Bare It All Closer To Home
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday June 21, 2008
"It's possible to travel from Adelaide to Cairns and always be within reach of overnight nudist accommodation," according to the Australian Nudist Federation, with options ranging from humble campgrounds to up-market resorts.
Tan magazine, a "naturist lifestyle publication" produced in Queensland, carries a substantial state-by-state list of B&Bs, resorts, retreats and parks that cater to nudists. It is currently promoting two seven-day, "five star luxury" Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort packages ($1055 for four-share, $1835 for a double) running in November and early December. The earlier package has sold out.Most Australian nudist accommodation, at least those places listed with the federation, are in Queensland; warmer weather being, presumably, the nudist's good friend. The proprietor of Dragonflies nudist B&B near Cairns, who did not want to be named, says he has noticed an increase in inquiries but not from Australians. "The interest is from overseas, mostly Dutch and Germans, and a lot of interest from Americans and New Zealanders for later in the year." Specialised activities such as "nude sailing and charter flights, come and go up here ... like fads," he says. "They are not advertised though, you've got to ask for them." Business, however, is not improving for everyone. Yolanda Strawbridge, from Twin Falls Nature Retreat near Port Macquarie, says custom is slow at the moment. She attributes it to a broader downturn in tourism rather than anything specific to the nudist market. Of course, it may just be the weather.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald
