The Best Gay Beaches in Australia
From Sydney to Queensland, discover Australia's best gay beaches
Australia is one of the best beach destinations on the planet. It’s also a great place for gay travelers and it’s home to some of the most beautiful people on the planet. Prepare to be gagged - in so many ways.
Here are the best gay beaches in Australia, where you’ll find crystal clear waters and golden sands.
Lady Bay Beach (a.k.a. Lady Jane Beach), Sydney
Sydney’s best-known gay beach, Lady Bay is a small, clothing-optional spot tucked beneath the cliffs at Watsons Bay. It’s long been a favorite for nude sunbathing and discreet cruising, with a mostly male crowd and stunning harbor views. Easily accessible but still secluded, it draws locals and tourists alike—especially on sunny weekends.
The beach sits just below Camp Cove and is accessed via a staircase from the South Head Heritage Trail. It’s only a 10–15 minute walk from the Watsons Bay ferry wharf, so it’s surprisingly accessible despite feeling secluded. The track is paved and easy to follow—look for the small sign pointing to “Lady Bay Beach.”
Expect a relaxed, mostly male crowd—lots of solo sunbathers, couples, and small groups. Nudity is the norm, though not required, and people tend to keep things social but not rowdy. There’s no loud music or beach bars, just towels, tan lines, and the occasional splash. While the beach itself is for sunbathing and swimming, cruising happens discreetly in the scrubby bushland above and around the trail. It’s low-key but definitely active during peak times, particularly weekend afternoons. There are no facilities, so pack everything—water, snacks, sunscreen, towel. And don’t expect beach umbrellas or kiosks. It’s DIY all the way.
North Bondi Beach, Sydney
Just a short walk from Oxford Street's famous gay bars, North Bondi has long been Sydney's unofficial gay beach hangout. The northern end attracts an LGBTQ+ crowd, with gorgeous views matched only by the eye candy on display! Popular with local twinks, bears, and everyone in between, this gorgeous spot is a great place to enjoy the city’s beach scene.
This isn’t a loud, flag-waving gay beach like La Playa de la Bassa Rodona in Sitges or Elia in Mykonos. Regulars know the score, and tourists often stumble into the scene while heading to Icebergs or doing the Bondi to Bronte walk.
Bring your most fabulous swimwear – this is definitely a see-and-be-seen kind of place. After working on your tan, head to nearby cafés like Porch & Parlour for a refreshing post-beach drink.
Obelisk Beach, Sydney
If you're looking for a clothing-optional experience, Obelisk Beach in Sydney's Middle Harbour is your go-to! This secluded nude beach is popular with gay men and offers stunning harbor views in a more intimate setting than Bondi. It’s discreet, a bit cruisy, and hidden away just enough to feel like a secret.
Access requires a short bush walk. While the whole beach is gay-popular, the southern end and the bushland just behind the sand tend to attract the most gay sunbathers and discreet cruisers. To get there, head to Middle Head Road near HMAS Penguin and follow the Obelisk Beach walking track, a short but steep trail that leads directly to the beach. There are no amenities, so bring everything you need for the day and be prepared for a peaceful, mostly locals-only experience. Just remember your sunscreen – some parts of you might not be used to all that sunshine!
Little Congwong Beach, La Perouse
This gorgeous little cove in Sydney's eastern suburbs has been a community favorite for decades. Protected from winds and offering calm, clear waters, Little Congwong is perfect for a more relaxed beach day. While technically not a nude beach, it has a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.The 10-minute walk from the carpark helps keep the crowds away, making this a peaceful alternative to busier Sydney beaches.
The beach itself is small and tucked away in Botany Bay National Park, with a calm, protected shoreline and a mix of regulars—gay men among them—who come for the seclusion and relaxed atmosphere. While it’s not as cruisy as Obelisk or Lady Bay, there is some low-key activity in the surrounding bushland, particularly when the weather’s hot and the crowds are thinner. Access is via a walking track from the car park at Cann Park, and the short walk down helps keep it a bit more under the radar.
Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay
For those heading to northern NSW, Broken Head near Byron Bay makes for a stunning, LGBTQ+-friendly beach experience with a more natural vibe. The southern end is known for attracting a gay crowd, especially during summer months when Byron fills with visitors.This breathtaking stretch of coastline is backed by rainforest.
It’s part of a broader nudist tradition in Byron, and the relaxed, alternative vibe of the area means you’ll often find gay locals and visitors sunbathing nude, swimming, or just enjoying the privacy and natural beauty. There’s also some discreet cruising in the dunes and bush trails behind the beach, though it’s low-key and usually happens away from the main sand. Access is from the Broken Head Nature Reserve car park, followed by a short walk down the track to the beach. It’s quiet, scenic, and one of the more peaceful gay-popular beaches on the East Coast.
