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Swim in your birthday suit at the best nude beaches in Perth!
Ah, there’s quite nothing like feeling sunlight on bits that rarely see it. Going au naturel, though, isn’t always appreciated, especially in certain places where ‘letting it all hang out’ will most likely be met with side eyes or police calls.
Thankfully, we won’t be talking about those ‘certain places’ in this article. Enter nude beaches—no judgment, zero-tan-lines zones where all shapes and sizes are celebrated, naturalist-style.
Three spots in Perth will give you such a freeing experience—if you have the guts to bare it all with waves and shores as the backdrop.
Port Kennedy Beach (Warnbro Beach)
From friendly__adventure
Address: Port Kennedy
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Drive from the Perth CBD: 52 mins (56.5 km)
Beachgoers have been sunbathing in the buff on Port Kennedy Beach since 1988. Technically, it’s one of the two only ‘official’ nude beaches in Perth, so if someone stops your clothing-free recreation, Johnny Law will back you up.
Perk-wise, there’s a wide-reaching golf course that provides a gap between the beach bums and nearby residences. Just be warned that the wind can get feisty and there’s no lifeguard to fish you out of if you get into trouble.
On the bright side, the glassy waters rarely bring powerful waves, meaning this one is a prime territory for swimmers and snorkelers.
And once things get too samey, you can always hop in a kayak and paddle out. Dolphins are regulars here, and who doesn’t want to see the flippers up close?
Tips:
- Don’t forget your fishing gear. Port Kennedy Beach allows angling, and the waters are chock-full of snapper and bluefish.
- If you’re not a fan of extremely strong winds, go for an early morning trip.
Little Parakeet Bay
From joyce_j_lang
Address: Little Parakeet Bay
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Drive from the Perth CBD: Around 1 hr and 30 mins (32.8 km)
First things first: Rottnest Island’s Little Parakeet Bay is an unofficial or informal nude beach. Visitors lazing off in the nip are generally accepted here, but there’s no official rule designating the area as a buff zone.
That said, the legal ambiguity isn’t a major concern; folks still ditch their kits here, and nobody has reported nudists for embracing the breeze. It helps that the bay is a secluded pocket of freedom—small, quiet, and hidden.
What a knockout looker, this spot, too. Keeping things Insta-worthy are dramatic rock formations, which stunningly encircle a powdery white shore, some greenish dunes, and crystalline waters.
Speaking of the waters, they’re shallow and sheltered, so even amateur swimmers can dive in. Sea life thrives in it as well, particularly the bluish Miller’s damsel fish, herring, squid, and salmon.
Tips:
Familiarise yourself with the fishing regulations to avoid angling-related hassles!
There are no BBQs, but you’re allowed to bring bevs and bites. Bring a rug, too!
North Swanbourne Beach
From cold_nips
Address: North Swanbourne Beach
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Drive from the Perth CBD: 29 mins (12.6 km)
The picnic-worthy North Swanbourne Beach is one of Perth’s two legal nude beaches, and that has been the case since WW2 (you read that right!).
Of course, not every spot here permits nudity, especially locations near the car park and cafes, so remember to look for the ‘Clothing Optional’ sign before stripping. You’ll get there after a 300-metre walk north of the parking area.
Once there, the ambience becomes slower-paced, as there are fewer visitors compared to Swanbourne Beach’s main area. The picture-perfect scenery, though, remains, with soft white sand, undulating dunes, and the turquoise Indian Ocean stretching out ahead.
The waves are low, too, around 0.1 to 1 metre. That’s bang-on if you just want to swim but bad news if you want to test the surf.
Tips:
- Going here early in the morning is a smart move. Later hours crank the winds up.
- If you’re used to strong wind, stay until the golden hour, as North Swanbourne Beach faces west. That’s as picture-perfect as it gets.
- You can park at the City of Nedlands – Swanbourne Parking Station, which is about 3 minutes from the beach itself.
Nude Beach Etiquette
Nude beaches are about freedom, but it’s not a free-for-all. Some crucial guidelines you need to respect and follow are listed below.
- Never take photos of anyone, yourself included. Staring is also a no-go.
- Never get sexual or do any acts that will make others uncomfortable.
- This applies to any beach, but don’t litter.
- There’s plenty of space, so don’t plop down next to strangers.
- Don’t make jokes or bring mates who act immature.
- Just do normal beach stuff—swimming, surfing, sunbathing, etc.
