Our Visit
Contributor Review – Cam Gadinski
Local Expert. Visited 2024
On our recent holiday in the Top End, we decided to check out Casuarina Beach, the Northern Territory’s only official nude beach. We’ve visited a fair few nude beaches in Australia, but this was our first time exploring one in the NT. We’d heard mixed reviews over the years, so we were curious to see it for ourselves.
We came on a weekend, which is considered “busy” for this spot. By that, we mean there were maybe 20 people (if that) scattered along the entire stretch of the nude section. A handful of couples and a few solo older guys made up the crowd. Everyone we encountered was laid-back, polite, and there was a genuinely decent welcoming vibe. It was reassuring to hear from other couples we spoke to that the beach had a bit of a bad reputation in the past but has improved a lot. Some women had mentioned avoiding the beach solo before, but we were glad to hear things seem better now. Good to know the community is stepping up to make it more comfortable for everyone. It was wet season during our visit, so for the first time ever at a nude beach, we didn’t even go for a dip! Between the box jellyfish and the off-chance of spotting a croc, we weren’t about to test our luck. Instead, we settled for soaking up the incredible views and the refreshing ocean breeze. The sand here is absolutely stunning—soft, golden, and stretching endlessly into the horizon. It’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself in the scenery and feel truly connected to nature. Facilities-wise, there are toilets located in the clothing section of the beach, which were close enough to be convenient. That said, Casuarina Beach is the perfect spot to ditch the sweaty layers and embrace the Northern Territory’s laid-back vibes. The girlfriend, who isn’t usually a fan of nude beaches, felt completely at ease here. The smaller crowd compared to Sydney’s busier nude beaches made the experience far less intimidating. What struck us most was how under-the-radar this beach is for tourists. It’s a local gem, which we actually appreciated—it felt less like a tourist attraction and more like a peaceful escape. It’s also an easy drive or bus trip from Darwin, making it a great option for anyone staying in the city who wants to try something different. We’d love to come back and see what the vibe is like on a quieter weekday. Overall, we’d definitely recommend Casuarina Beach to anyone looking for a relaxed and scenic nude beach experience in the Top End. If you’ve been, we’d love to hear your experience—always great to compare notes! Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
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Getting There
Casuarina Beach is located within the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, just 20 minutes north of Darwin's city center. Renowned as the only official nude beach in the Northern Territory, it’s a tranquil escape that offers a blend of natural beauty and easy accessibility. The beach is well-signposted, making it simple to navigate to the designated clothing-optional section. Whether you’re driving or using public transport, reaching Casuarina Beach is pretty straightforward and convenient.
By Car:
Driving to Casuarina Beach is the easiest option. Head north from Darwin along Trower Road, which leads directly to the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Follow signs for Dripstone Cliffs or the Surf Club parking lot. Once parked, walk along the well-marked paths toward the beach. For the nude section, follow the path northward for about 500 meters until you see signs marking the clothing-optional area. The car park offers ample space, and the short walk through the reserve is shaded and scenic.
By Public Transport:
If you’re traveling by bus, take Route 4 or 10 from Darwin city center to the Casuarina Interchange. From there, transfer to Route 1, which stops near the coastal reserve. Alternatively, get off at the Casuarina Interchange and enjoy a 15-20 minute walk to the beach entrance. Follow the paths through the reserve toward the coastline, and then head north along the beach for about 500 meters to reach the nude section. The walk is pleasant, but bring water and sun protection as shade is limited along the way.