Location
Australia
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
September to May
About Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay, known locally as A-Bay, is a sweep of white sand on the ocean side of Noosa National Park, between Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. It is backed by forested headlands and dunes, with no buildings in sight, and faces the open Pacific, so surf and rips can be strong and there are no lifeguards. For decades A-Bay has been Queensland's best-known nude beach, with Lonely Planet once calling it perhaps the most beautiful of Australia's nude beaches. However, it has never been legal: Queensland is the only mainland state with no legally recognised clothing-optional beach. The tolerance ended in 2023. On 16 April 2023 police issued seven fines of $287 and four warnings for wilful exposure after complaints about predatory and sexual behaviour around the beach. A local MP's survey found most respondents supported a legal nude beach here, and the Queensland Naturist Association has campaigned for it, but no law has changed. Today it remains a popular national park beach for clothed walkers and surfers, and anyone undressing risks a fine.
Getting there
The shortest route is from Sunshine Beach: Queensland Parks gives parking at Parkedge Road (limited street parking) or the bus stop on Solway Drive near Surf Street, 150 m from the track; McAnally Drive parking is reserved for residents. Queensland Parks' Alexandria Bay walk from there is 4.2 km return (allow 1-2 hours; Queensland.com estimates about 20 minutes each way). The beach can also be reached on the longer coastal walk from the Noosa Heads end of the park. Tracks are unsealed with some hills and are not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise A-Bay's setting as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast, with clear water and a wild, undeveloped feel. Accounts since 2023 stress that police now patrol and fine nude bathers, and that the park is much busier than it used to be, with many clothed walkers. Naturists report frustration at the crackdown, while locals and police point to sexual behaviour in the dunes as the cause. Surf can be dangerous.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity at Alexandria Bay is illegal: Queensland has no legally recognised clothing-optional beach. In April 2023 police issued seven $287 fines and four warnings for wilful exposure after complaints about behaviour; legalisation would require a change to state law and council support.
Naturism at Alexandria Bay sits under Australia's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Australia public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -26.3850, 153.1157
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Alexandria Bay?
No. Queensland has no legal clothing-optional beach, and police fined nude bathers at A-Bay in 2023.
How do I get to Alexandria Bay?
Take the Alexandria Bay walk into Noosa National Park from Sunshine Beach, 4.2 km return.
Is it safe to swim?
The beach is unpatrolled and exposed to open surf and rips, so swim with great care.
Where is parking?
Limited street parking on Parkedge Road at Sunshine Beach; McAnally Drive is for residents. Buses stop on Solway Drive.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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