Australians have long had a reputation as larrikins. But mention the words "nudist resort" and it seems most of us are more than a little prudish...
Yet for the thousands of Australians who live the naturalist lifestyle, the idea of going au naturel on holiday is, well, only natural. After all, we did all come into the world sans clothing.
So if you ever wanted to bare it all, put on some sunscreen, forget about your troubles and get back to the way nature intended at these great clothes-free and clothing-optional resorts. At least you won't have to worry about what to pack!
Taylorwood Resort
Where: Conway Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland
Tucked away on 12 hectares of secluded park and bushland just south of Airlie Beach, Taylorwood Resort prides itself on its laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. The only nudist resort on the Whitsundays, it is a completely private couples-only resort.
Guests can seek solitude under a shady palm tree or relax by the pool, mingle with the other guests at happy hour around the fire pit or join the party on "dress up" theme nights. First-timers are also encouraged. As owner Rogin Taylor says, "We find that once they get over the initial shyness, they usually wonder why they had not experienced the naturist way of life earlier!"
Twin Falls Resort
Where: Ellenborough, New South Wales
It's all about getting back to the way nature intended at Twin Falls Resort. Situated on a sprawling 40-hectare property west of Port Macquarie, guests will love the tranquillity and lush bush surroundings of this beautifully located, exclusive clothes-free resort. Beyond simply relaxing and becoming one with the natural surroundings, anyone up for a little bushwalking in the buff here can choose are a number of scenic rainforest trails around the property. Accommodation ranges from unpowered camp sites and a rustic cabin to comfortable B&B rooms in the main homestead. Day visitors are also welcome, though bookings are advised.
Jajarawong Naturist Retreat
Where: Yandoit, Victoria
Central Victoria's only clothing-optional resort, Jajarawong is a great country retreat where going bare doesn't mean you have to rough it with just the bare necessities. Only two hours from Melbourne and just 20 minutes from Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, you can luxuriate in a hot tub and sauna or have your stresses massaged away.
The resort's five cottages and eight landscaped campsites are nestled unobtrusively on the property's 30 hectares of undulating bush and grassland. There's a licensed communal lounge and bar, as well as plenty of activities to enjoy, from swimming and bush walking to fishing and socialising with other guests.
Sunland Holiday Village
Where: Robe, South Australia
Located on 100 hectares of beautiful bushland and sand dunes, midway between the coastal towns of Robe and Beachport, Sunland Holiday Village is Australia's only ocean beach nudist retreat. The small 45-site caravan park has all the facilities of a major resort while still providing plenty of peace and seclusion for anyone wanting their own patch of privacy.
The social centre of the resort is the Club House where you can meet other guests over morning coffee or toast the sunset at happy hour. The resort's greatest attraction though, is its 1.3km frontage on a legal nude beach where you can stroll, swim or just laze in the sun without having to worry about covering up with one of those pesky swimsuits.
Sunseekers Inc Nudist Club
Where: Hovea, Western Australia
This long-established nudist resort in the peaceful hills of Hovea in Western Australia is a great family-friendly option for fun-loving naturalists. Only forty minutes drive from Perth, the resort is just a short stroll from the magnificent John Forrest National Park, one of Australia's oldest conservation areas.
From discovering the native wildlife of the national park to relaxing by the pool and enjoying a friendly barbecue or having a ball on the tennis court, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. There's even a children's playground complete with cubby house and trampoline. Accommodation ranges from camping and caravan sites to simple chalets.
Top End Naturist Recreation Retreat
Where: Berry Springs, Northern Territory
Another family favourite, Top End Naturalist Recreation Retreat, located near Berry Springs, is the perfect place to sit back, de-robe and tune out the world. Situated in 40 hectares of secluded natural bushland, it offers families an array of activities, from enjoying a game of Minten or a round of minigolf to a friendly game of table tennis or a game of drafts on a life-size board.
What's more, two of the world's best national parks — Litchfield and Kakadu — are within easy reach, not to mention a nature park next door and the Territory Wildlife Park just up the road. The retreat makes the perfect base from which to get out and explore this magical part of the country. Accommodation includes cabins, on-site vans, powered sites and camp sites.
