Look, we all know Manly Beach. It's the postcard-perfect Sydney spot where tourists flock for fish and chips, ferries, and those quintessential Aussie beach vibes. But what if I told you there's a secret tucked away just beyond the crowds, a place where the sound of cascading water replaces the chatter of beachgoers, and clothing becomes entirely optional?
Welcome to Collins Flat Beach, nature's best-kept secret near one of Sydney's busiest coastal hubs.
Finding Your Way to Freedom
Getting to Collins Flat Beach isn't exactly a walk in the park, and that's kind of the point. This isn't the type of spot you stumble upon by accident while licking a melting ice cream cone. You've got to want it, work for it, and maybe get a little sweaty in the process.
From Manly, you'll head north along the scenic coastal track. The path winds through native bushland, offering glimpses of the Pacific Ocean that'll make you pause and pull out your phone (even if you promised yourself you'd be present). After about 45 minutes of moderate hiking, think of it as nature's gym membership, you'll descend toward a secluded cove that feels like it belongs in a different era entirely.
The beach itself is rocky, intimate, and gloriously removed from the Instagram influencer crowd. And yes, it's clothing-optional, which means you can finally work on those tan lines you've been complaining about all winter.
The Hidden Waterfall That Changes Everything
Here's where Collins Flat Beach goes from "nice secluded spot" to "holy hell, this place is magical." Tucked against the rocky headland, there's a seasonal waterfall that cascades down the cliff face during and after rainy periods. It's not Niagara Falls, let's manage expectations here, but it's fresh, it's unexpected, and it's absolutely perfect for a quick rinse after a swim in the saltwater.
Picture this: you're lying on the warm rocks, the sun kissing every inch of your skin, waves gently lapping at the shore, and then you stand up and walk over to a natural shower that nature herself installed. No queues, no two-minute timers, just you and the elements.
The waterfall creates this micro-ecosystem where the rocks stay damp and moss-covered, adding an almost otherworldly feel to the landscape. During summer, when Sydney can feel like an oven set to "broil," that cool cascade is better than any air conditioning unit money can buy.
A Different Kind of Beach Culture
What makes Collins Flat special isn't just the geography, it's the people. The nudist community that frequents this beach has cultivated a culture of respect, body positivity, and genuine connection that you won't find at your average beach volleyball tournament.
Everyone's here for the same reasons: to escape the judgmental gazes, to feel the sun and wind on skin that rarely sees daylight, and to exist in a space where bodies are just bodies, not commodities, not objects of desire (unless consensually so), just human forms doing human things.
The LGBTQ+ community has particularly embraced Collins Flat as a safe haven. It's one of those rare spaces where queer folks can exist without performance, without armor, without the constant low-level anxiety that comes from navigating heteronormative spaces. You might see couples of all configurations lounging together, solo travelers reading their favorite gay romance novels in the buff, or groups of friends sharing a picnic without the burden of swimsuit shopping trauma.
Practical Magic: What to Bring
Let's get practical for a second, because showing up unprepared to a secluded beach is how you end up with sunburned places that should never see direct sunlight.
First: sunscreen. All of it. The entire bottle. Then another bottle. Seriously, there's limited shade at Collins Flat, and you do not want to explain certain sunburn patterns to your doctor.
Second: water and snacks. The hike is no joke, especially in Australian heat, and there are zero convenience stores perched on the clifftop. Pack light but pack smart.
Third: a towel or mat. The rocks can be unforgiving to bare skin, and you'll want something to sit on that isn't going to leave interesting patterns on your backside.
Fourth: respect and an open mind. This should go without saying, but clothing-optional doesn't mean consent-optional. Photography is generally prohibited without explicit permission, staring is rude (same as anywhere else), and everyone's there to relax, not to be objectified.
When to Visit (and When to Maybe Skip It)
Timing is everything with Collins Flat Beach. Visit during peak summer weekends, and you might find it more crowded than you'd prefer, though "crowded" here still means a fraction of what you'd encounter at Bondi or Manly proper.
The waterfall is seasonal and flow-dependent, so your best bet is visiting after a solid rain period. Check recent weather patterns and maybe join a local online community where regular visitors share updates about conditions. There's nothing worse than making the trek specifically for the waterfall only to find it's reduced to a trickle.
Early mornings offer the most serene experience. The light is softer, the temperature more forgiving, and you're likely to have larger sections of the beach to yourself. Plus, there's something deeply meditative about starting your day in a place where your biggest decision is whether to swim or nap first.
Autumn (March through May) hits a sweet spot, the weather's still beautiful, the crowds thin out as kids return to school, and the ocean temperature remains swimmable for those brave enough.
The Broader Context: Why Spaces Like This Matter
Collins Flat Beach exists within a larger constellation of LGBTQ+-friendly spaces that serve as more than just geographic locations, they're acts of resistance against a world that still, frustratingly, treats queer bodies as problems to be solved or spectacles to be consumed.
When you can shed clothing and inhibitions in a space that celebrates authenticity over aesthetic, something shifts. It's why Read with Pride exists, to create literary spaces where LGBTQ+ stories aren't relegated to the margins but centered, celebrated, and shared widely. Whether it's through MM romance books that validate our love stories or travel guides that point us toward affirming physical spaces, representation matters everywhere.
The beach becomes a chapter in your own story, a setting where you're the protagonist living authentically rather than a supporting character in someone else's heteronormative narrative.
Respect the Space, Respect Each Other
One final note before you grab your backpack and head out: places like Collins Flat Beach survive because visitors treat them with care. Pack out everything you pack in. Don't disturb the wildlife (yes, even that curious lizard sunbathing on the same rock you want). Follow local guidelines about nudity and behavior.
These spaces exist in a fragile balance with local regulations, community acceptance, and environmental sustainability. Every visitor becomes a steward, responsible for ensuring the next person can have the same transformative experience you did.
Your Next Horizon Awaits
Collins Flat Beach won't be for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. Some people prefer the energy of crowded beaches with lifeguards and surf schools. Others need amenities close by. But if you're craving something raw, real, and remarkably freeing: if you want to feel the full force of nature against skin unencumbered by fabric and expectations: then this hidden gem near Manly might just become your new favorite escape.
The waterfall awaits. The Pacific calls. And somewhere on those sun-warmed rocks, there's a spot with your name on it.
Find more LGBTQ+ travel stories, MM romance recommendations, and authentic queer content at Readwithpride.com
Connect with us:
- Facebook: Read With Pride
- Instagram: @read.withpride
- X/Twitter: @Read_With_Pride
#NakedHorizons #LGBTQTravel #GayTravel #QueerTravel #ReadWithPride #MMRomance #GayRomance #BodyPositivity #LGBTQDestinations #SydneyTravel #ManlyBeach #NudistBeach #ClothingOptional #QueerSpaces #TravelWithPride #GayAustralia #LGBTQAustralia #AuthenticTravel #QueerCommunity #PrideTravel
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.