(Mostly) Tolerated Clothing-Optional Beach in Tropical North Queensland
Buchan Point is an infamous beach near Cairns in Tropical North Queensland that is renowned for being a local hot-stop for nudism.
Situated at the southern part of Ellis Beach, beach nudity is not technically legal in Queensland. But for the most part it is tolerated here by police who generally turn a blind eye.
That said, in 1988 and 1989 police attempted to crack down on the practice, and even today sporadic raids do occur from time to time. Therefore, if you do intend to don your birthday suit, I would recommend you exercise caution.
How to get to Buchan Point
Buchan Point can be reached via the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns or Port Douglas. More specifically, it is situated between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.
If you are driving north from Cairns, the beach is the first one you spot after you negotiate the hill from Palm Cove. You will come to a corner that features a thick cover of trees, where you will see the parking area on the right.
Once you park your car there, make your way onto the sand and then head towards the big rock on the right. After you pass it, you will be in what most people consider to be the nude section of the beach.
However, don’t be surprised if you see people naked on the car park side of the rock, particularly women who are on their own, as it is a bit more open and less crowded.
What To Do at Buchan Point
Aside from nude sunbathing, Buchan Point is a nice beach to walk on. You can also swim in the shallows, although you should be aware of the potential for marine stingers.
If you are feeling activity, you can also join a kayaking tour with a local company that will take you about 1.5 km out to Double Island, which used to be a luxury resort.
The beach stretches all the way towards Ellis Beach (if you head in the opposite direction from the big rock) and the views from it are amazing. It’s shimmering blue waters, golden sand and shaded, grassy foreshore are very comely, and on a clear day you can even see the Daintree National Park.
It is worth noting that there are no facilities at the beach, and generally speaking only a handful of people frequent the nudist section, often a mix of older couples and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
