I have decided to create this post dedicated to the wildlife (well those I have time to photograph/ video) I encounter during my nude hikes. Starting in 2024.

Australia is known for its rugged beauty and unique wildlife, but when you're out hiking, especially in the nude, the thrill of being close to nature can sometimes bring you face to face with danger. On one of my recent hikes, I had a heart-pounding encounter with one of Australia's deadliest creatures—a 2.2 metre long eastern brown snake.

For those unfamiliar, the eastern brown is not just any snake. It’s one of the most venomous in the world, responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in Australia. The fact that our country is home to 14 of the world’s deadliest snakes is something I’m well aware of, but knowing it and experiencing it up close are two very different things.

I was about halfway through my hike, fully enjoying the solitude and connection with nature that only hiking nude can provide, when I spotted it. There, sunning itself on the trail ahead of me, was this massive brown snake. We locked eyes—or rather, I stared at it, and it seemed to stare right back. For a tense three minutes, neither of us moved. The thing about eastern browns is that they can be highly territorial, and if they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to defend their ground.

Now, I’ve come across snakes on my hikes before, and I’ve always known to respect their space. But something in the heat of the moment got to me, and instead of backing away slowly, I picked up a piece of wood and threw it in the snake's direction, hoping to scare it off.

Big mistake.

The snake's reaction was immediate and terrifying. It raised its head and suddenly surged forward, racing towards me. For a second, my heart froze, but instinct kicked in, and I turned and ran as fast as I could. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of being pursued by one of the deadliest snakes in the world, especially when you’re completely exposed and vulnerable.

Thankfully, I had one advantage—my snake gaiters. These thick, protective leggings are designed to cover your lower legs and provide some protection against snake bites, and I never go on a hike without them, especially knowing the types of creatures I might encounter. As I sprinted through the bush, I was silently thankful for that extra layer of safety.

After what felt like an eternity, the snake finally stopped chasing me, deciding I was no longer a threat. I paused, catching my breath, and looked back. The eastern brown had slithered off into the underbrush, leaving me shaken but unharmed.

Eastern browns can be aggressive, particularly if you get too close to their nests, and they’re known to attack without warning. This wasn’t my first encounter with one, and it likely won’t be my last. In fact, it’s pretty common to come across them during my hikes, which is exactly why I’m so diligent about wearing my gaiters. Being nude doesn’t mean being reckless—safety always comes first!

In hindsight, I should’ve backed away slowly, given the snake its space, and avoided provoking it. Lesson learned. But encounters like this are part of what makes hiking in the Australian wilderness so exhilarating. You never know what you’ll run into—sometimes it’s a stunning view, and other times, it’s a deadly predator.

For now, I’m just grateful that I made it out of that encounter with nothing more than an elevated heart rate and a great story to share. And next time I see an eastern brown, I’ll remember to keep my distance, stay calm, and leave the wood-throwing to the professionals!

I recently had the pleasure of encountering one of Australia’s most fascinating creatures during one of my nude hikes—a goanna, about 1.2 metres long. These majestic reptiles are always a sight to behold in the wild, but despite their somewhat laid-back appearance, they command a great deal of respect.

This particular goanna was minding its own business, strolling through the underbrush, seemingly unaware of my presence. From a safe distance, I observed it, marvelling at its sheer power and ancient elegance. But what really caught my eye were its claws—long, sharp, and ready for action. Goannas use these claws to dig, climb, and hunt, but those same claws could easily cause serious harm if they felt threatened. They’re more than capable of delivering a nasty swipe, and in the worst-case scenario, they could easily disembowel a person if provoked.

That’s why it’s so important to give these magnificent creatures space. They aren’t aggressive by nature, but they will defend themselves if cornered or harassed. And while it might be tempting for some to try and grab a selfie with a wild animal like this, it's simply not worth the risk. No photo is worth potentially being slashed by those razor-sharp claws.

I watched the goanna for a while as it lazily wandered off into the bush, its long tail swishing through the leaves. It was a serene moment, a reminder of the beauty and danger that coexist in the Australian wilderness. Hiking nude allows me to feel a deeper connection to nature, but it also comes with the responsibility of respecting the wildlife I encounter along the way.

So, if you ever come across one of these beautiful specimens in the wild, appreciate them from afar. Give them the respect they deserve, and always remember—those claws are no joke!

I shared this story on TrueNudists last year, and it’s a lesson worth repeating for anyone venturing into the Australian wilderness. While kangaroos usually hop away when they sense you approaching, things can change quickly when you're in the presence of a group, especially if the dominant male has his eye on you.

On this particular day, I found myself face-to-face with a large male kangaroo while on one of my nude hikes. He was on the trail, blocking my way, and his posture made it clear that he was not going to move easily. Here’s the thing about kangaroos—while they often appear calm and indifferent, the males can be territorial, and if they feel challenged, they won't hesitate to defend their group. And with their size and powerful legs, they can do some serious damage.

The best thing to do in that situation is to stop. Don’t make eye contact, and don’t move. Turning your back can actually provoke an attack, as it signals weakness. The key is to stand your ground and wait for him to lose interest. If the male starts moving towards you, don’t panic. Remain still, no sudden movements. And, just like with dogs, do not smile at them—baring your teeth can be seen as a sign of aggression in the animal kingdom.

On this occasion, the male kangaroo did begin to move towards me, slow and deliberate. My heart was racing, but I knew the rules: no movement, no direct eye contact. After what felt like an eternity—probably around 7 or 8 minutes—he finally lost interest and hopped away, leaving me in peace. But in those tense moments, I was very aware of the potential danger I was in.

Kangaroos are equipped with long, sharp claws, and if they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to use them. A single strike can leave deep lacerations that could cause serious injury or even death. If you’re unlucky enough to fall to the ground, they can jump on you and tear you apart. It’s not something you ever want to risk.

Luckily, I walked away unscathed, but that encounter was a stark reminder of how powerful and dangerous these seemingly gentle creatures can be. While I love the freedom of being nude in nature, it’s always important to remember that out there, we are visitors in their territory.