Swinging, a scene too taboo to even discuss for some, has been around for decades and is only getting increasingly popular as the world becomes more open-minded.

Statistics from RedHotPie, the site of choice for those involved in the lifestyle, has seen a 231 per cent increase in couples profiles in Tasmania over the last five years, as well as a 243 per cent increase in singles profiles.

There’s hundreds of couples across the state sharing the fun, and two have decided to speak to the The Mercury to lift the lid on a foreign world for many.

David and Sally* are in their early 50s and have been in the lifestyle for five years.

“We have always been a very sexual and connected married couple,” David said.

“We are empty nesters and decided this was a lifestyle we wanted to explore and incorporate fun during our holidays and travel adventures with like minded couples and singles.

“We did our research for some time before jumping into the lifestyle, which provided a wonderful base to understand how we would navigate all aspects of it.

“Above all communication and some agreed rules are key. It’s all about having fun.”

Sally said the scene in Tasmania was still growing compared to mainland capital cities, and said “connections with amazing humans” was why they keep going back for more.

“It’s not always about the hours of sex,” Sally said.

“The open communication, honesty and trust provides a wonderful freedom with our lovers, even if it’s a one off or what we like to call ‘repeat business’.

“Above all, respectful friendships both in and out of the bedroom is where it’s at for us.

“Emotional intelligence is hotter than the supermodel.”

Sally said swingers didn’t necessarily have a greater relationship than monogamous couples, but noted the scene possibly provided “more open and broader conversations, less jealousy, insecurities and judgement”.

“Open and honest communication is the key,” she said.

“Know your boundaries, limits and above all enjoy it. You live everyday and die once.”

David said the lifestyle and the accompanying parties had a very strict “no mean means no” rule.

He encouraged couples thinking about swinging to do their research before getting involved (he recommended a book/podcast called The Ethical Slut).

“Our non lifestyle ‘vanilla friends’ love to hear about our adventures and live vicariously through us,” he said.

“It costs nothing to look, and it could be the best sexy chat you have with your partner or single friends.”

Mark and Jess* are in their early 40s and have been swinging since their early 20s.

The pair said they took a break for around ten years while their children grew up, but are now immersed in the lifestyle again.

“Swinging was just a way to explore who we are and have some no strings attached fun,” Jess said.

“The process from monogamous to open was not really discussed, it just evolved really.”

Mark said there were plenty of misconceptions about swinging those who aren’t involved in the scene are happy to spread.

“People see swinging as an all in orgy. It’s nothing like that,” Mark said.

“It’s consensual play with others. Plenty of swingers don’t actually swap partners for sex. They get off on chatting, meeting others and watching.”

Mark said they’d noticed more people joining the lifestyle, with the age ranges also expanding.

“Plenty of couples in their 20s are now exploring and having naughty fun, as well as couples in older age demographics,” he said.

“I think the scene is growing as the definition of happily married is no longer a monogamous couple. People are more accepting of other partners for fun.

“The best part of the scene is that you engage with people you would never meet in everyday life.”

Jess said although the majority of their experiences were great, they had “felt uncomfortable” on the rare occasion.

“We are very in tune with each other and check in constantly with subtle prearranged signals,” she said.

“We have signals for no, yes and slow down. We always meet new people for a coffee before meeting for play.

“We are very selective and never take one for the team. We both have to agree.”

Jess said committed couples should only swing to enhance their relationship and said if it’s to save it, it’s “too late”.

“My advice for new couples is start slow. There is no need to rush into full swap,” she said.

* Names changed for anonymity