Around The Bends - Newport to Avalon

If you enjoy a journey swim (from point to point) then the Around The Bends - Newport to Avalon ocean swim has got to be on your hit list.

Organised by the Avalon surf club - who also run the Avalon Beach surf swim - this epic swim will take you north from Newport Beach, past Bilgola Beach, to finish at the host club's Avalon Beach.

These longer 2.5km journey swims are hard to come by, so make sure you've got this one firmly in your sights.

When you're done, celebrate locally at cafe's like Nourished: The Healthy Food Co.

Swim courses

This journey swim starts at Newport Beach (also hosts its own ocean swim), and after turning left around the first turning buoy, it heads north to pass the first of two headlands.

On the other side of the first headland you'll spot Bilgola Beach (an ocean swim here too), but don't start to head in toward the beach as you'll need to head slightly east to get around the next headland.

Next is perhaps where the 'around the bends' name comes from, because rounding Bilgola Head will seem endless because the sand of Avalon Beach doesn't start until 500 odd metres from the tip of the headland.

Follow the buoys north west towards Avalon, ensuring you breathe to your left to take in the scenic cliffs the northern beaches are renown for.

While you're there

If you're a foodie, and love the sounds of good coffee and an organic, delicious breakfast, the cafe Nourished: The Healthy Food Co. is a must-see spot.

It's located just a stone's throw from Avalon Beach, and is the brainchild of one of Australia's leading authorities on healthy cooking, Teresa Cutter.

Cutter isn't involved in the venture any longer, but it still serves fantastic Campos coffee, and an all-organic seasonal menu.

If you're looking for a feed after taking on the Avalon Beach Surf Swim, and want a relatively healthy option, take a look at Nourished.

Travel and parking

There's a small carpark behind the surf club and one south of the club on Surfside Ave, but good luck getting a park in them. Try the northern carpark on the corner of Marine Parade and Tasman Road, the streets behind the beach, or head north up Marine Parade.

Public transport to this part of the northern beaches would be painful.

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