This idyllic NSW beach has been a gay haven for decades. Is the freedom it provides now under threat?

In December 2023, Isaac Ryan and Zack of Kings Beach in northern New South Wales encountered park rangers who told them nudity was no longer allowed—a moment that felt unwelcoming despite their years of regular visits. The couple’s experience highlighted a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community at a serene beach long recognized as a sanctuary but officially unrecognized as a cultural space, with ongoing conflicts between local government and advocacy groups over its status. Meanwhile, the Bundjalung people, who hold native title rights to the area, have not yet commented on the current debate over the beach’s recognition.