- Date12 Mar 2023
- Recommended
The organisers have had to pause entries for operational reasons, check back soon to enter.
The Newport To Avalon Swim (& Surf Swim) event hosts two previously separate swims in one awesome day of ocean swimming on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
There's a 1.2km 'family' swim around the buoys off Avalon Beach and the pinnacle event, the 'Around The Bends' Newport to Avalon Beach 2.5km point-to-point journey swim.
For the real keeners, there is a rare opportunity to swim both events for the same price! Organisers have scheduled it so that any parent in the 'Around The Bends' swim can be finished and ready to join their kids in the shorter swim - making it a family affair.
While you're in the area, check out the cafe scene.
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 the beach, heading out through the break, 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'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.
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)
Shuttle transport (Avalon > Newport)
There will be a free shuttle bus running between Avalon and Newport beaches between 10.00 and 1.00pm. 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 10am through to 1pm. 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:
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
WIN! Enter and complete 3 out of 5 swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series and you'll go in the draw to win an OceanFit Swim The Whitsundays swimming holiday valued at $2,295!
There are five swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series that are held across five different parts of Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Newport (8 Jan), Bilgola (15 Jan), Mona Vale (22 Jan), Palm Beach (29 Jan) and Avalon (12 Mar).
Immerse yourself in the exquisite waters of the Whitsunday Islands, cruising from one picturesque island to the next on your live-onboard tall ship, swimming at secluded bays, along white sand beaches and around tropical islands.
*You still need to enter both events online
Please see the 'Other Information' section for more details on the shuttle.
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard, up until midnight the day before the event. Fees apply.
Avalon Beach NSW, Australia
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