1999

In 1999, as a part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, 8000 people attended Bondi Beach to watch a nude surfing event. At the time it was the only event of its kind in the world. The event was won by Freddie Graetsch, 25, from Broulee near Bateman's Bay in the men's division and Bondi local Ashlie Smith, 31, in the women's division. When local authorities banned the event the following year, Sydney Fringe responded with a series of random nude appearances at events throughout the festival. Videos of the events were shown on the festivals website and the public were asked to spot the mystery nudist in a Where's Wally style contest. The festival director at the time Megan Donnolley said the competition was a way of 'keeping the dream of nudity alive' until nude surfing could be held again.

Images courtesy of Bill Morris.