1km & 2.8km
The Big Swim isn’t just one of the most scenic and satisfying swims in the country; it’s one of the most storied. Now in its sixth decade, this iconic journey swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach has become a summer ritual for ocean swimmers from across Australia and beyond.
First held in 1974, the swim began as a way to bring together two surf clubs and test the skills of a new generation of ocean lovers. Over the years, it’s grown into a rite of passage. There are tales of chaos in the early years, swimsuits filled with seaweed, course markers drifting off in the swell, and the Prime Minister who didn’t swim, but the spirit has always been the same: adventure, challenge, and community.
The 2.8km course delivers everything you could want in a classic point-to-point swim: crystal-clear water, rocky headlands, rolling ocean swell, and that unbeatable feeling of gliding into Whale Beach with the current at your back.
Not quite ready for the full journey? The 1km Little Big Swim is a great intro, held at Palm Beach and perfect for kids or first-time ocean swimmers.
Whichever swim you choose, the finish line delivers that warm, salty buzz only a true ocean swim can give, plus the chance to soak it all up with fellow swimmers who know they’ve just been part of something special.
Held at Palm Beach, the Little Big Swim is a great family-friendly option for those who want to be part of the action without taking on the full swim, just yet. Perfect for beginners, younger swimmers, or anyone after a more relaxed ocean swim experience.
The course starts with a beach entry, heads out past the break, loops around four brightly coloured buoys, and returns to the starting point on the sand. It’s safe, well-supported, and all about fun in the water.
Starting from the sand in front of the Palm Beach Pavilion, this iconic point-to-point swim finishes right in the middle of Whale Beach, tracking around the dramatic coastline of Little Head. It’s a route packed with headland views, open ocean glory, and just the right amount of mystery.
At first glance, Whale Beach might look “just around the corner”, but don’t be fooled. One of the most shared post-swim tales is about the “never-ending headlands,” which is exactly how this swim earned its legendary name: The Big Swim.
Depending on the day, it can be one of the toughest swims of the season, with swell, chop, and shifting conditions giving even the most experienced ocean swimmers a solid workout. But on the right day, it’s pure magic, a smooth, scenic glide through calm blue water that makes every stroke feel like a holiday.
*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ
Expect a classic point-to-point ocean adventure. Whale Beach to Palm Beach is a spectacular stretch of coast with clean water and open ocean conditions. January water temps usually sit around 22 – 24°C.
The swim is exposed to the elements, so be prepared for a bit of swell, a few bumps, and the chance of a rip or two. It’s part of the challenge and the fun. Water safety is excellent, with IRBs and board paddlers throughout the course.
The Big Swim is a true ocean swim, best suited for those confident in open water and ready for a bit of adventure. Conditions can vary from calm and cruisy to challenging, so come prepared. Wetsuits are permitted, and swim aids, including fins, snorkels, and pull buoys, are welcome too.
Just keep in mind that swimmers using aids won’t be eligible for major prizes and will be asked to start at the back of the pack to keep things fair and friendly for all.
Safety teams will be out in full force, and a pre-swim briefing will cover everything you need to know before you hit the water. Be sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and stay tuned for any course updates on the day.
Bring your salty spirit and enjoy every stroke, it’s what The Big Swim is all about.
Note for elite swimmers
Elite-level swimmers who wish to start in the Elite wave should enter online as usual for The Big Swim. On event day, simply let the team know at registration and you’ll be switched into the Elite wave/category before the start.
Bag drop
Bag drop is at Palm Beach, in the parking area north of the pavilion, using Brown Bros Trucks clearly marked A, B, and C. Please note which truck you use and ensure your bag is easy to identify.
Bag collection
At Whale Beach, collect your gear from the beachfront pine tree area, with matching A, B, and C zones.
For more information about the day, visit the official event website.
7:30 am – Registration opens for Little Big Swim
8:30 am – Little Big Swim start (1km)
9:00 am – Registration opens for the Big Swim
10:00 am – Big Swim start (2.8km)
11:00 am – Presentations and post-swim hangs
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.
Highlight reel
Getting to The Big Swim takes a little planning, but it’s all part of the adventure. Parking is available at both Palm Beach and Whale Beach, but spots are limited, especially with summer crowds. Metered parking at Palm Beach and North Palm Beach fits about 150 vehicles, so if you’re driving, arrive early or carpool with your swim buddies.
Heads up, beachfront parking at Whale Beach is closed for the event, and the surrounding streets don’t offer much either. Your best bet? Park smart and make use of the free shuttle buses.
Free Shuttle Buses
For a map of parking spots and the latest shuttle details, head to the event website closer to the day.
So pack your gear, sort your transport, and get ready for a day of salty fun, sweeping views, and a swim you’ll be talking about well into the off-season.
For more information about getting there aand away, visit the official event website.
Palm Beach is a postcard, golden sand, turquoise water, and that salty summer buzz. After your swim, reward yourself with a smoothie or brekky at The Boathouse, perched right on the Pittwater side, or grab a cheeky coffee and pastry from Pronto for a quick fix with a view. If you’re still riding that swim high, wander up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for one of the best panoramas on the peninsula, bonus points if you spot your swim route from the top.
Prefer a slower pace? Kick back on the sand, float in the calm shallows, or explore the rock pools around the headland. The Palm Beach Ferry Wharf is also nearby, with connections to Ettalong and the Central Coast if you’re extending your adventure.
It’s more than a swim. It’s a Northern Beaches summer tradition, a perfect blend of ocean challenge, beachside joy, and that long-lingering post-swim glow.
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