Location
Australia
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Southside Beach
Southside Beach lies just south-west of Bells Beach near Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast, between Bells and Point Addis, and is one of Victoria's few legal nude bathing areas. The prescribed area begins roughly level with the Southside Beach car park, about 150 m east of the 81W coastal marker, and runs about 1 km south-west toward Point Addis, from the cliff base to around 100 m past low water; the beach at Point Addis itself is not a nude area. It is a wide, very flat sand beach under high cliffs, with surf. Tides come in a long way, leaving only a narrow strip at high tide, so pick your spot carefully. There are no lifesavers at any time. Boundary signs are often vandalised or removed, and many regulars still use the stretch nearer Point Addis whose designation was revoked, so check where you are.
Getting there
Drive the Great Ocean Road to Torquay and follow Bells Boulevard to Bells Beach; continue to the Southside car park at the western end of Bells. The legal area is reached by the Southside Beach access stairs at the 81W marker; there is also a wooden staircase from Point Addis Road and a long, steep walk from Bells. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced. Toilets are at Bells Beach, about 300 m from the Southside car park. No public transport; steep steps, not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Regulars like the wide, quiet beach and dramatic cliffs and describe a relaxed mix of naturists and surfers. The most common confusion is about the boundaries, because signs go missing and many people sit outside the legal zone nearer Point Addis. Visitors warn about high tides swallowing the beach, a tough walk back up, and unpatrolled surf.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Southside is a prescribed nude bathing area under Victoria's Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act 1983; Surf Coast Shire defines it as about 1 km south-west from near the Southside car park, while Point Addis beach is not prescribed. Parks Victoria manages the beach, and walking on the dunes is prohibited under the Community Amenity Local Law 2021 (checked 2026).
Naturism at Southside 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. -38.3765, 144.2699
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 Southside a legal nude beach?
Yes, it is a prescribed nude bathing area under Victorian law. Point Addis beach next door is not.
Where exactly is the nude area?
About 1 km running south-west from near the Southside car park (150 m east of the 81W marker), reached via the Southside access stairs.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at Bells Beach, a few hundred metres from the Southside car park.
When should I go?
Around low tide on a warm summer day; at high tide very little sand remains.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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