Location
Australia
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
October to April
About Swanbourne Beach
Swanbourne's nude beach is a stretch of the Indian Ocean coast in Perth's western suburbs, at North Swanbourne in the City of Nedlands, about 15 minutes' drive from the city centre. It is a long, open beach of pale sand backed by high dunes, which screen it from the rest of the shore. The clothing-optional section starts a few hundred metres north of the Marine Parade car park and is marked by 'Clothing Optional' signs; nudity is accepted past those signs. Naturists have used this beach since the Second World War, and Perth guides describe it as one of the city's two legal or accepted nude beaches, although some sources note it has never been formally designated by law and rests on long custom and signage. The beach is unpatrolled, can be busy on hot days and is exposed to a strong afternoon sea breeze (the 'Fremantle Doctor') and occasional big swells, so mornings are best. Toilets and showers are at the main Swanbourne beach. Some reviewers report men loitering in the dunes behind the beach; regulars recommend staying on the open sand.
Getting there
Drive to the free car park on Marine Parade, Swanbourne, which fills quickly in summer, then walk north along the sand about 300 m to the 'Clothing Optional' signs. By train, take the Fremantle line to Swanbourne station and walk about 10 minutes to the beach. The walk along the sand is easy and flat, but soft sand limits wheelchair access beyond the main beach area.
What visitors say
Visitors like the long, dune-sheltered beach close to the city and the relaxed, long-established crowd of regulars. Common advice is to arrive early before the afternoon sea breeze picks up and the car park fills. The recurring complaint is men lingering or behaving inappropriately in the dunes; on the open beach most visitors report no problems.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is accepted north of the 'Clothing Optional' signs at North Swanbourne, and Time Out calls it one of Perth's two legal nude beaches, but other guides say it has never been formally gazetted and rests on long tradition and signage. We found no City of Nedlands page or local law naming it; stay within the signed section and out of the dunes.
Naturism at Swanbourne 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. -31.9900, 115.7600
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 Swanbourne a legal nude beach?
Nudity is accepted north of the 'Clothing Optional' signs and has been for decades, but sources disagree on whether it was ever formally designated.
Where is the nude section?
About 300 m north of the Marine Parade car park, beyond the 'Clothing Optional' signs.
Can I get there by train?
Yes, Swanbourne station on the Fremantle line is about a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Are there lifeguards?
No, the beach is unpatrolled; watch for swell and currents.
When is the best time to go?
Mornings from October to April, before the strong afternoon sea breeze.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…