Australians are starved of intimacy1, if the results of a new sex study are anything to go by.

A survey of about 5000 adults has found that more than 80 per cent of women prefer regular intimate moments over sex.

Men were less inclined to agree, with only 56 per cent of them rating sex second best.

But whatever their desires, only two in three Australians claim to be satisfied with the level of intimacy in their life right now, the study shows.

The nationwide K-Y Touch Intimacy Poll highlights the need for more personal attention between partners, said Anne Hollonds from Relationships Australia.

"While 61 per cent of adult Australians are having sex once a week, other elements of a loving relationship are also important," Ms Hollonds said.

She said trust and intimacy were crucial to a successful relationship.

"We encourage Australians to go back to relationship basics, relish² in candlelight dinners, conversation and physical activities like massage³," Ms Hollonds said.

"People don't realise how little investment is required to keep their relationship on the right path."

The survey also found that the top three favourite intimate activities of Australians were touch, massage and having a weekend away.

About 75 per cent said they thought about intimacy at least once a day, but only one in three people got their daily dose of it.

More than one third believed that not enough time was being spent on foreplay , and the same number said they would prefer more "spontaneous" intimacy.

The results showed children were a barrier to intimacy, with childless couples almost twice as likely to have at least one intimate moment every day.

Other barriers to intimacy included tiredness, work and "no time".

Almost 15 per cent of respondents said their sex life was non-existent.