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Sydney Gay Friendly Beaches
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Sydney
Beaches
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If Sydney was famous for anything other than its Gay Life and
friendly people, it would have to be her sparkling beaches.
Sydney is among cities of the world whose inner
suburbs front onto exceptional ocean Beaches. Even in the brisk
winter, one cannot visit Sydney without at least enjoying a
drink or a meal overlooking the blue Pacific from one of Sydney
many spectacular beaches. Naturally, Sydney's warmer months
from September to April, are the ideal times for visiting Sydney's
beaches.
Most beaches are patrolled, and it is highly
recommended that you swim between the flags to avoid the powerful
"rips" (currents flowing back from the beach out to sea). Other
common-sense safety measures should be observed, such as not
swimming alone, and of protection against the harsh Aussie sun.
Remember to apply and REAPPLY sunscreen. There is no better
way to spoil your first week in Sydney than with Sun Burn.
It goes with out saying that many Sydney Beaches
attract young people and families, however this should not deter
you from such a breathtaking natural feature of one of the most
beautiful cities in the world. Sydney's Beaches occupy miles
of coastline, north and south of the headlands, or "the Heads"
between which Sydney Harbour flows out into the into the Pacific
Ocean.
Southern Beaches
The Southern beaches extend from the world famous
Bondi Beach, south through Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach, Maroubra
Beach all the way to Cronulla Beach. The energetic and cosmopolitan
lifestyles fringing these beaches offer a perfect mix of modern
urban living with the relaxed pace of the beach.
Northern Beaches
Glorious Manly Beach begins the chain of Northern
Beaches, stretching serenely many miles through Curl Curl, Longreef,
Narrabeen, Collaroy, Newport, Avalon to the northernmost Palm
Beach. These beaches contrast from their southerly brothers
with fewer tourists, and their distinct local charm. Lifestyle
is very laid back, with an almost 'country' air to it. Houses
are set back on large blocks featuring the customary Aussie
front and back yard, a showcase for gardens and BBQ's.
Sample the taste of both beach styles and see
if you can feel the difference.
And don't forget the secluded Harbour Beaches.
These beaches naturally do not experience the surf of the ocean
Beaches, but their protected swimming conditions offers its
own rewards.
Some of Sydney's Harbour Beaches are among the
"Gayest" Australia has to offer.
Being Gay at the Beach
Sydneysiders are pretty open-minded, however
there are special beaches where one can be very comfortable,
being openly gay. The most "gay" of these beaches are the 2
Nude Harbour Beaches - Obelisk Beach
and Lady Jane Beach. After
many years of flouting the law, Sydney sun-lovers and Naturalists,
have got their way and the governing bodies have finally sanctioned
nude bathing on these beaches. The vast majority of those who
patronise these nude beaches are gay and the straights are in
the minority.
Those heterosexuals who would place themselves
in such surroundings are often among the most enlightened of
their species and offer little judgement of the goings-on.
Obelisk Beach
Obelisk Beach is a favourite of the gay and
Lesbian sun-lover, boatie and "bush-walker". It is a secluded
beach on Sydney's north side of the Harbour, near affluent Mosman.
Unless you are one of the lucky Sydney-siders
to own a boat or had the good chance to pick-up one of these
boat-owning Sydney-siders on Oxford Street the previous night,
getting to Obelisk Beach requires a bit of a trek.
A water taxi will take you, or you can get there
by land taxi. Both these options are expensive from the south
side of the Harbour - where most of the Gay Action takes place.
By Bus from Wynyard Station, take the 244 bus to Balmoral Naval
Base (the last stop on the line) from bus stand A/B on the corner
of Margaret and Carrington Streets in the City. This bus departs
hourly from 09:29, then 10:29 etc.
Once there, walk through the parking lot on
the right side of the road and brave the bush track to the beach.
Some call this walk, the Enchanted Forrest Trek and many a Troll
can be seen lurking in the shadows. It is not easy to find the
beach, as pathways meander in all directions. You will pass
many a pilgrim on these paths. Though it appears all are on
a determined mission, most will stop to point you in the general
direction of the beach.
 I
am not sure what actually happens along those hidden paths but
some have said that "bad things happen to nice boys" in the
Enchanted Forrest.
The other way to the beach is to walk about
100 meters down Chowder Bay Road and keep an eye out for steps
leading down to the beach. This is a more direct route to the
beach and is recommended to the first timer as he is less likely
to be way-laid, bush-whacked or side-shunted.
Once at this picturesque harbour beach and a
place has been scratched in the sand to place the essentials,
the decision will be whether to fully disrobe and let it all
hang out, or to maintain that tan-line and a modicum of modesty
by slipping into the bathers. Either way, no one seems to take
much notice and that nerve-racking feeling that comes with being
the newest arrival at the beach, soon subsides as you become
a kindred spirit to the beach spectators, discretely perusing
the surroundings through mirrored sunglasses.
If spending the day on the beach make sure to
take your essentials and other supplies, as there are no shops
for miles. It is suggested that WATER and SUNSCREEN are the
barest minimum.
One of the famous Sydney Harbour Ice Cream Boats,
(usually manned by someone who looks like he moonlights as a
fashion model) may pass through the beach a couple of times
in the afternoon on exceptionally sunny Summer days, but this
cannot be counted on.
It is suggest that valuables such as video cameras
and passports NOT be taken to the beach as there is no where
to deposit them if the call of the Enchanted Forrest be heeded.
Obelisk Beach is well protected in all but a
Southerly Wind. As the Beach faces South, white-caps can be
swept up by a strong "Southerly", making life a little unpleasant
for the beach goer. In this case, the mostly-straight, nude
beach on the other side of the peninsular, Cobblers Beach, has
its numbers swell markedly.
Though the inhabitants of Cobblers Beach are
mostly a male/female couple mix, this beach attracts the curious
straight man and may be worth a look in.
Obelisk Beach is a favourite of Gay and Lesbian
boat owners.
It usually isn't necessary, but most fly a rainbow
flag, in case the all male crew popping Champagne corks and
gyrating to the bass of dance music, were not evidence enough
that "here sails a gay craft".
It may seem daring or even daunting, but take
the chance and swim out to one of these boats to say hi or give
a water temperature report...... who knows, you may get invited
aboard for a beer. Naturally, the chances of an invitation aboard
increase in proportion with your level of youth and beauty.
If you are an out-doors person visiting Sydney,
a trip to Obelisk Beach is highly recommended.
Lady Jane Beach
This small, north-facing beach tucked just inside
the harbour of South Head is about as secluded as a Harbour
beach can be. Like Obelisk Beach, directly opposite on the North
side, Lady Jane Beach has now become an officially sanctioned,
clothing optional recreation area. This beach is easier to access
for most gay visitors who are probably holed up in one of the
many Eastern Suburbs or City hotels. But, therefore, Privacy
is a rare commodity at Lady Jane beach.
This beach seems to be on the itinerary of several
organized tour companies and it is not unusual to have a busload
of Japanese or Taiwanese tourists appear on the walk-way above,
to gawk down on the nakedness below. The whirr of digital movie
cameras can drown out the lapping of waves at these times. Likewise,
Harbour tour-boats seem to venture very close to shore at this
small beach. A noticeable list to the shoreward side of the
craft usually develops as all occupants try to get the best
voyeuristic vantage of the flesh ashore.
This beach is strongly recommended to the exhibitionists
among you as a silent but interested audience is almost guaranteed.
That being said, Lady Jane beach is still worth the visit and
again, if you are modest, bathing suites are tolerated on this
beach.
Lacking the heavily wooded bushland of Obelisk
Beach, the dedicated gay naturalist takes to the slightly more
secluded rocky shoreline, east of the beach, in pursuit of outdoor
adventure. Anyone venturing into these parts should not be surprised
to come upon gay men getting to know each other very well.
The best way to get to Lady Jane Beach is Buses
324 or 325 from the City. The bus will drop you off near Watson's
Bay Wharf and from there a 15 minute walk around the shoreline
will bring you to steps down to the beach. Probably the most
appropriate way to arrive at Watson's Bay is by ferry from Circular
Quay - the City’s harbour transport hub.
Take the opportunity before or after the beach
to partake of fish and chips at the picturesque beer garden
of the Watson's Bay Pub, with views back across the Harbour
to the city. This is a very heterosexual domain, though the
clients are mostly young and easy going straights who do not
seem at all perturbed by a table of Boys sipping cocktails and
perusing the eye-candy.
Redleaf Pool
This attraction may warrant mention as both
pool and beach, it is very gay and well worthy of a visit.
This long established harbour pool is meshed
off from potential Harbour bities and offers care-free swimming
to the Eastern Suburbs set – a mixture of old age European Australians
- (many, refuges, flocking to these shores after world war 2),
as well as the muscular and tanned boys of Oxford Street and
surrounds.
The pontoons are a favourite place for a little
eye contact.
Ocean Beaches
With every passing year Sydney's beaches provide
a haven for hordes of gays sunning and frolicking on the sands.
The emphasis seems to be on looking beautiful today, think about
the skin tomorrow.
Most of the Beaches in Sydney's Easter Suburbs
offer gay friendly environments for the sun and sea worshipper.
No Nudity prevails on all Sydney's ocean beaches except, perhaps
for North Palm Beach at
the very north of Sydney's coastline. This years gay beach is
North Bondi Beach, directly in front of the North Bondi Surf
Club. Looking out to sea, this unofficial area is to the left,
however you will find gay groups right along the beach.
North Bondi Beach
North Bondi is one of the safest beaches to
swim and paddle.
Bus numbers 380 and 382 take you direct to Bondi
Beach via Oxford Street, or take the train to Bondi Junction
and catch the same bus numbers to the beach.
A never ending stream of gorgeous local men
and women parade along Bondi's promenade and the foreshore.
The most popular time for a gay time on the beach is a sunny
afternoon. Rows and clusters of tanned muscles adorn towels.
North Bondi is Sydney's only beach front that
faces South, giving it protection from the prevailing North
east breezes that fan our summer days. Where other beaches get
blown out, North Bondi remains wind free. Avoid North Bondi
in a "southerly " as you'll be blown off the beach - head for
Bronte Beach, which faces
north east and will provide protection.
Tamarama Beach (Glamarama)
The next beach south is Tamarama Beach, known
throughout the 80's and 90's as 'Glamarama'. It was then full
of gorgeous looking gay men, but Tamarama Beach has now returned
to its natural state. As gays have moved north, the straight
locals have reclaimed this tiny picturesque beach.
The 361 bus passes through from Bondi Junction
and will take you to Tamarama Beach.
Gays still frequent small portions of the triangular
sandy area. Tamarama has become home for a lot of gays who don't
want to be involved in the scene that now exists at North Bondi.
Tamarama is at times a treacherous beach and often closed to
swimming. The shoreline is only 30 metres wide and the surf
rolling in, needs somewhere to get out….. meaning strong rips
(out-flowing water currents), will develop…….quickly dragging
the unsuspecting gay boy out to sea. This will inevitably create
a scene forcing a dramatic rescue by one of the very manly Lifeguards.
Continuing our journey south along the Sydney
Coastline, just around the next bend, is the quaint, friendly
and neighbourly bay of Bronte Beach.
378 bus via Bondi Junction will get you to this
beach.
This is where you'll see gay couples. Its a
place for gay romance. You can hold hands, kiss discreetly,
and look longingly into each others eyes without fear for threat
of the straight locals. The only distraction will be the throngs
of ethnic Australian men who pack the grassed areas off the
beach with their families and BBQs and picnics. Dozens of informal
soccer games are played and many more languages than English
are demonstrative of the cultural divergence of suburban Sydney.
A dozen little cafes line the street at the southern end of
the beach.
In the dead of winter you'd think it was a summers
day as the distant northerly sun warms the sidewalk's cafe tables.
Clovelly Beach
is the next south. The 339 from Bondi Junction to the
beach.
Go snorkelling at Clovelly Beach. This secluded
beach is home to an amazing array of sea life! You may even
see one of the many Blue Groper fish that inhabit the area!
Coogee Beach
is further south again and can be reached by the 378
bus via Bondi Junction
Coogee Womens' baths (McIver's Baths)
One of the great attractions is the women only
Women's Pool at the south end, just along the cliff.
Coogee Women's Baths (McIver's Baths) are at
the southern end of Coogee Beach. Coogee Women's Pool is a lesbian
heaven, a women-only space featuring a beautiful ocean pool,
deck areas for sunbathing, great views, and small entrance fee.
For over 70 years the pool has been open exclusively
to women.
McIver's Baths is used by older women, pregnant
women, nursing women, Muslim women, survivors of rape and domestic
violence and women from different ethnic backgrounds. It is
known as a place where women can feel safe and don't have to
deal with unwanted attention from men.
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