Dark Mofo 2025: Thousands embrace the cold for the Nude Solstice Swim
The Nude Solstice swim is an opportunity to cleanse and renew, and for some, to make new friends. What they said about this year’s nudie run. WARNING NUDITY
Tasmania
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The Nude Solstice swim is an opportunity to cleanse and renew, and for some, to make new friends.
Olivia Oates and Natalia Prats met at sunrise on Saturday morning, when they both emerged from the chilly waters of Sandy Bay’s Long Beach.
Ms Oates travelled from Adelaide, while Ms Prats arrived from Sydney to take part in Dark Mofo’s flagship event for the second time.
“We’re going to do it every year,” Ms Oates said.
“It’s just so special to see everyone doing the same thing, being so free and excited.”
The duo were among 3000 brave souls to don their red swimming caps for the eighth annual event, which took place at precisely 7.42am on the shortest day of the year.
The masses, dressed in dressing gowns, Oodies and beanies gathered early on Saturday morning, chanting and shaking off the cold around fire pits.
As the drums started and the flares were lit they dropped their towels to sprint past the Surf Life Savers and into the water.
While most only went in for a quick dip, dozens climbed onto the pontoon to watch the sun rise over the hill.
That was despite the temperature sitting at a cool 10 degrees by 8.15am.
Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite said the nude swim was a “beautiful closure of the whole event”.
“It’s that moment where we cleanse and reset to renew for another year,” he said.
“You’ll hear the screams of joy and a little bit of cold, but that catharsis and release is beautiful.”
The event capped off a record-breaking Dark Mofo festival, which saw more than 480,000 entries to events across its many locations.
More than 103,000 tickets were sold this year, generating $4.6 million at the box office, with late night party Night Mass attracting a record 16,500 revellers over its two weekends.
Executive director Melissa Edwards said the festival’s conclusion was met with “mixed emotions” for the organising team.
“We’ve worked really hard to deliver it and we’re kind of glad to have a sit down, but on the other hand it’s really sad,” she said.
“It really enlivens the city and you see (it) buzzing.”
But after the embrace of this year’s event, they were already looking towards the future.
“It has been such an incredible effort from our team and all our partners to make this festival happen,” Mr Twite said.
“For now, we’re all looking forward to a bit of a rest, but we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned for next year soon.”
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