Petition launched to stop closure of nudist Tyagarah Beach near Byron Bay

A popular beach near a tourist hotspot is about to be stop nudists, but one is fighting to keep the stretch of sand a place of ‘fun and freedom’.

Tyagarah Beach, a spot popular with naturists, is set to close in April. Picture: Supplied / Bradley Benham

A ‘naturist’ has launched a petition to stop the imminent banning of nudists at a popular beach near one of Australia’s prime tourist hotspots.

Tyagarah Beach, about 10 minutes north of Byron Bay, has been a “clothes-optional” spot for tourists and locals since the 1990s.

But the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service looks set to end access for nudists from April 8.

Bradley Benham has responded with a “Save Tyagarah Beach” petition calling on NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe the reverse the department’s decision.

The nudist Tyagarah Beach near Byron Bay is one of the few spots in Australian people can legally roam about without any clothes on. Picture: Google Maps

“Legal outdoor spaces for the naturist community are rare in NSW and Australia and this beach is highly valued by both committed and casual naturists throughout the Northern Rivers and Southeast Queensland,” the petition states.

“Nude recreation is a legitimate way of life and the local community, interstate and international visitors have the right to some public space where this freedom can be expressed.

“The Tyagarah clothing-optional beach has been a place of fun and freedom since it was created by community activism over 25 years ago.

“Thousands of people now enjoy this beach responsibly.

“Closing the beach on such short notice and without public consultation or the offer of an alternate location is unfair.”

Byron Shire council mayor Michael Lyon told NCA NewsWire he did not expect the end of Tyagarah’s designation as a nudist beach to have any effect on Byron Bay’s character or a any substantial impact on its tourism market. Picture: Duncan Evans

Byron Bay Shire Mayor Michael Lyon confirmed to NCA NewsWire the beach was state-owned and fell outside of council’s control.

“It’s owned by national parks,” he said.

The council decided to keep the beach clothes-optional in a 5-4 vote in its last term, but the decision is now moot given the imminent takeover from the state government.

“National Parks have clearly indicated they are going to remove that designation,” he said.

Mr Lyon said the expected closure of the nudist beach would not have “any impact” on the character of Byron Bay.

Originally published as Petition launched to stop closure of nudist Tyagarah Beach near Byron Bay