Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Armands Beach
Armands Beach is a small clothing-optional beach in Armands Bay, on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, about 9.5 km south of Bermagui near the hamlet of Barragga Bay in Bega Valley Shire. It is a short stretch of sand framed by rocky headlands and coastal bush, with a creek reaching the sea, and a travel guide puts the nude-designated sand at about 250 m. Bega Valley Shire Council declared it a legal clothes-optional beach in November 1993, and the NSW Government's visitor listing describes it as the only clothes-optional beach on the Sapphire Coast. It takes its name from Armand Lemmeric, a Frenchman who farmed the land behind the bay and swam there nude; nude cricket matches were reportedly played on the beach in the 1930s. The beach is unpatrolled and has no toilets or other facilities, and there is very little shade. A local nudist club, the Armands Bay Leisure Group, holds social events here in summer, and the crowd is generally small and relaxed.
Getting there
From Bermagui, drive about 9.5 km south on the Tathra-Bermagui Road to Barragga Bay and turn left into Kullaroo Road. There is a small car park with a picnic area near the Armands Beach sign, from where a walking track leads down through the bush to the beach in a few minutes. The track is not suitable for people with access needs. There is no public transport to the beach; bring water, shade and everything you need, and take rubbish away.
What visitors say
Guides describe a pretty, quiet bay with a friendly local nudist scene and few visitors outside summer holidays. The main practical notes are the lack of toilets and shade, and that the beach is unpatrolled, so bring supplies and take care in the surf.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Bega Valley Shire Council declared Armands Beach a legal clothes-optional beach in November 1993, as stated on the NSW Government's visitor listing (seen 2026). The beach is unpatrolled; we found no reports of recent conflicts.
Naturism at Armands Beach sits under Australia's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Australia public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -36.5102, 150.0589
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 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 Armands Beach a legal nude beach?
Yes. Bega Valley Shire Council declared it legally clothes optional in November 1993.
How do I get there?
Drive 9.5 km south of Bermagui on the Tathra-Bermagui Road, turn into Kullaroo Road at Barragga Bay, park and take the walking track from the Armands Beach sign.
Are there toilets?
No. There is a car park and picnic area, but no toilets or other facilities at the beach.
Is the beach patrolled?
No, there are no lifeguards.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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