Nestled in the Broken Head Nature Reserve, this idyllic cove has long been a safe space for queer connection. But today, the freedom that defined Kings Beach is under threat, sparking concern and activism within the LGBTIQ+ community.
Kings Beach isn’t just another beautiful Australian beach. For over fifty years, it has been a nude cultural heartland for gay men and the queer community for both locals and visitors alike, offering a rare sense of belonging and safety — especially during times when acceptance was scarce.
During the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, the beach became a site of both solace and remembrance, with the ashes of several gay men scattered along its sands. For many, Kings Beach is the only place they can hold a partner’s hand, share a kiss, or swim nude without fear of judgment or violence.
This may now all change.
Recently, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) began enforcing a strict no-nudity policy at Kings Beach, ending its long-standing status as a clothing-optional haven. The NPWS cites increased visitation and the “shared nature” of the destination as reasons for the change, stating that Kings Beach is not a designated clothing-optional area and asking all visitors to comply with the Broken Head Reserve Plan of Management.
For many in the gay and naturist communities, the crackdown feels like a loss of hard-won freedom and a step backward for diversity and inclusion. As one campaigner put it, “Kings is the only place we know of that one can hold a same-sex partner’s hand without consciously assessing the risks, judgments, safety or politics of the situation first. It’s true cultural freedom and this needs to be protected”.
The response from the LGBTIQ community has been swift and passionate. Local advocates, supported by organisations like ACON Northern Rivers, are campaigning for Kings Beach to be formally recognised for its LGBTQ+ cultural significance — akin to international sites like Hanlan’s Point in Canada, the site of the first Canada Pride in 1971.
Letters have been sent to NSW’s Minister for Climate and Environment, Penny Sharpe, urging her to protect the beach’s legacy and ensure its future as a queer sanctuary
There’s also a call for more nuanced management rather than blanket bans. Many argue that issues of inappropriate behaviour—often cited as reasons for the crackdown—could be addressed through community-led codes of conduct and better cooperation with authorities rather than erasing a vibrant tradition.
Photograph by Maurizio Viani
The Bigger Picture: Naturism, Diversity, and Rights
The battle for Kings Beach is about more than nudity. It’s about the right to exist authentically and safely in public spaces. Naturism has deep roots in Australian culture, including among First Nations peoples, and is widely accepted in many parts of Europe as a legitimate form of personal and social expression. For gay men, in particular, clothing-optional beaches have long offered a rare refuge from mainstream scrutiny and discrimination.
What’s Next for Kings Beach?
While NPWS has acknowledged the beach’s historical connection to the LGBTQ+ community and says it does not wish to diminish this, the future remains uncertain. The community is pushing for official recognition and protection, hoping to ensure that Kings Beach remains a place where everyone can feel free, safe, and celebrated.
For now, Kings Beach continues to draw those seeking connection, healing, and joy. Its story is a reminder that safe queer spaces are precious—and that their preservation often requires vigilance, advocacy, and pride.
