They may be a small minority but for those grey nomads who do seek out places to ‘get their kit off’ as they travel, growing challenges lay ahead for their lifestyle choice.
It seems that the number of naturists is declining quickly, the number of places where they can go naked is dwindling, and younger people are apparently ‘too shy’ to take the nudist lifestyle into the future.
The latest place to fall foul of the ‘let’s keep our swimmers on’ trend is Cable Beach in Broome. According to a report on the ABC, those who have enjoyed wearing their Birthday Suits ‘north of the rocks’ on the iconic stretch of sand are being edged out by tourists.
The ABC says the ‘clothing optional’ section of the beach sits close to the access road, meaning each day hundreds of carloads of tourists cruise past, copping an eyeful of tanned skin and private parts. It’s also where the beach’s three camel tour companies operate, meaning there are hundreds more sets of peering eyes moving slowly past.
However, camel company owner John Geappen said the local nudist scene is now a fraction of what it used to be.
“To be honest most of those who do get their gear off are sort of the older brigade, so it might be a generational thing, because a lot of the youngies just aren’t interested in it,” he said. “It used to be very laid back.”
Stuart Whelan, from the Australia Naturist Federation, said the naturist scene in Australia peaked about 40 years ago and has declined due to the growing awareness of sun safety, and a more conservative attitude to the body.
Experts say the 40-70 age demographic is more inclined to go nude as people of that age are less likely to conform to societal pressures and expectations of body type. Grey nomads are certainly among those who still enjoy the opportunity to walk around the way nature intended when they get the chance.
One long-time nudist and grey nomad said at least 90% of some naturist retreats were over 55.
“There’s nothing like being nude to fully enjoy sunbaking, skinny-dipping, bushwalking in this wonderful country,” she said. “There should be more of it.”
* Do you go nude as you travel? Or do you get offended if you inadvertently wander onto a ‘clothing optional beach’? Comment below.
Haha always a good idea to go bush walking in the nude. Stinging Tree /vine anyone?
got stung on the old fella in the bush years ago no real pain but more than doubled in size been looking for the bug ever since
Hubby & I have been doing the ‘nature thing’ as we travel for many years and find that most of the dedicated beaches, reserves etc maintain the dignity, respect and privacy required so as not to offend the sensibilities of those who are more restrained. We were very annoyed though when we visited Cable Beach at Broome to find the camel train operators bringing their customers through this section of beach – knowing full well what they may find. The ‘free beach’ was there before the camel train so why should this iconic beach be available only to those who choose to remain clothed. It’s a matter of ‘you know its there – if it offends then don’t go there and/or don’t look!’
it’s beginning to look like only boaties will get to be free nudists…try floating your ships of the desert with their cargo of vouyeurs out beyond the two metre ahd !
No decent person take their choth off outside their home. Those who do shame on you and youshould be charged same as if you would do the same in the shopping center.