Nude beach on track for Tasmania after West Tamar Council approves one at Narawntapu National Park

A clothing optional beach might not be many councillor’s cup of tea, but a majority have given the green light for it to forge ahead with the blessings of Tasmania PWS. Where it’s planned.

More opportunities for Tasmanian swimmers to have a dip in the nude with plans for a clothing optional beach at Narawntapu National Park forging ahead. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Move over Dark Mofo’s nude swim, a proposal to make clothing optional at a Northern Tasmanian national park is gaining traction.

The West Tamar Council voted in support of allowing a nudist beach at First Little Beach at Narawntapu National Park.

To make a clothing optional beach a reality, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) can approve it within a national park if the relevant council has agreed to allow it within the municipality.

Without this approval, it is illegal to swim or be in a public place if not appropriately dressed.

Narawntapu National Park. Picture: Tourism Tasmania & Brian Dullaghan

During the council’s December meeting, it was agreed that they would work with the PWS to ensure appropriate signs and advertisement was installed at First Little Beach to highlight it as a clothing optional beach.

Councillor Geoff Lyons joked he wouldn’t take up the opportunity, but said he was happy to support those wanting a clothing optional beach.

“This is just putting something in place that exists … and I’m surprised to get a reasonable and quick answer to the request from Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service,” Mr Lyons said.

Also in support, councillor Jess Greene said it had the opportunity to attract a niche group of the community to the beach, even if it might not have broad appeal.

“There may be some extra tourists to the West Tamar because of the clothing optional beach,” Ms Greene said.

Popularity for no-clothing swims has been shown during Dark Mofo’s nude solstice swim held at winter solstice. Image of Nude Solstice Swim, Dark Mofo 2023. Picture: Rosie Hastie

Having sought feedback from the community, a few wanted guidelines, such as around photography, to ensure it remained a respectful place, she said.

Speaking against the proposal, councillor Lynden Ferguson said there hadn’t been consultation with the Aboriginal community and worried it would exclude many, including children, from the beach.

The move was sparked from an individual request to PWS for a clothing optional beach within the Narawntapu National Park, according to the council’s minutes.

It said PWS could only allow it with the approval of the council.

The Mercury understands PWS is waiting on council correspondence to take the next steps of the process.