Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
November to April
About Samurai Beach
Samurai Beach is a south-facing ocean surf beach in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens, about two and a half hours' drive north of Sydney. It runs between One Mile Beach and the rocky coast at Big Rocky, backed by tall vegetated dunes. The beach has been a designated nude bathing beach since 1996, and NSW National Parks describes it as clothing-optional; the national park campground behind the dunes is clothing-optional too. It is a long open stretch of fine pale sand with powerful surf, popular with surfers and 4WD drivers, and it is unpatrolled, so swim with care and watch for rips. Expect a relaxed mix of naturists, surfers and campers; 4WD traffic is allowed on the beach, so keep an eye out when lying near the vehicle track. It is the venue for local naturist club events such as the annual nude beach picnic day.
Getting there
Without a 4WD, park at the Big Rocky trail car park off Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay) and walk the informal sandy trails to the beach, around 20 minutes. With a 4WD, take the Samurai Beach access trail off Gan Gan Road near the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary; vehicles must stay on the permitted track and beachfront and off the dunes, and the beach can close to vehicles in poor conditions. Check NPWS park alerts first. Sandy access is not wheelchair friendly.
What visitors say
Visitors value the wide, uncrowded beach, good surf and natural dune setting, and many combine it with a stay at the clothing-optional campground. The walk-in through soft sand is the main effort for those without a 4WD. Some dislike sharing the sand with 4WD vehicles, and swimmers are warned the surf can be big and unpatrolled.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Samurai Beach is a designated nude bathing beach under the NSW Local Government Amendment (Nude Bathing) Act 1996, and NSW National Parks lists it as a designated nude-bathing, clothing-optional beach in Tomaree National Park. The beach is day use only; camping is in the adjacent campground (checked 2026).
Naturism at Samurai 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. -32.7634, 152.1265
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 Samurai Beach legally clothing-optional?
Yes, it has been a designated nude bathing beach since 1996 and NSW National Parks describes it as clothing-optional.
Can I drive onto the beach?
Yes with a 4WD via the access trail off Gan Gan Road, on permitted tracks only; check park alerts.
Can I camp?
Yes, at the 4WD-access Samurai Beach campground behind the dunes, which is also clothing-optional.
Is it safe to swim?
Take care: the beach is unpatrolled and the surf is often heavy.
Sources
- NSW National Parks – Samurai Beach Official
- NSW Local Government Amendment (Nude Bathing) Act 1996 No 133 Official
- NSW National Parks – Samurai Beach campground (search result) Official
- Australia Travel Questions – How do I get to Samurai Beach (search result)
- City Hub – The skinny on Sydney's best nude beaches
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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