Overview
Don your birthday suit. Get your kit off. Disrobe. You're going swimming — the way nature intended. Like Michelangelo said: "What spirit is so empty and blind that it cannot grasp the fact that a human foot is more noble than the shoe, and the human skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?" So — you heard the man — it's time to get nude. And because it's not exactly legal to do it just anywhere, here are five beaches where your feet and skin can embrace their noble, beautiful selves, without inciting the wrath of the law.
National Parks NSW
LADY BAY BEACH, SOUTH HEAD
We have the late Neville Wran to thank for all the naked bodies at this glorious stretch of sand, which is tucked into the harbour just north of Watsons Bay. In 1976, as Premier of New South Wales, he legalised going in the buff here, turning Lady Bay into one of Australia's first legal naturist beaches. The easiest way to get there is via ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay Wharf, from where it's an easy one-kilometre walk. Those pesky clothes might well be weighing you down — but do try to keep them on 'til you hit the sand.
National Parks NSW
COBBLERS BEACH, MIDDLE HEAD
This 100-metre strip of sand, flanked by rocks, is located just north of Middle Head and 700 metres east of Balmoral. It's best known as the starting point for the Sydney Skinny. Heading into its fourth year on February 28, this event involves hundreds of people stripping off, diving in and swimming 900 metres around a diamond-shaped course. But you can take a dip in the raw there any time. Park at the end of Middle Head Road and follow the signs marked Cobblers Beach.
OBELISK BEACH, MIDDLE HEAD
Another nudie opportunity awaits you on the southern side of Middle Head. Obelisk Beach is even smaller and more private that Cobblers — plus, it comes with panoramic views of Watsons Bay. Drive to the car park at the crossroads of Middle Head Road and Chowder Bay Road. Walk along the latter, until you see a marked track on the left. Follow the path downwards.
National Parks NSW
WERRONG BEACH, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
Located at the southern end of the Royal National Park, this is one of the most remote and wild beaches on the list. Getting there takes a bit of effort, though — it's a two-kilometre walk each way, down a steep path, starting from Otford Lookout. That said, you'll pass through some stunning scenery, taking in sandstone rock formations and lush rainforest, with cabbage tree palms and ferns. The beach isn't recommended for swimming, as the surf is pretty rough, rippy and unpatrolled by lifeguards — clothed or unclothed.
BIRDIE BEACH, CENTRAL COAST
To fit a naked dip into a Central Coast weekender, head to Birdie Beach. It's located between Wybung Head and the Budgewoi Peninsula, and is backdropped by the Munmorah State Conservation Area. You can drive straight there along Birdie Beach Drive and even camp the night at nearby Freemans campground. Or, to add a hike to your beach visit, walk along the Geebung Heath Track, off Wybung Head Road.
Top image: Dollar Photo Club