Location: The Teardrop

Ecosexual first discovered cruising as a teenager, watching cars drive in and out of the largest beat in Western Sydney - but was too nervous to indulge.

Their first cruising experience at 19 was at a park down the road, hidden by the lake. They told their brother they were visiting a friend and although nervous, was picked up by a man who seemed nonthreatening. They spent hours in the bushes trying many things for the first time. They ran back to the car as the sun began to rise, and the park started filling with fishermen and joggers. It was an exhilarating and positive experience. 

During their years out west, they couldn’t host due to living with conservative parents. Casual encounters became a way for them to explore their sexuality - discovering hidden spots through word of mouth and friends. In their world, there were no healthy forms of queer representation, and coming out felt overwhelmingly confronting. 

As they found comfort within themselves, they also found the hidden treasure of nude beaches - getting lost amongst the wildlife behind the dunes. They delved into the experience, routinely getting lost down bush trails behind the beach.

They wished for legalised and dedicated cruising parks like those found in the Netherlands, with fences, clear signage, and maps. Accidental encounters with unsuspecting Individuals could be avoided, providing a safe space to cruise with much less risk of a violent encounter.

Through their cruising experience, they learned some valuable wisdom. Don’t be afraid to say no, be clear with your desires and boundaries, and be prepared to quickly evaluate situations and they can be a hit or miss - don’t be afraid to walk away. They also learned to be patient and have fun wit the process, treating it like browsing a library rather than express deliveries of climax-centric encounters. They also realised the importance of relaxing, having a yarn with people, and accepting that not everyone is looking for the same kind of connection, and that’s okay.