Sydney’s snaking coastline and harbour provide the city with over 100 beaches. Some, like Bondi, stretch for almost 1km and, on sunny days, can attract up to 10,000 beachgoers at a time. Others, like Clovelly, Tamarama, and Milk Beach, are much smaller, harder to get to, and far less crowded.
Then there are Sydney’s nude beaches. These coastal spots let you lounge in the sun, swim in the sea, and do whatever else you’d do on a beach — all without having to be in swimmers.
While Sydney doesn’t have too many of these clothing-optional coastal spots, it does have a handful. Ahead, we’re sharing some of the most well-known. Bare yourself, BYO confidence.
Obelisk Beach
Obelisk is a LGBTQI+ friendly beach on the southern side of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour, part of Sydney Harbour National Park. Near Mosman and Balmoral Beach, it’s at the bottom of a long set of steps. Because of its north-side spot, it allows for great views of Camp Cove, Watsons Bay, and Vaucluse.
Werrong Beach
Werrong Beach, also called Hell Hole Nude Beach, is in the Royal National Park, about an hours’ drive south of Sydney CBD. To get to it, you have to walk a 2km-long, challenging track, which will take you about an hour to complete. During the warmer months, many walk the track naked.
Lady Bay Beach
Lady Bay Beach, also called Lady Jane Beach, is one of Sydney’s most-known nude beaches, having attained an official clothing-optional status in 1976. It’s a small sandy alcove near Watsons Bay and between South Head and Camp Cove. Though it is surrounded by cliffs, so out-of-sight from those nearby, walkers at the lighthouse at the tip of South Head can look down at it from afar.
Cobblers Beach
Like Obelisk Beach, Cobblers Beach is also within Sydney Harbour National Park and an official nude beach. The main difference is that Cobblers is slightly larger and more family-friendly than Obelisk. The water is always flat, which means you can easily wade out from shore to snorkel. To get to Cobblers from Mosman, follow Middle Harbour Road.
Little Congwong Beach
Little Congwong isn’t officially a nude beach, but visitors to it do frequently shed their clothes. It’s the little brother of Congwong Beach and is accessed via a short walk continuing past the main beach to its more secluded spot. To get here by driving, come by La Perouse Loop Road.
Related: 10 Stunning Sydney Beaches Every Local Should Know About
Related: 5 Under-the-Radar Beaches in Jervis Bay With Less Crowds and More White Sand
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.
