Location
Australia
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Sunnyside North Beach
Sunnyside North Beach is a small bayside beach at Mount Eliza on the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay, in Mornington Peninsula Shire, about an hour's drive south-east of central Melbourne. It lies along the Mount Eliza foreshore below the coastal cliffs and bush between Mornington and Frankston, facing west across the calm, sheltered water of the bay, which makes for warm summer swimming and sunsets over the water. The northern part of Sunnyside has been a legal clothing-optional beach since 1986, when it was declared under Victoria's 1983 nudity legislation; local press describe it as Melbourne's and the Peninsula's only official nude beach. Signs mark the area where the clothing-optional status applies, and nudity is only permitted within it. Its future has been debated: after complaints from nearby residents about anti-social and illegal behaviour, the shire surveyed the community in 2022. Of 4,285 responses, 3,865 supported keeping the status, although most residents living nearby wanted it removed. On 6 December 2022 councillors voted to keep the beach clothing-optional, with reviews after 12 and 24 months and a request for more police patrols, cameras and signage. Expect a mixed crowd of naturists and clothed locals, especially on warm weekends.
Getting there
Drive to Sunnyside Beach at Mount Eliza via the Nepean Highway and Sunnyside Road. The shire car park at Sunnyside Beach is free, but time restrictions apply. From the car park walk north along the beach to the signed clothing-optional section. Check on arrival for step-free access to the sand. Public transport is limited; the nearest trains are at Frankston, with a bus or taxi onward.
What visitors say
Naturists value Sunnyside North as the only legal nude beach close to Melbourne, with calm bay water and a relaxed, long-established regular crowd. The main complaints, raised by nearby residents and reported in local press, concern anti-social and illegal behaviour in the area around the beach, which led to the 2022 review. Visitors are advised to stay within the signed area and report problems.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Sunnyside North was declared a clothing-optional area in 1986 under Victoria's Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act 1983, according to a shire officer quoted in 2022, and on 6 December 2022 Mornington Peninsula Shire voted to retain the status subject to reviews at 12 and 24 months. Nudity is only lawful inside the signed area; the shire sought more police patrols over behaviour complaints. We did not find published outcomes of the later reviews.
Naturism at Sunnyside North Beach sits under Australia's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Australia public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -38.2100, 145.0800
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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 Sunnyside North Beach?
Yes, within the signed clothing-optional area, which was declared in 1986. The shire voted to keep the status in December 2022.
Where exactly is the nude section?
At the northern end of Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza. Signs mark where the clothing-optional status applies.
Is there parking?
Yes, the shire car park at Sunnyside Beach was free in the 2024-25 season, with time limits.
Could the status be removed?
It has been reviewed after complaints about behaviour nearby; the council retained it in 2022 subject to further reviews, so check the latest news before visiting.
Sources
- Wraps stay off at the beach - MPNews (12 Dec 2022)
- Distance makes the difference to nudity - MPNews (5 Dec 2022)
- Council backs down over calls to shut down Melbourne's only nude beach - Star Observer
- Call for fresh look at nude beach - MPNews (Nov 2021)
- Summer is for everyone 2024-25 - Mornington Peninsula Shire Official
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…