Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to March
About Pelican Point Beach
Pelican Point is on the shore of Lake Bonney, a freshwater lake beside the town of Barmera in South Australia's Riverland. Berri Barmera Council says the site has been used as a public swimming area, including for unclad (nude) bathing, since 1984. It is not reserved exclusively for nude bathers, it is day-use only, and camping has never been allowed. Like most of the land around Lake Bonney, Pelican Point is under native title. The council closed access to the original nude area after a flood, and later blocked it off because of its cultural significance and its unsuitability for swimming. In 2023, after an agreement between the council, the Pelican Point user group and the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, the council amended its unclad bathing policy to provide a new nude bathing area about 500 m north of the old spot. The record's map pin may mark the old area. A separate private business, Pelican Point Nudist Park on Morgan Road, is a clothing-free resort that requires bookings and is not the public beach.
Getting there
Pelican Point is on the shore of Lake Bonney near Barmera, in the Riverland north-east of Adelaide. The current unclad bathing area the council moved about 500 m north of the original site in 2023; the old area is closed. Access is for day use only and camping is not permitted. Council has reported problems with unauthorised access, so use only the designated entry. There is no public transport to the site.
Amenities
Legal context
Berri Barmera Council recognises unclad bathing at Pelican Point under its unclad bathing policy, and amended the policy in 2023 to move the area about 500 m north after an agreement with the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (native title holders). The area is day-use only and not exclusive to nude bathers. Check current council notices, as the arrangement has been debated since.
Naturism at Pelican Point 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. -34.2305, 140.4434
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 nude bathing allowed at Pelican Point?
Yes. Berri Barmera Council has allowed unclad bathing there since 1984 under its unclad bathing policy, now in a new area about 500 m north of the old site.
Can I camp there?
No. Pelican Point is day-use only and camping has never been allowed. The separate Pelican Point Nudist Park resort offers accommodation by booking.
Why did the nude area move?
The original area is under native title and culturally significant, and was closed; a new area was agreed with the Aboriginal corporation in 2023.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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