How to enter

Entries are not open yet

Event Website

At a glance

Sun, 26 Apr 2026

Balmoral Beach, Balmoral NSW

Harbour Swim

1km, 2.5km & 5km

Sign in to leave a review

Sun, 26 Apr 2026

Balmoral Swim For Cancer

Balmoral Beach Club Events

How to enter

Entries are not open yet

Event Website

At a glance

Sun, 26 Apr 2026

Balmoral Beach, Balmoral NSW

Harbour Swim

1km, 2.5km & 5km

Around The Buoys

Hold The Date Details for this event will be finalised when entries open

Why this event?

A beautiful open water swim in Sydney Harbour, raising funds for children’s cancer research

The Balmoral Swim for Cancer isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a heartfelt tradition that’s been making waves for over 30 years. Set against the sparkling backdrop of Balmoral Beach, this event brings together ocean lovers, families, school groups, and seasoned swimmers in a powerful show of community spirit, all to raise funds for children’s cancer research.

Whether you’re diving in for someone close to your heart, swimming in memory, or just keen to support a great cause, this swim lets you be part of something bigger. It’s an event where every stroke matters, in the water and beyond.

With multiple distances on offer, from the welcoming 1km harbour loop to the 5km endurance challenge, there’s a swim for every level. And thanks to the sheltered bay setting, the course is smooth, safe, and great for swimmers building confidence in open water.

But what truly sets Balmoral apart is the vibe: it’s warm, inclusive, and packed with meaning. From the family-friendly atmosphere on the sand to the shared smiles at the finish line, this is a swim that fills your heart as much as it tests your arms.

Come for the cause, stay for the camaraderie, and leave knowing you’ve made a splash that matters.

What's on offer

1km Harbour Swim

1km Around the Bay

10 years

Looking for a swim that’s welcoming, scenic, and just the right amount of challenge? The 1km Harbour Swim at Balmoral is your go-to. This calm-water swim takes place inside the sheltered bay and loops around Rocky Point Island, offering a stunning setting and an achievable distance, ideal for first-timers or anyone easing back into the ocean swimming season. The course is designed to be safe and accessible, with clear marker buoys and full water safety support from start to finish. Whether you’re taking it steady or going for a splashy sprint, it’s the kind of swim that leaves you smiling. It’s also a great option for more experienced swimmers who want to shake out their arms before a longer distance, or just enjoy a picturesque paddle in one of Sydney’s prettiest harbour spots. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome, including those with a disability. Check the event’s official website for accessibility info and support options.

2.5km Harbour Swim

2.5km Around the Bay

14 years

Not quite ready for the full 5km, but looking for more than a splash around the bay? The 2.5km Harbour Swim is the perfect in-between, giving you room to stretch out your stroke while still enjoying the safety and serenity of Balmoral’s protected waters. This course takes swimmers from the golden sands of Balmoral out toward Chinamans Beach and back, offering spectacular harbour views and a chance to find your rhythm over a longer distance. It’s a fantastic step-up for swimmers moving beyond the 1km event or prepping for marathon swims later in the season. Swimmers are grouped into Male, Female, and Elite categories, with limited numbers in each wave to keep things flowing smoothly. Keen to test yourself against the best? You can nominate for the Elite wave, just note that selection is at the discretion of the Balmoral Swim organisers. If you’re not placed in Elite, don’t worry, you’ll still be part of the action in your age and gender wave. With a flat course, welcoming crowd, and that signature Balmoral buzz, this is a rewarding way to take your ocean swimming to the next level.

5km Harbour Swim

5km Around the Bay

14 years

Ready to go the distance? The 5km Harbour Swim at Balmoral is the big one, the ultimate test of endurance and rhythm in a setting that’s as kind as it is beautiful. With two laps of the extended course from Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach and back, this swim gives you the space to settle in, find your pace, and soak up the scenery. Thanks to the bay’s naturally sheltered waters, swimmers can take on this challenge without the usual surf breaks and strong currents, making it perfect for those chasing personal bests, preparing for marathon swims, or simply ticking off a major goal in a safe and supportive environment. With a limited field of swimmers, you’ll enjoy clear water and plenty of room, and the event is neatly divided into Elite, Male, and Female categories. Got competitive fire? Nominate for the Elite wave, organisers will hand-pick this crew, and if you’re not selected, you’ll still be placed in your regular gender category so you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for a big swim in a beautiful bay, this one ticks all the boxes: calm water, great safety support, and a vibe that blends challenge with community. Dive in, you’ve got this.

Plot your course

*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ

What to expect in the water

Balmoral Beach is a sheltered bay on Sydney Harbour, with flat water, no surf, and incredible views. The water is clean and generally calm, making this one of the most beginner-friendly open water swims in the country.
Expect water temps around 22–24°C in early April. Ideal conditions for distance swimmers and first-timers alike.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits are welcome but not essential. Calm harbour conditions mean the swim is suitable for a wide range of abilities. Ample water safety will be on hand, and the event is well-supported by volunteers and club members.

What’s on when

6:15 am: 2.5km & 5km registration opens
7 am: 5km swim start
7:15 am: Schools Relay registration opens
7:20 am: 2.5km swim start
8:00 am: Schools relay swim start
8:15 am: 1km swim, Balmoral Challenge Relay & Junior Relay registration opens
9:15 am: Balmoral Challenge Relay swim start
9:45 am: Junior Relay swim start
10:15 am: 1km swim start

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

+16

Highlight reel

Getting there & around

Balmoral is one of Sydney’s most picturesque harbour beaches, and the perfect spot for a relaxed but rewarding swim. But with those postcard views comes a bit of popularity, so it’s wise to plan ahead when it comes to getting there.

If you’re driving, there’s limited paid parking available along The Esplanade, Raglan Street, and surrounding residential streets, as well as a few small council car parks nearby. These spots tend to fill early on event day, especially when the sun’s out, so get in early or carpool if you can.

Public transport is your best bet. There are several easy and scenic options:

Catch the 257 bus from Chatswood, which takes you straight to Balmoral Beach.
Take the 238 bus from Taronga Zoo, ideal if you’re arriving via ferry from the city.
Alternatively, ferries to Mosman Bay Wharf link with local buses or offer a beautiful 30-minute walk along the harbour if you’re up for a scenic warm-up.

Once you arrive, everything’s close. The event hub is set up along The Esplanade, right by the sand, with bag drop facilities, toilets, changerooms, and plenty of nearby cafés for a pre- or post-swim treat.

In short: leave the car at home if you can, soak in the views on the way, and make a morning of it. This is Sydney Harbour swimming at its finest.

Balmoral Beach

Balmoral NSW, Australia

While you're there

Start your morning with a post-swim coffee from Boathouse Balmoral, known for its unbeatable views and beachside brekkies. Or wander over to the Pasture of Balmoral for something more relaxed, think nourishing bowls, warm pastries, and a killer flat white.

Once you’ve refuelled, take a stroll out to Rocky Point, the little island connected by a footbridge at the southern end of the beach. It’s a local favourite for a reason, offering panoramic harbour views and peaceful photo spots.

Feeling social? Lay out a towel and settle in on the sand with your swim crew, there’s plenty of room to soak up the sunshine and swap salty stories. The Balmoral Baths are also right there if you want to keep swimming in calm, netted waters.

If you’ve brought the family, the grassy parklands and shaded picnic areas make it easy to turn the day into a full-blown outing. There’s even a playground and nearby boutique shops if you’re keen to browse while you dry off.

Whether you hang around for a long lunch or just enjoy the stillness after your swim, Balmoral is the kind of place that invites you to linger. You’ve just taken part in a meaningful swim, so why rush off?