The Avalon Beach Surf Swims are a true Northern Beaches staple, bringing together everything we love about ocean swimming: community vibes, crystal-clear water, and just the right dose of adventure. Whether you’re diving into the classic 1.2km loop off Avalon Beach or going the distance with the 2.5km point-to-point from Newport, you’re in for one of the most scenic swims in Sydney.

Locals call the headland stretch between Newport and Avalon “magic”, and they’re not wrong. The swim takes you past rocky drop-offs, over schools of fish in deep blue water, and, if you’re lucky, past a dolphin or two cruising the coast. It’s the kind of course that keeps you grinning between breaths.

The 1.2km swim is perfect for those chasing a shorter hit-out with all the fun, while the 2.5km route offers that extra sense of achievement as you round the headland and make your way into Avalon’s welcoming arms.

Add to that a chilled-out beach vibe, a surf club that knows how to put on a proper Sunday morning, and a crowd that’s more about smiles than stopwatches, and you’ve got a swim that deserves a permanent spot on your summer calendar.

What's on offer

1.2km Ocean Swim

Avalon Surf Swim

10 years

A local favourite and perfect for ocean swimmers looking for a scenic, social splash. The 1.2km swim starts at the northern end of Avalon Beach, heading out through the break via the well-known ‘North Avalon Express’, a sweet little rip that gives you a helping hand to the back of the surf.

Once you’re out past the break and cruising along the headland, the course turns towards the southern headland, then arcs into the middle of the beach, finishing with a straight shot back to shore and the cheers near the Avalon Surf Club.

With its friendly layout, supportive water safety, and stunning views all the way around, this is the kind of swim that leaves you salty, smiling, and ready for a coffee with your crew.

2.5km Ocean Swim

Around the Bends

13 years

A spectacular point-to-point coastal swim that’s as scenic as it is satisfying. Starting at the northern end of Newport Beach, this 2.5km course takes you on a salty journey around the headland, skimming past the golden sands of Bilgola Beach, then around Bilgola Headland and north along the rugged cliffs toward Avalon.

It’s all deep blue water, dramatic drop-offs, and the occasional dolphin if you’re lucky. As you round the final bend into Avalon Beach, you’ll be met with cheers, high-fives, and the feeling of having swum one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline Sydney has to offer.

It’s scenic, it’s salty, and it’s just the right amount of addictive. Once you’ve done it, you’ll want to come back every year.

What’s on when

7:30-8:40 am – 2.5km Registration opens (Newport Beach)
9:00 am – 2.5km swim start (Newport Beach)
9:00-10:00 am – 1.2km Registration opens (Avalon SLSC)
10:30 am – 1.2km swim start (Avalon Beach)

Prepare for this event

Have A Go: 1km Training Program
Whether you’re coming back after a long break or you’re completely new to swimming, we’ll help you prepare for your 1km swim. Learn more

Up The Ante: 2km Training Program
Step up in distance with this training program designed to build you up & guide you all the way to the finish. Learn more

Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.

Photo highlights

Highlight reel

Event support

Ocean Swims provides event support on behalf of the event organiser.

Ask a question

Pre-event: Use the event support contact form for all event queries.

Event day: For support on the day of the event, talk to an event official. Urgent event updates will be communicated via SMS. If you don’t hear from us, the event is on as and where scheduled.

Manage your entry

Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard up until 12 pm the day prior to the event. Fees may apply. Visit your dashboard

Refunds: View the event’s withdrawl and cancellation policies.

Cancellations

Making A Claim

Make an Enhanced Refund Protection claim
Click here if you need to make a claim (claims are handled directly with the insurer, not by Ocean Swims).

Enhanced Refund Protection

Want extra peace of mind? Enhanced Refund Protection is like registration insurance; think travel insurance, but for your event entry.

How it works

You can purchase this protection at the time of online entry only
You’ll be refunded if you’re unable to attend for one of the approved reasons
This does not apply if the event is postponed or cancelled by the organiser.

Click here to read the full details and see if it’s right for you.