Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to March
About Obelisk Beach
Obelisk Beach is a small harbour beach on the southern side of Middle Head in Mosman, inside Sydney Harbour National Park. It faces across the harbour mouth toward Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and Vaucluse. The whole beach is a designated nude bathing area under New South Wales law, and Mosman Council's beach page notes it is a nude bathing area. The beach is a broad strip of soft sand backed by bush and sandstone, broader than neighbouring Cobblers Beach, with calm, sheltered harbour water that is good for swimming (watch for passing ferries and boat wash). It is unpatrolled with no facilities on the sand, although a coffee boat often calls in summer selling drinks and ice cream. The crowd leans male and is popular with gay men, becoming more mixed on summer weekends.
Getting there
Obelisk Beach is reached from Middle Head Road, Mosman. There is a small paid car park at the end of the road above the beach; it fills quickly on summer weekends. Buses run along Military and Middle Head Roads. From the car park a bush track and a long flight of steps lead down to the sand; the climb back is steep and not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors like the sheltered water, harbour views and bush setting, and find it quieter than the eastern-suburbs beaches. Most note a predominantly male, gay-friendly crowd, more mixed on warm weekends. Some report occasional cruising in the bush behind the beach, and regulars advise settling in the middle of the beach. The steps are the main gripe; the summer coffee boat is a favourite.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Obelisk Beach is one of the beaches designated for nude bathing under the NSW Local Government Amendment (Nude Bathing) Act 1996, which prevents councils from prohibiting nude bathing there. It sits in Sydney Harbour National Park, and Mosman Council confirms it as a nude bathing area (checked 2026).
Naturism at Obelisk 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. -33.8298, 151.2609
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Obelisk Beach?
Yes. It is a designated nude bathing beach under NSW law and is listed by Mosman Council as a nude bathing area.
How do I get there?
Drive or bus to Middle Head Road, Mosman, then walk down the bush track and steps from the small car park.
Are there toilets or food?
No facilities on the beach. A coffee boat often visits in summer; bring cash.
Is it a gay beach?
It is popular with gay men but everyone is welcome, and the crowd is more mixed on summer weekends.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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