Nude Beaches in Queensland

There are no legal nude beaches in Queensland. A recent move to legalise nude beaches was blocked by the Queensland Government because of a fear of deviants who may be attracted to such a beach.

Of course, the illegality of nude bathing doesn't stop many people from partaking in this liberating experience. Some of the more secluded beaches in the north of Queensland are ideal for nude sunbathing. But beware of the harsh sunrays beaming upon your sensitive body parts - you might be very uncomfortable the next day if you don't apply sunscreen!

According to the Free Beach Association of QLD (FBA), a Queensland member based organisation who lobbies the Queensland government to allow for 'clothes optional' beach in QLD, there are a number of locations whic are known for their unofficial status as a location to shed your garb, but beware as it is an illegal practice, and police do fine nude people on these beaches.

FBA mentions on their website that the Sunshine Coast continues to be a magnet for nude beachgoers, and Australian naturists, and although the area between Granite Bay and Alexandria Bay at Noosa Heads is a nude hot spot, as walking tracks within National Parks have been upgraded, much of this area is no longer suitable to clothing optional bathing.

Alexandria Bay is a large and private beach, and the 3km scenic walk to the beach is well worth the visit. Naturists and nude sunbathers tend to congregate at the southern end of the beach.

The Cairns Sunboys (nude social group for gay men) and Barrier Reef Sun Club refer to Buchans Point, in between Ellis Beach and Palm Cove as Cairns Beaches unoffical nude beach. Buchans Point is a small, protected beach which is popular with locals and tourists, having been an unofficial free beach since the 1950's.

Buchans Point is located at the very southern end of Ellis Beach, about 25km north of Cairns. It is by far the most popular unofficial clothes optional beach in this area and has been recognised as such for many years. As you travel north along the Cook Highway look for the carpark on the beach side of the road between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. It is then just a short walk south to the beautiful sandy beach backed by cliffs and the highway.

The FNQ Free Beach Association have been lobbying Cairns City Council and the Queensland government for some time in an attempt to allow Buchans Point to be a legal nude beach, and according to their website, nudists may be encountered beyond a rock, as pictured above.

Pretty Beach is located 1km north of the Rex Lookout, on the highway south of Oak Beach. It is visible from the road at the southern end where access is gained. Cape Tribulation. This beautiful rainforest area is probably the end of the road for most tourists, as from here through to the top of Cape York is not exactly Sunday driving, but rather an experience in itself. From Cairns travel north for about 76km to Mossman then another 37km to Daintree. Cross the Daintree River by ferry and continue along this road for another 50kms to Cape Tribulation. The road passable to conventional vehicles except after heavy rains, which of course occur fairly often. You are much better off travelling in a 4WD vehicle. There are many beautiful views and interesting things to visit along the way.

The first turn off to the right will take you into Cape Kimberley, a rather remote but beautiful bay with few people, a casual atmosphere, and lots of secluded spots. There is plenty of room for camping and a few cabins for hire.

As you proceed north form here be sure to call in to the Rainforest Information Centre and enjoy the boardwalk through the forest.

Next stop is Cow Bay. The area is very popular with backpackers and, as many of these come from Europe where naturist beaches is commonplace, it is not unusual to come across topless and nude bathers in this area. However the most accepted nude bathing area is the third bay as you walk north along the beach.

At the Cape Tribulation you can experience isolated camping where the rain forest meets the sea. There are few facilities and all your supplies need to be brought in with you. Clothes in this camping area are unofficial optional.

Off the coast of Townsville is Magnetic Island, and many nuditsts report Balding Bay Beach on Magnetic Island as their favourite nude beach in the world!

The Balding Bay Beach is very secluded, only being accessible by boat, or by a 45 minute hike through National Park. There are long granite outcroppings which raptors seem to enjoy, and the beach is wide, with gorgeous white sand. A campground for backpackers is nearby, and other nudists park their boats regularly here to enjoy the sun.

We also advise you to buy an Australian Sun & Health Magazine or Bare Facts A complete guide to Australian naturist recreation for the 90s.