Nude Beach Etiquette: Read This Before You Bare It All

Summer, sunshine, salty skin… and the temptation to visit one of our local nude beaches. Fantastic idea — as long as you remember one key thing: nude beaches are about freedom and comfort, not a free-for-all.

Let’s start local.

Birdie Beach sits north of Newcastle, near Redhead. It’s easy to get to, which is both its charm and, occasionally, its curse. When you arrive at the beach access, head north and keep walking. Then keep walking some more. The nudist section is right up the northern end — the further you go, the better the vibe generally becomes.

Now, a gentle but necessary reality check: the dunes at Birdie are often populated by what regulars politely (and not-so-politely) call “seagulls.” These are usually solo guys lingering in the scrub, watching instead of beaching. For many, it feels pervy, uncomfortable, and definitely not the energy most people are there for. Best practice? Stick to open areas, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to move if the vibe feels off.

Samurai Beach at Port Stephens is a different beast altogether. It’s stunning, wild, and far more secluded — but it comes with effort. A 4WD is highly recommended if you want to avoid a long, sweaty trek hauling towels, drinks, and dignity across soft sand. If you’re walking in, prepare yourself — it’s a mission. The nudist area is located at the southern end of the beach, so again, distance matters.

Now for the etiquette part — the bit some people mysteriously forget.

• No perving. Looking happens, staring is rude.
• No photos. Ever.
• No sexual acts. This isn’t a play space. It’s not only frowned upon, it’s illegal and puts everyone at risk of beaches being shut down.
• Consent still applies — always. Nude doesn’t mean available.

A quick safety note too: neither Birdie nor Samurai is patrolled by lifesavers. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stay shallow, be cautious of rips, and don’t let the serenity distract you from the ocean’s reality.

Do it right, and nude beaches can be relaxed, respectful, and wonderfully freeing. Do it wrong, and you become the story everyone tells later — and not in a good way.

Bare skin, good manners, zero creep factor. It’s not a big ask. 🌊🍑