Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to March
About Cobblers Beach
Cobblers Beach is a small harbour beach on the northern side of Middle Head, near Mosman, in Sydney Harbour National Park. It faces north across the entrance to Middle Harbour toward Dobroyd Head and the Grotto Point lighthouse, backed by bushland and a grassy area. It is one of the two Sydney beaches named as designated nude bathing beaches in the NSW Local Government Amendment (Nude Bathing) Act 1996, and the national parks service describes it as a designated nude bathing area. Nudity is allowed on the sand and in the water only; clothing is required in the surrounding bushland and on the grassed area directly behind the beach. The water is usually calm and good for snorkelling and paddling, though the beach is unpatrolled and can have rip currents, and stingrays live in the shallows. It is popular with Sydney's naturists and gay community on summer weekends.
Getting there
Drive to Middle Head from Mosman along Middle Head Road; paid parking is at the Middle Head car park (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust) and Chowder Bay (about $3-4 an hour, $16-20 daily cap; NPWS pass holders get some free time on Chowder Bay Road). A walking track on the northern side of Middle Head leads down to the beach through bush. Toilets are at Middle Head and Middle Head oval, not on the beach. No park entry fee applies.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Cobblers as a pretty, sheltered harbour cove with calm water and a relaxed, mixed nude crowd, busy on warm weekends with locals and gay visitors. Regulars warn against wandering into the bush unclothed and note occasional cruising and onlookers from the water.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Cobblers is a designated nude bathing beach under the NSW Local Government Amendment (Nude Bathing) Act 1996, which prevents notices prohibiting nude bathing there. NPWS requires clothing in the bushland and on the grassed area behind the beach. No pets or smoking in the national park.
Naturism at Cobblers 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. -33.8180, 151.2620
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 nude bathing legal at Cobblers Beach?
Yes, it is a designated nude bathing beach under NSW law, but clothing is required in the bush and grassed area behind it.
Where do I park?
At the paid Middle Head or Chowder Bay car parks, then walk the track down the northern side of Middle Head.
Are there toilets?
Not on the beach; the nearest are at Middle Head and Middle Head oval.
Is it patrolled?
No, it is unpatrolled and can have rip currents; watch for stingrays.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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