the Australian Nudist Federation and the International Naturist Federation and their aims are to promote naturism within a safe and controlled environment that makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone, from families to singles.

The area is predominately a camping resort but there are limited chalets available that sleep from one to a whole family of four, all with basic kitchen facilities. There is a clubhouse on site that caters for social gatherings and games and an undercover BBQ area along with a campers kitchen. Everything about the resort is designed to encourage socialisation, from the chairs arranged around the impressive wood burning stove to the vine covered eating area just outside the kitchens.

A large fenced 15 metre swimming pool is available for swimmers of all abilities and a children’s playground keeps the kids entertained. There is even a Clubhouse for teenagers who want to hang out away from their parents.

Recommended for just about everyone!

Official Nudist Beaches

  • North Swanbourne Beach close to Perth CBD.
  • Warnbro Beach near the coastal town of Rockingham.
  • Bunbury at the northern end of Geographe Bay.
  • Ten Mile Lagoon, near the seaside town of Esperance.
  • Cable Beach, a 22.5km long beach in Broome.
  • Mauritius Beach in Exmouth.

South Australia

For beach lovers this is the resort for you. Sunland Holiday Beach is Australia’s only ocean beach nudist resort, set up by a couple of retired teachers from Adelaide. It is situated on the Limestone Coast that stretches from Coorong National Park in the south up to the Victorian border in the north with the two cities of Adelaide and Melbourne inbetween. Sunland Holiday Resort is in the middle of the two small fishing towns of Robe and Beachport.

The Limestone Coast is a magnificient stretch of coastline.

The Limestone Coast is a magnificient stretch of coastline.

Campers and caravanners are welcome and there are also cabins available. There is a communal kitchen available for everyone as well as a clubhouse, recreation room, spa, sauna and tennis court. There is a small play area for children. But most visitors who come to this resort will do so because of its close proximity to the beach, just a stone’s throw away. In keeping with the theme, the beach is also a certified nudist beach and guests can enjoy sunset strolls along the ocean.

Again the overall preference is that guests adhere to the nudist policy, however the owners do appreciate that first timers may feel uncomfortable with this at first and so they are flexible with beginners.

Ideal for beach lovers, retired couples, families.

Official Nudist Beaches

  • Maslin Beach, south of Adelaide near Morphett Vale.
  • Pelican Point Beach at Lake Bonney in Barmera.
  • Beachport, adjacent to the Sunland Holiday Village.
  • Murrippi Beach close to the Eight Mile Beach.

Queensland

Release the inner hippy in you by visiting Pacific Sun Friends in Queensland just 40km north of Brisbane where you are encouraged to find the natural balance in life. This resort is definitely for those with a spiritual mind and who want to holiday in harmony with nature, as the entire site is powered by solar and wind energy.

Camping areas are set amidst stunning palm trees and the view is a green wonderland as far as the eye can see. This resort is all about getting away from the worries and strains of modern life and embracing a completely different philosophy. There are also limited cabins for hire on site. Facilities are basic but activities are plentiful, from nude skydiving to lawn bowls.

Clothing here is optional as the owners encourage people to be themselves and do what they feel is appropriate for them, making it the perfect base for those just starting out on the nudist principles.

Beaches

There are a number of unofficial nudist beaches around Queensland, most notably Fraser Island and the areas between Bowen and Townsville. The privately owned Fitzroy Island has been named as a ‘clothing optional’ beach by the owners and can be reached by ferry from Cairns.

Victoria

Nestled in amongst 70 acres of bushland is the Corio Valley Nudist Club. This is predominantely for people who love the great outdoors and camping. There are spaces for tents and caravans and visitors are welcome for weekend retreats. There is just one on-site caravan.

Activities range from pentanque to volleyball and there is plenty of opportunity to mix with others in the clubhouse where evenings of dancing and music are enjoyed around the log fire. They advertise for families and have a swimming pool with outdoor BBQ area, but there aren’t that many facilities for young children to enjoy, making this more suitable for couples. Its proximity to Geelong make it a good base for getting out and exploring the city and its nightlife.

Beaches

  • Sunnyside North nearMount Eliza
  • Campbell’s Cove in Werribee South.
  • Point Impossible, Torquay.
  • South Side, Torquay.
The clothed community have been warned!

The clothed community have been warned!

Links

To find out more about the nudist philosopy, to search for nudist resorts or to find a nudist beach near you, take a look at our links below. If you want us to link to you, please contact us.

Australian Nudist Federation

International Naturist Federation

Free Beach

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5 Responses to “See Australia The Naturist Way”

Comment by Michael - Aussie Naturist — May 1, 2010 @ 11:00 am

Very good article very informative, come on everyone get your gear off!

Comment by owlafaye — May 1, 2010 @ 4:36 pm

I can’t imagine the average Australian being upset by nudity. They are some of the nicest and most open people in the world…blase is the word…laughter

Comment by Chris — May 3, 2010 @ 8:48 pm

Thanks for doing this article. Yes, Australia is particularly blessed with wonderful places to enjoy nature, naturally.
We hope you can come here any enjoy it with us.

Comment by Steve — June 2, 2010 @ 9:07 am

True, embracing nudism gives you a sense of freedom and for me at 150kg, there is an acceptance of who you are and no hiding it! Try it… you may just like it :D

Comment by vlad — August 16, 2010 @ 8:54 pm

very good infomation and nice article. good luck!

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