Avalon Beach Surf Swims

There are two events as part of the Avalon Beach Surf Swim event; a 1.2km swim and the 2.5km 'Around The Bends' swim from Newport to Avalon Beach.

The timing of the two main swims means that swimmers can challenge themselves by doing both swims, and parents can join the 1.2km swim with their children.

Designed for the whole family, the 1.2km swim starts at the northern end of Avalon Beach, heading out through the 'Avalon Express' rip, before making a turn towards the southern headland, and then back north towards the surf lifesaving clubhouse on the beach.

The shore dump on the way out and back in can be a bit tricky at times, but once you're out past the break, Avalon offers one of the most scenic swims between the two headlands.

The 2.5km 'Around The Bends' journey swim starts at Newport Beach (which 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 (there's an ocean swim here too), but don't start to head in toward the beach just yet 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.

If you're a foodie, and love the sounds of good coffee and an organic, delicious breakfast, the cafe Nourished Cafe and Lounge 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.

There is parking available on the grass courts opposite the primary school on Old Barrenjoey Rd.

There is also parking on Newport Beach carpark and a small carpark behind the surf club and one south of the club on Surfside Ave. Try the northern carpark on the corner of Marine Parade and Tasman Road, the streets behind the beach, or head north up Marine Parade.

Bus 199 runs regularly from Manly to Palm Beach for swimmers along the route or coming over from the city on the ferry.

Back of the Pack

A Back of the Pack division is available for those who’d like a more relaxed swim. Swim with your friends, wear a wetsuit or flippers. Your time will be recorded but you won't be eligible for prizes. You can tick the checkbox for 'Back of the Pack' when you enter online.

Registration (on the day)

• From 8am in the carpark at the northern end of Newport Beach for the Newport To Avalon swim (View on Google Map)
• From 8am at the Avalon SLSC for the Avalon Surf Swim (View on Google Map)

Shuttle transport (Avalon > Newport)

There will be a free shuttle bus running between Avalon and Newport beaches between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. This means you can park at Newport, swim the Around the Bends to Avalon (your gear will be transported between the beaches for you) then get the shuttle back to Newport after the race. The pick-up point is at Avalon on Barrenjoey Rd in front of the surf club (Map) and the drop-off is at Newport on Barrenjoey Rd at the northern end of the beach car park (Map). Departure times are on the half-hour from 10 am through to 1 pm. Normal parking restrictions apply.

Bag drop

Avalon SLSC will transport your gear from the start at Newport back to Avalon SLSC, where you can pick it up after your swim. You can also store your gear free of charge at the clubhouse at Avalon Beach.

The organiser of this event, Avalon SLSC, is a registered charity. This event is a major fundraiser for the club, and all proceeds go towards providing its volunteer lifesaving services to the community.

Cancelling your entry

Should you wish to cancel your entry, for any reason, at any time, the following applies:

• Refunds are not available, your entry fee will be donated to the club

Event cancellation

Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:

• Entries will not be refunded
• The organiser may, at their discretion, choose another date for the event in the same season and rollover entries to the new date
• Should another date not be found within the same season, the event will be deemed to be cancelled, and there will be no refunds.

The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.