33° 12′ 8.478” S (-33.202355) – 151° 36′ 37.692” E (151.610470)
This fabulous beach is one of those classic, timeless beaches. Very typical of those photos you may see of a far off Australian beach. Its only about an hour and a half from Sydney located in the Munmorah State Conservation Area on the Central Coast of NSW on Australia’s east coast. However, you really will need to drive to this beach as the area is not serviced very well by public transport. There are two entrances to the area, one on the Pacific Highway and one at the southern end on Elizabeth Bay Drive.
From Sydney, head north on the M1/Pacific Highway, take the A43 (Doyalson, Swansea, Charlestown) turn off about 80Kms north of Sydney. Continue through Lake Munmorah and turn right onto Elizabeth Bay Drive, drive about 1500m to the first round-a-bout and turn right onto Birdie Beach Drive. About 500m, you will come to the park entrance (it will cost you $7 per vehicle per day), continue on Birdie Beach Drive and you will end up at the beach car park.
From Newcastle, head south via Swansea on the M1/Pacific Highway to Blue Wren Drive where you enter the Conservation Area and come to the park entrance. This is well sign posted and you shouldn’t miss it – but if you do continue on to Elizabeth Bay Drive and turn right and follow the about directions. Otherwise continue on Blue Wren Drive until the intersection with Birdie Beach Drive, turn left and make your way to the car park. Both entrances are about a kilometre or two from the beach and a bit of a hike if you need to walk in.
It will cost you $7 to enter the park, if the booth at the entrance is not manned, use the machines in the car park, as the rangers take their job seriously and will issue an infringement notice if you fail to pay.
From the car park make your way onto the beach and head north or turn left and walk towards the rocks, you will soon see nudists especially on a hot day or a weekend. There are a couple of signs that indicate the nudist section is about 300m away.
The Conservation area does close the entrances at night, and are open between 5.30am to 9pm during daylight saving (summer) and through to 1 May. At other times of the year, 6am to 6pm.
The Conservation area has camping facilities within the park and you are best to check the park’s website for the latest fees and conditions. But remember your vehicle will be locked in during the night, so you’re best to stock up during the day.
If you do need to travel by public transport, you are best to catch a train to Morisset Railway Station, (on the Newcastle – Sydney line) or Wyee or Warnervale stations if the train stops there (limited services do) and consider a taxi, it will cost about $50 each way. Taxi services are limited in this area and a return trip may require a bit of wait.