Beaches and Swimming Pools

Gay Friendly Beaches

If Sydney is famous for something other than its Gay Life and friendly inhabitants, its her sparkling beaches.

Sydney is among the few major world cities, whose inner suburbs front onto exceptional Ocean Beaches.

You can't come to Sydney, even in the brisk bright winter and not at least enjoy breakfast or lunch overlooking the blue Pacific from on of Sydney many spectacular beaches.

Naturally, the warmer months, which stretches from September to late April are the ideal times for visiting Sydney's beaches.

Most beaches are patrolled, however it is highly recommended to swim between the flags to avoid the powerful "rips" ( the out flowing current that takes the water that crashed onto the beach as waves, back out to sea ). Several other common-sense safety measures should be observed, such as not swimming alone and of course the big trap to the unsuspecting is the harsh Aussie sun. Remember to apply and reapply the sunscreen.

There is no better way to wreck the first week of you Sydney stay than in pain from Sun Burn.

It goes with out saying that most Sydney Beaches attract a family style clientele, however this should not stop you from checking them out as they are a breathtaking natural feature of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

With miles of Coastline, Sydney's Northern and Southern Beaches are divided by the "Heads" or opening Sydney Harbour makes into the Pacific Ocean.

Sydney's Southern beaches, starting with world famous Bondi Beach and moving southward to Cronulla Beach, are very populous, energetic and Cosmopolitan.

The life style offered by this environment provides a perfect mix of modern urban living with the relaxed pace of the beach.

North of the Harbour, Spectacular Manly Beach begins the string of exceptional beaches stretching many miles to the northernmost Sydney beach - Palm Beach.

On the north side, the lifestyle is very laid back with an almost countrified feel to it.

Houses are set in large blocks, featuring the famous Aussie front and back yard, a showcase for gardens and BBQ's.

Try to experience a glimpse of both beach styles and see if you can feel the difference.

Do not forget the secluded Harbour Beaches. Naturally these beaches 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 several beaches where one can be very comfortable, being discernibly 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, at those beaches.

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 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, Obelisk Beach is difficult to get to.

A water taxi will take you to Obelisk 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, City.

This bus departs hourly at 0929, 1029 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 you are going to spend the day there, do take the essentials as there are no shops for miles.

It is suggested that water, and suntan cream are the barest minimum.

One of the famous Sydney Harbour Ice Cream Boats, ( usually manned by someone who looks like he works as a fashion model, the other days of the week), may make a stop at the beach, a couple of time 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 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 "curios" straight man and my 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 of Champagne corks and low 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. Access by Chowder Bay Rd, Sydney Harbour National Park, Georges Heights

Lady Jane Beach

This small, north-facing beach, tucked just inside the harbour of South Head, (the entrance to Sydney Harbour from the vast Pacific Ocean), is about as secluded as a harbour beach can be on the populous south side of the harbour.

Like its sister beach - Obelisk directly opposite on the North side, Lady Jane has now become an officially sanctioned, clothing optional recreation area.

This is the outcome of many an intrepid nudist risking fines for bearing it all in less tolerant times.

This beach is easier to access for the for most gay visitors who are probably holed up in one of the many Eastern Suburbs or City hotels.

But herein lies its downside. 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 down 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 silent but interested audience is almost guaranteed.

Having said all that, 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 has taken the slightly more secluded rocky shoreline east of the beach in pursuit of out door 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 Watsons Bay Wharf and from there a 15 minute walk around the shoreline will bring you to steps down to the beach.

Probably the nicest way to arrive at Watsons 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 Watsons 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 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 the hordes of gays sunning and frolicking on the sands. Guess the emphasis is on look 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.

Bondi Beach

This years 'gay' beach is North Bondi Beach.

Directly in front of the North Bondi Surf Club.

If you’re looking out to sea the unofficial gay area is to your left. - straights on the right though, you'll find gay groups right along the 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 the 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 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

The next beach south is Tamarama Beach. Known throughout the 80's and 90's as 'Glamarama' .....then full of gorgeous looking gay men .... Tamarama Beach has now returned to its natural state. As gays have moved north, the straight locals have reclaimed this tiny picturesque 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 however, a treacherous beach and is often closed for 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.

The 361 bus passes through from Bondi Junction and will take you to Tamarama Beach.

Bronte Beach

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

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

Coogee Beach is further south again and can be reached by the 378 bus via Bondi Junction

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)

At the southern end of Coogee Beach, Coogee Women's Pool is 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.

North Bondi Beach

North Bondi has taken over from Tamarama beach as the place to be seen. Sydney’s most iconic beach, the North End of Bondi is where you will find the glamorous and gay side of Sydney working on there summer tans. When you’ve had enough of working on your bronzed bod you might want to cool down at icebergs bar and restaurant. This is where the Sydney socialites like to be scene darling! …sipping some of the best cocktails with 180 degree views of beautiful Bondi, but be prepared to workout your credit card!

To get to Bondi from the city you can either catch the 380 from Elizabeth or Oxford St or catch a train to Bondi Junction Station then a bus from the Bondi Bus interchange which is located above the station.

Palm Beach

If you’re a Home and Away fan this is the official home of Summer Bay, located on the beautiful Northern Beaches of Sydney. You might catch the show being filmed or just be happy to see Summer Bay come to life! To get to Palm beach take the L90 bus, (stand D), from the Wynyard bus interchange in the city then from there it is a one hour and forty five minutes drive along some of the most beautiful coastline outside of the city.

Less well-known Beaches

Lady Martins Beach

Tucked in Felix Bay, Lady Martins Beach is a long, narrow strip of sand and the great place for an dip in the harbour.

Accessible via Wolseley Rd, Point Piper .

Milk Beach

Milk Beach is a hidden treasure that boasts wonderful views of Rose Bay, the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can watch the seaplanes come and go from the warm shallows. This beach is located behind Strickland House, 52 Vaucluse Rd, Vaucluse.

Little Congwong Bay Beach

This is a secluded nudist beach at Botany Bay National Park. It's a great place to pack a picnic basket and get your gear off.

This beach is accessible via Anzac Pde, Botany Bay National Park, La Perouse

Flat Rock Beach

After doing a bit of bushwalking through Garigal or boating down Middle Harbour, Flat Rock Beach is the ideal spot for cooling off.

This is accessible from a walking track via Killarney Dve, Garigal National Park, Killarney Heights.

SYDNEY GAY FRIENDLY SWIMMING POOLS

ANDREW (BOY) CHARLTON SWIMMING POOL

Mrs Macquarie's Road The Domain

Opening Hours:

daylight saving times

Monday to Sunday 6am to 8pm

non daylight savings times

Monday to Sunday 6am to 7pm

The Andrew Boy Charlton Pool is located on Sydney Harbour at Woolloomooloo featuring an eight lane salt water heated pool and learners pool. There are café facilities, yoga palates and fitness classes to enjoy.

VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL

Corner of Parramatta road and City Roads Camperdown

Opening Hours:

non daylight saving

Monday to Friday: 6am to 7.15pm

Saturday, Sunday: 7am to 5.45pm

daylight saving

Monday to Friday: 5.45am to 7.45pm

Saturday, Sunday: 7am to 5.45pm

(Including Public Holidays)

Victoria Park Pool is located a short walk from Newtown. Featuring an eight lane 50m Olympic size pool, learners pool with a crèche available three days a week. There is also a gym over looking the pools as well as an outdoor café.

COOK & PHILILIP AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTRE

Tel: 02 9326 0444

Email: administraiton

Fax: 02 9326 0599

4 College Street, Corner William Street Sydney NSW 2000

Monday to Friday: 6am to 10pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 7am to 8pm

The centre is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD near St Mary’s Cathedral, the Cook & Phillip Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre provides world-class swimming, fitness, sporting and recreational facilities within a picturesque parkland setting.

A favourite of gay boys taking a break from the office at lunch or after work.

VENUE OWNERS: If you own a gay or gay friendly venue in Sydney
and would like to be considered for inclusion on these pages,
please contact us

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