Location
Australia
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About The Oaks
The Oaks is one of a string of small surf beaches on the Bunurong coast between Cape Paterson and Inverloch in South Gippsland, Victoria. The coast here is part of the Bunurong marine parks, and The Oaks sits below a clifftop car park with a foot track down to the sand. The beach is unpatrolled and has strong rips, so swimming needs real caution. A small, discreet nude area has been used here for many years, mainly at the eastern part of the beach (sometimes called The Oaks East) away from the access stairs; it is not a social or party nude beach, and most of the beach is used by surfers and clothed visitors. Nudity is not legally permitted here, so the spot relies on discretion: walk well away from the stairs before undressing.
Getting there
Take the Bunurong Coast Road between Cape Paterson and Inverloch to The Oaks clifftop car park. A foot track and stairs lead down from the road to the beach. For the nude area, walk well east along the sand away from the stairs. There is no public transport and no step-free access to the beach.
What visitors say
The few reports describe a small, long-established nude area that is calm and low-key, with most of the beach used by surfers and clothed beachgoers. Advice is to walk well away from the stairs. Information is limited, and guides note strong rips and no lifeguards.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Oaks is not one of Victoria's designated nude beaches; Visit Gippsland (2026) lists it as unpatrolled with rip hazards and does not mention nudity. Nude use is informal and discreet.
Naturism at The Oaks sits under Australia's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
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. -38.6722, 145.6417
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Oaks a legal nude beach?
No. Nude use is informal and discreet; it is not a designated nude beach in Victoria.
Where is the nude area?
Away from the access stairs, mainly towards the eastern part of the beach.
Is it safe to swim?
The beach is unpatrolled and has strong rips; take great care.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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