Birdie Beach, NSW: The Central Coast’s nudist beach

Birdie Beach, NSW, is the Central Coast’s nudist beach. But there are also some excellent beach breaks for surfers.

Where is Birdie Beach?

Birdie Beach is on the Central Coast of New South Wales, in the northern section of the region. It stretches for roughly 8km between Wybung Head and Norah Head, although it tends to be known as Red Ochre Beach in the northern chunk. Further south it is then known as Budgewoi Beach and Lakes Beach.

The Red Ochre Beach and Birdies Beach sections of this Central Coast Beach are inside the Munmorah State Conservation Area. This means you need to pay the $8 park entry fee to get to Birdie Beach.

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The Central Coast’s nudist beach

Birdie Beach is the Central Coast’s nudist beach. If you want to let it all hang out and go for a swim as nature intended, this is officially the only place to do it between Sydney and Newcastle.

If going to Birdie Beach, be aware that it has a (thankfully lessening) reputation as a dogging site. It is also known as a gay cruising hotspot. Again, these reputations are somewhat outdated. Most visitors will not encounter anything more disconcerting than big surf.

Surfing at Birdie Beach, Central Coast

Surfing is the other reason to visit Birdie Beach. For swimmers, this Central Coast beach can be pretty hazardous – particularly at the Red Ochre Beach section in the north where the rips can be pretty vicious.

For experienced surfers, however, the Red Ochre Beach section of Birdie Beach is fabulous. There are several beach breaks, which are at their best when there’s a moderate south-east to east swell.

This is not a beginner beach, though. The Lakes Beach section in the far south is patrolled by surf lifesavers, but the northern end is considerably more isolated. You’re on your own here – swimming and surfing is at your own risk.

Bluebottle stingers and sharks have been seen at Birdie Beach. In practice, the former are more dangerous unless you head further out to catch a wave.

If you’d like to get a great view of the beach before heading onto the sand, drive up to the nearby Tea Tree Lookout.