Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to March
About Maslin Beach
Maslin Beach (locally 'Maslins') is a roughly 3 km sweep of sand on Gulf St Vincent, about 40 km south of Adelaide's city centre in the City of Onkaparinga. It runs from the Maslin Beach township in the north to Blanche Point in the south and is backed by tall eroded cliffs banded in ochre, white and red sands, one of the most photographed coastlines near Adelaide. In February 1975 the southern part of the beach was declared Australia's first legal nude beach, after years of people bathing nude there at the risk of prosecution. The nude section is the southern end, roughly the last 1.5 km toward Blanche Point; the northern end near the township is clothed. The beach is unpatrolled and can be windy. Each January the beach hosts the long-running Maslin Beach Nude Games (now the Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games), with informal races and novelty contests.
Getting there
Maslin Beach is about 45 minutes' drive south of Adelaide via Main South Road. For the nude section, use the cliff-top car parks at the southern end (off Tuit Road) and take the stairs down; from the northern car park it is a walk of several hundred metres south along the sand. Parking is free. Adelaide Metro buses serve the suburb, with limited frequency. The cliff stairs are steep and the cliffs themselves are unstable, so keep off them. Toilets are near the car parks.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise the colourful cliffs, the long walkable beach and the relaxed, mixed crowd at the southern end, including couples and older regulars. Common complaints are wind, a tiring walk or stair climb, and occasional onlookers near the boundary. Many recommend going south toward Blanche Point for more space, bringing shade, and staying off the crumbling cliffs. The January Nude Games draw a big, good-humoured crowd.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The southern part of Maslin Beach was declared a legal nude bathing area in February 1975, the first in Australia, and remains designated. Nudity is permitted only within the signed southern section; the northern end is clothed (checked 2026).
Naturism at Maslin 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. -35.1889, 138.4789
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 nudity legal at Maslin Beach?
Yes, on the southern part of the beach, which has been a legal nude area since 1975.
Where is the nude section?
The southern end toward Blanche Point; the northern end near the township is clothed.
Is there parking?
Yes, free car parks on the cliff top, with stairs down to the sand.
When are the Nude Games?
Each January; check the organisers for the current date.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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