Sydney australia gay beaches
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Yes, I’ve seen surprised sandy reunions more than a few times at North Bondi so if you think ‘that person looks just like…’ look again and you might just get to surprise them too. It’s known as gay-friendly and often attracts couples and solo sunbathers.
How to get there:
- 🚌 Public Transport:
- Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf (15 min).
- Walk ~20 min via Chowder Bay Road and Obelisk Beach walking track (some stairs).
- 🚕 Taxi:
- 25 minutes from the city ($35–$45).
Notes: More private than Lady Jane.
It’s a much more fun way to get back to those bright lights. It’s a pool. Everyone has their own favourite Sydney beach, so do feel free to share your own hot tip for a beautiful beach in the comments below.
And don’t worry if the grey skies come out, there are lots of fun things to do in Sydney in the rain including a Priscilla moment or two.
Been there, done that?
Obelisk Beach – Mosman
Vibe: Quiet, clothing-optional beach in Sydney Harbour. This is not a beach. Found at the southern end of the National Park of Middle Head, you can drive there, or for a more glamorous option get your friends together for a day and all pitch in to hire a catamaran to take you around the harbour.
That way not only can you visit Obelisk and more to splash around, you can also watch the sun go down over the Harbour from the water, which is a memory you’ll never forget.
One word of warning though, nudity is only allowed on the beach and rangers do patrol the area, so it’s best to obey the posted signs.
Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse
While not a designated nude sunbathing area, this is another sandy spot where you may see more bare skin than the average beach.
There’s a wrap-around deck, which makes for a lovely walk and begs for a dive into the cool water, where you can swim to a floating pontoon that's perfect for sunbathing. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Been there, done that? It's also a verrry popular spot with the boys, who tend to show off their gym efforts with aplomb here all year long, and especially on hot summer days, when this area is jam-packed with glistening, muscular bodies in the smallest budgie smugglers you can imagine.
Bring your own water/snacks.
🏝️ 4. Lady Jane Beach (Lady Bay Beach) – Watsons Bay
Vibe: Sydney’s best-known nude beach, popular with gay men and naturists. It can be a bit of a boys' club of you're gay and looking to cruise and you can expect stink-eye if you choose the option of actually wearing clothing, but this is mostly a welcoming beach.
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Sydney's LGBTQI+ and gay-friendly beaches
Lady Jane Beach
This little stretch of sand at the end of South Head peninsula is a clothing-frowned-upon beach – though technically it's been clothing-optional since Neville Wran made it so in 1976.
In fact, Surf Lifesaving Sydney says Tamarama is the most dangerous patrolled beach in New South Wales, with more rescues per thousand bathers here than anywhere else.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, it may be best to just enjoy the view at this one and save the swim for when you complete your walk.
Lady Bay
For those who like to let it all hang out, Lady Bay, is one of Sydney’s original nude beaches.
Also known as Lady Jane Beach, this small but special space has been attracting au naturel bathers since long before it officially became legal in the seventies.
Lady Bay is found just around the corner from the Watson’s Bay Hotel which is both a beach vibe boutique hotel with classic Sydney harbour views for those who want to stay, and a great spot to grab lunch including fresh seafood, pizza and pub classics or simply sip a cocktail when you put your kit back on.
Catch the Watson’s Bay ferry over from Circular Quay so you can enjoy those drinks at the end of the day, but be sure to find out when the last ferry leaves or risk a rather expensive taxi ride back to the city.
Little Congwong Beach – La Perouse
Vibe: Gay-friendly and unofficially clothing-optional.
Tamarama
Another must when you’re in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk, which would have to be the most famous walking track in the city.
The perfect way to get some fresh air and smile at some of the locals, you can do this walk at any time of year but in the warmer months make sure you fit in a little Tamarama break.
Nestled between Bronte and Bondi, Tamarama or “Glama-rama” as it’s sometimes known, is a stunning little spot where you can often spot stunners.
Read: Weekend getaways Sydney locals love
It’s the perfect pit stop on your coastal walk, or a great place to just laze away an afternoon.
Just careful of rips, as they’re particularly nasty here.
It’s small, secluded, and has a peaceful atmosphere.
How to get there:
- 🚌 Public Transport:
- Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay (20 min ride).
- Walk 5–10 minutes south along the path past Camp Cove Beach.
- 🚕 Taxi/Ride-share:
- 25–35 minutes from the CBD (~$35–$45 depending on traffic).
Notes: Clothing optional.
Feeling peckish?
This is also a key locale for the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.