It was a crisp Saturday morning, and I found myself at Sawn Rocks, one of Australia’s most remarkable natural wonders. Known for its towering columns of volcanic rock that look like giant organ pipes, Sawn Rocks is a place of breathtaking beauty, especially at sunrise. Most people recommend visiting after midday when the sun perfectly lights up the cliff face, but I had other plans. I arrived at 8:30 am, ready for a more intimate experience with nature—and myself.

To my surprise, the car park was completely empty. There wasn’t a soul in sight, and the air was still, with nothing but the sound of distant birds. It felt like a perfect moment to indulge in a little freedom. I’ve always enjoyed being nude in nature, and with the entire place to myself, I couldn’t resist. I quickly stripped off, folded my clothes neatly into my backpack, and enjoyed a quiet breakfast at the picnic area—naked and utterly content. There’s something incredibly liberating about sitting in the open air, the morning breeze on your skin, with nothing but the peaceful Australian bush around you.

After finishing my meal, I felt the urge to explore further. Still completely nude, I strolled along the 700-metre walkway that leads to the striking Sawn Rocks. It was one of those perfect, private moments in nature—just me, the towering volcanic formations, and the wild birds flying overhead. I took a few photos, marveling at the grandeur of the cliffs. Everything felt harmonious, until I heard footsteps.

I froze.

From above, on the raised metal footpath, I saw a young woman standing at the lookout. She had binoculars and a camera with a long zoom lens, seemingly watching the birds. Panicking slightly, I quickly put on my lounge shorts (commando, of course) and threw on my t-shirt. I tried to act casual, though my heart raced a little. As I walked past her, I greeted her with a "Good morning." She smiled warmly and returned the greeting with a cheeky glint in her eye.

There was something about that smile. It made me wonder: had she been there the whole time, watching more than just the birds?

When I returned to the car park, I noticed something odd—it was still completely empty. That meant the woman must have been there long before I arrived. It suddenly occurred to me that she might have seen me walking around nude, perhaps even taken some photos. But she hadn’t seemed the least bit bothered by it, and I was left feeling a mix of curiosity and embarrassment.

I returned to the picnic area, this time fully clothed, and poured myself a cup of tea. Just as I settled down, the young woman reappeared, walking past with her camera slung over her shoulder. I decided to strike up a conversation, hoping to clear the air.

"Did you spot any nice birds?" I asked.

With a knowing smile, she replied, “Yes, quite a few, actually.”

Unable to shake the feeling that she had seen more than just birds, I asked, half-jokingly, “Were you there when I was taking my photos earlier?”

Her smile grew wider. “I was,” she said, laughing gently. “And yes, I saw you walking around naked.”

I immediately apologised, explaining that I’ve been a naturist for years and wasn’t trying to make anyone uncomfortable. I introduced myself and gave her the web address to my blog, where I write about my experiences in naturism.

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t offended,” she said, still smiling. “I was just a bit surprised at first. But you looked so natural that it didn’t seem like you were doing anything wrong. Honestly, I found it kind of refreshing.”

Her name was Melissa, and she told me that she regularly comes to Sawn Rocks to watch birds and take photographs. Her boyfriend usually drops her off at first light so she can enjoy the peace and quiet before the crowds arrive. I asked her, somewhat nervously, if she had taken any photos of me.

She admitted that she had snapped a few shots initially but deleted them once she realised I wasn’t there to expose myself or make a scene. “You seemed like you were just being... natural,” she said. “It’s kind of an intriguing idea, actually—walking naked in nature. I’ve never done it, but I’ve thought about it.”

We chatted for a while longer, talking about the freedom that comes with being nude outdoors and the serenity it brings. Before long, her boyfriend arrived to pick her up. We parted with a friendly wave, and she promised to check out my blog.

As I watched their car pull away, I couldn’t help but reflect on the encounter. It was one of the most unexpected and surprising experiences I’ve ever had during one of my nude walks. There’s something about these moments—where nature, freedom, and the unexpected collide—that makes life as a naturist so thrilling and beautiful.

And who knows? Maybe one day Melissa will join the ranks of those who enjoy the simple pleasure of walking naked in the wild.

Stay nude, stay safe, have fun

Vince