Obelisk Beach

Obelisk Beach, Official Sign

Aerial pic of Obelisk Beach

Obelisk Beach, Standing on the Shore

Obelisk Beach, Standing on the Shore (Another View)

Obelisk Beach (part of Obelisk Bay) is a nude beach in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia.^[1]

The beach is on the southern side of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour.

Coordinates: 33°49′47″S 151°15′39″E / 33.82972°S 151.26083°E / -33.82972; 151.26083

The beach

Obelisk Beach is about 100 metres in length and is off the beaten path looking out into Sydney Harbour. Little known among tourists, but known to locals in the Mosman district, this beach gets low traffic and tends to be quiet and tranquil. Officially sanctioned as a clothing optional beach, it is not uncommon to find bathers and beach-goers completely free of swimwear. The beach is frequented by quiet, respectful, and friendly people who enjoy an open and accepting setting. The beach is attended predominantly by homosexual men, and is considered a 'gay-friendly' beach by some.^[2][3]

Directions

If driving, the beach has ample parking in a public car park located at the intersection of Middle Head Road, and Chowder Bay Road. Park in any spot and walk south along Chowder Bay Road. Within twenty meters a footpath on the right-hand side of the road will be clearly marked. Follow the footpath another 30 meters, down the stone steps and you will arrive quickly at the beach.

The beach's car park is serviced directly by one bus route, Route 244^[4] which services the stop about every 30 to 45 minutes on weekdays.^[5] The latest transit information can be found from the website, 131500.info, type in "Obelisk Beach" as a landmark in the Trip Planner. You can also call the free trip planning hotline via telephone at 131 500.

Rules

Nudity is only permitted on the beach. No overnight camping, fires or pets are allowed. Posted signs outline the area where nudity is permitted, pay attention and take care to avoid wandering into the nearby bush areas without clothing. Police and Park Rangers do patrol the bush area frequently. There is no rubbish collection from the beach or surrounding area, visitors are asked to take their litter away and dispose of it responsibly.

External links

• Public Transit Trip Planner, 131500.info
• Map of Obelisk Beach at Google Maps
• Location of Car Park & Bus Stop at Google Maps

References

1. ^ Malkin, Bonnie (2005-10-28). "Exposure test in new swing-free zone". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/exposure-test-in-new-swingfree-zone/2005/10/27/1130400311102.html. Retrieved 2007-04-21. 
2. ^ "Gay Sydney Beaches". Park Lodge Hotel Website. 2008-02-19. http://www.gaysydneyhotels.com/8GayFriendlyBeaches.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-19. 
3. ^ Byrne, Dennis. "Excavating desire: queer heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region". http://bangkok2005.anu.edu.au/papers/Byrne.pdf. Retrieved 2008-02-19. 
4. ^ "244-249 Bus Map". Sydney Bus Info Website (Sydney Busses). 2006-08-13. http://www.sydneybuses.info/commonpdfs/sydneybuses/map/244_245_246_247_248_249map.pdf. Retrieved 2008-02-19. ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ "244-249 TimeTable". Sydney Bus Info Website (Sydney Busses). 2006-08-13. http://www.sydneybuses.info/commonpdfs/sydneybuses/tt/244_245_246_247_248_249tt.pdf. Retrieved 2008-02-19. ^{[dead link]}