Obelisk Beach: Sydney’s Most Iconic Gay Nude Beach (2026)
Remote, wild, and refreshingly unbothered—Obelisk Beach is Sydney’s most iconic gay nude beach and a favorite among local gay men. Tucked along the harbor north of the city, this small cove rewards those willing to make a little effort with crystal-clear water, dramatic views, and a relaxed, unmistakably gay energy.
Often recommended by Sydney locals as the place to go, Obelisk feels worlds away from the city without actually being far—proof that the best gay beaches often take a bit of work to reach.
Often recommended by Sydney locals as the place to go, Obelisk feels worlds away from the city without actually being far—proof that the best gay beaches often take a bit of work to reach.
What Makes Obelisk So Special?
Obelisk isn’t big—and that’s exactly the point.
This is a small, rocky harbor beach with:
- Clear, calm water that’s perfect for swimming
- Sun-warmed rocks ideal for picnicking and lounging
- A casual, social nude crowd without chaos or crowds
Compared to nearby Lady Bay (Lady Jane) Beach across the harbor, Obelisk is less busy, more intimate, and more relaxed. On our visit, there were only about a dozen guys enjoying the sun—making it feel private, easygoing, and effortlessly sexy.
Add in sweeping harbor views and total freedom to swim nude, and it’s easy to see why Obelisk earns its legendary status.
SYDNEY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Sydney? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Sydney? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Sydney and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com, our preferred website to book hotels when traveling in Australia. Create a free account to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Sydney with Viator. Whether you're touring the Opera House or climbing the Harbour Bridge, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
How to Get to Obelisk
Getting to Obelisk is part of the adventure—and part of its appeal.
From central Sydney:
- Take an Uber or taxi from Circular Quay to the Obelisk trailhead (about 15-20 minutes)
- From there, it’s a short but steep walk down stairs to the beach
Because access requires effort to reach, Obelisk naturally filters out casual tourists, keeping the vibe more local and laid-back.
🌟 Pro tip – Wear shoes with grip—the steps and rocky paths can be slippery.
Finding the Gay Nude Section
At Obelisk, there’s no guessing—it’s all one scene.
- Clothing-optional throughout
- 100% gay men
- Social, friendly, and discreet
You’ll see guys spread across the rocks and small sandy patches, chatting, swimming, and soaking in the sun. It’s relaxed and respectful, with more emphasis on swimming and socializing than cruising—though the energy definitely picks up as the afternoon goes on.
🌟 Pro tip – We share behind-the-scenes photos and videos as well as the spicier details from Obelisk (and all our nudist travels) over on Patreon.
Amenities
Obelisk is completely natural—which means no services at all.
Bring everything you need:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen (shade is very limited)
- Snacks or a light picnic
- Towel or mat for the rocks
You might also spot lizards and small wildlife sunning themselves nearby—just another reminder that this is a raw, natural setting.
When to Go
Obelisk Beach is best from late spring through early autumn:
- Best months: November – March
- Quieter & calmer: Weekdays
- More social: Sunny weekends
Because it’s sheltered in the harbor, the water here is often more swimmable than ocean beaches, even when conditions elsewhere aren’t ideal.
Perfect Add-On: Taronga Zoo & Ferry Return
One of our favorite ways to turn Obelisk into a perfect day?
- Visit Obelisk Beach first
- Return via Taronga Zoo for a classic Sydney highlight
- Take the ferry back to Circular Quay, soaking up skyline and harbor views
It’s scenic, easy, and very Sydney—and beats backtracking by road.
Where to Stay: Iconic Sydney Luxury
Park Hyatt Sydney — Best for Romance & Harbor Views
⭐ Best for: Couples, luxury lovers & unforgettable Sydney views
📍 Location: The Rocks, Circular Quay
Why We Love It:
- Front-row views of the Sydney Opera House from many rooms
- Elegant design with a serene, refined atmosphere
- Stunning rooftop pool overlooking the harbor
Park Hyatt Sydney is one of those rare hotels that feels iconic without feeling overwhelming. The location couldn’t be better—especially if you’re using ferries, exploring the harbor, or returning from beach days like Obelisk. It’s absolutely a splurge, but one that delivers unforgettable views and true five-star calm.
Final Thoughts
Obelisk Beach is proof that Sydney does nude beaches right—natural, scenic, inclusive, and never trying too hard. The extra effort to reach it keeps the vibe relaxed and local, and the swimmable harbor waters make it a standout compared to ocean-facing alternatives.
If you’re visiting Sydney and want a gay nude beach experience that feels authentic, low-key, and beautiful—Obelisk is a must.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Sydney? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Sydney.
Found this post useful? The easiest way to support Two Gay Expats is to subscribe (free!) to our YouTube channel and tell your friends and family about us to help us grow (also free)! And if you find our content helpful and/or entertaining, please consider joining our Channel Membership on YouTube to directly support our videos or Patreon to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Did we get something wrong? Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Are you interested in working with us? In all cases, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at hello@twogayexpats.com.
