Because sometimes you’ve just got to strip it all back, literally. The Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim in Canberra isn’t just one of Australia’s most daring events; it’s also one of its most uplifting, empowering, and unforgettable. Each year, as the first light breaks over Lake Burley Griffin, hundreds of brave souls gather on the shore, take a deep breath, and plunge into the icy water wearing nothing but courage, community spirit, and a grin from ear to ear.

Held on the shortest day of the year, this iconic swim is cheeky, chilly, and completely liberating. But it’s not just about the shock of the cold or the thrill of running into the water with nothing on; it’s about raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention, two causes that often go unspoken, especially among Aussie blokes. The swim opens up space for important conversations with warmth, humour, and heart, and proves that getting vulnerable (in every sense) can be a powerful force for good.

Whether you’re doing it as a personal challenge, to honour someone you love, or simply to be part of something bold and beautiful, this is one swim you’ll never forget. And once you’ve taken the plunge once, there’s a good chance you’ll be back for more next year, with a towel, a thermos, and a few more friends in tow.

Because sometimes the best way to face the cold is together, and completely nude.