Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort Dress Standards Policy

Location: Wollongong, NSW
Applies to: All guests, visitors, and residents
Facilities covered: Indoor swimming pool, spas, steam room, beach access, playgrounds, roads, tennis courts, basketball court, and all common areas.

  1. Policy Purpose

We want to ensure all guests feel comfortable, safe, and respected. This policy sets clear expectations for dress standards around the park and within our facilities, consistent with NSW public decency expectations and local swimwear guidelines.

This policy is consistent with https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/places/beaches-and-pools/pools/swimwear-guidelines

  1. General Dress Standards (All Common Areas)

When moving around the park, using communal facilities (excluding the pool/spa areas), or playing sport:

  • Guests must wear clothing that covers private body parts, consistent with general public decency.
  • Clothing must not expose genitals or (for females) breasts, in line with NSW community standards for public places.
  • G‑string or thong‑style swimwear is not permitted in general common areas (e.g., roads, playgrounds, BBQ areas, tennis courts, basketball courts).
  • A minimum of shorts and a shirt (T‑shirt, singlet, rash vest or similar) is required when using any non‑aquatic facilities.
  • Footwear is recommended for safety.

This ensures that all guests, including families and children, feel comfortable on the shared grounds.

  1. Indoor Swimming Pool, Spas & Steam Room (NSW Public Pool Requirements)

Our indoor aquatic areas are legally considered public swimming pools and spa pools under NSW law. [health.nsw.gov.au]

Guests must follow our swimwear rules based on the City of Wollongong Swimwear Guidelines:

  • Swimwear must meet public decency standards and should not offend other guests.
  • Swimwear must cover private body parts (genitals, and for females, breasts).
  • Acceptable swimwear includes:
    • One‑piece or two‑piece swimsuits
    • Board shorts, swim shorts
    • Rash vests
    • Modest/full‑coverage swimwear (e.g., burkinis) made from appropriate swimming materials
  • Swimwear must be clean, hygienic, and made of suitable materials such as Lycra, neoprene, nylon, or polyester. Heavy fabrics (like denim or cotton) are not allowed due to water safety and hygiene issues.
  • Clothing worn in the pool must allow safe movement in water.
  1. Beach and Rock Pool Areas

At the beach, standard Australian beachwear is acceptable.

However, when returning from the beach into the caravan park grounds, guests must wear clothing consistent with the General Dress Standards above.

  1. Sports Facilities (Tennis Court, Basketball Court)

Because these areas are family‑friendly and located in the central shared space:

  • Guests must wear clothing similar to typical activewear or casual sportswear.
  • Swimwear may be worn only if adequately covered (e.g., board shorts over swim bottoms, shirt or rash vest over swim tops).
  • G‑string/thong‑style swimwear alone is not acceptable for sports areas.

This section is specifically designed to avoid situations like the complaint received.

  1. Handling Issues or Complaints

If a guest’s clothing is inconsistent with this policy:

  1. Staff will politely speak with the guest(s)
  2. Explain the policy
  3. Ask them to change into appropriate attire

Aggressive or repeat non‑compliance may result in removal from facilities or, in serious cases, the park.

  1. Special Considerations

We understand that some guests may wear particular clothing for cultural, religious, medical, or disability‑related reasons. We will always seek to accommodate these needs where they remain consistent with hygiene and safety requirements.