A Byron Shire councillor wants the NSW government to intervene after the council voted to keep a remote Byron Bay beach optional of clothing. Councillor Paul Spooner said the decision to keep the clothing optional declaration at Tyagarah Beach showed the council was "not listening" to locals. Locals protested outside Byron Shire Council for the clothing optional declaration removed from Tyagarah Beach. Some locals say in the past few years the beach has been taken over by a "minority" who engage in lewd behaviour and should be shut down, while other locals believe the beach can be cleaned up to be enjoyed by everyone.

Belongil and Belongil Beach. To see where Belongil is in relation to Byron Bay and the other beaches, have a look at this map of Byron Bay It's hard to say exactly where Belongil ends and Tyagarah Beach begins but that's part of the charm. You are about 1 km from town but feel like you're a million miles from anywhere. As you walk further Byron Bay disappears into the distance, there is nothing but wild beach ahead of you, no houses in sight and it's all reserve as far as the eye can see. If you've ever wanted to sing but never wanted anyone to hear you - this is one of the places to have a go - so grab your ipod, stretch your legs and imagine you're on Australian Idol

As recently as it was illegal to even wear a bikini on an Australian beach. Nowadays, the laws are slightly less stringent, but nonetheless still somewhat conservative so it's a good idea to know where, when and how it's OK to shed your swimwear and sunbathe nude. Read on to find the best nude beaches in Australia. Some beaches allow topless bathing but women may still be asked to cover their breasts — this doesn't apply to men who can bare their chest anywhere.