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At a glance

Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Palm Beach, Palm Beach NSW

Ocean Swim

1km & 2.8km

Pittwater Ocean Swim Series

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Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Whale Beach SLSC The Big Swim

Whale Beach SLSC

How to enter

Entries are not open yet

Event Website

At a glance

Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Palm Beach, Palm Beach NSW

Ocean Swim

1km & 2.8km

Around The Buoys
Point To Point

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

Why this event?

One of the greatest journey swims in Australia

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 2.5km 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.

What's on offer

1km Ocean Swim

McGrath Pittwater Little Big Swim

10 years

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.

2.8km Ocean Swim

Macquarie Bank Big Swim

12 years

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.

Plot your course

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

What to expect in the water

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.

Swimmer essentials

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.

Competition rules

Swimmers must swim the prescribed course and ensure that they cross the timing mat at the finish.
All swimmers must wear the electronic timing band and the safety colour swimming cap provided.
All swimmers are to behave in a fair and sportsperson like manner. Interference or aggression towards other competitors may result in disqualification from the event results.
If unable to complete the course, and if returning to Palm Beach, notify a Lifesaver or Marshal there and ensure you give them your ankle band. Otherwise you would be considered ‘missing’.
If unable to complete the course and taken by craft to Whale Beach, still cross the timing mat at the finish so your name is registered. If impaired in some way, ensure you give your ankle band to attending Lifesavers or First Aid personnel.
If in the opinion of a water safety official, if a competitor appears incapable of completing the event or has been in the water for an inordinate time, that person way be taken by safety craft from the event.
If in the opinion of the attendant medical officer, a person is physical or otherwise incapable of safely starting or finishing the event, that person will be denied participating.
Extraneous aids such as flippers, snorkels or flotation clothing and only be used in the wave designated for entrants who wish to use such device. They will be the last wave to start in the event.
If in the opinion of the SLSA Safety Officer and the Organisers the weather or swimming conditions are dangerous or unsuitable for the majority, the events may be cancelled without advanced notice.
Prize are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, in each stated age category for both events and winners need to be at the Whale Beach SLSC for presentation that day to receive that prize.

Swim aids & wetsuits

Wetsuits not eligible for prizes
Wetsuits are fine to wear, keep in mind they’re not eligible for prizes or age group placings on the day.

Swim aids allowed in assisted category
Swim aids such as fins and snorkels are welcome in the assisted category. You’ll still be timed, but not eligible for prizes or age group placings.

What’s on when

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

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

Getting there & around

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

From North Avalon Soccer Fields: Free shuttles run to the swim start at Palm Beach and back from Whale Beach after the swim.
For Little Swim swimmers: There’s also a shuttle from Palm Beach to Whale Beach for supporters and spectators keen to watch the finish.
Central Coast swimmers: A dedicated bus meets the Fantasea Ferry from Ettalong, taking you straight to check-in, and returns you to the wharf post-swim in time for the 2 pm ferry home.

Coming from the Central Coast or Newcastle? Fantasea Ferries has you covered. Hop on the 7:50 am ferry from Ettalong, arriving at Palm Beach at 8:25 am, where a minibus will be waiting to get you to the start. After the swim, another bus will return you to the ferry wharf for the 2 pm trip back. There’s roadside parking at Ettalong, just make sure you check the signs and don’t overstay your welcome.

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.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach NSW, Australia

While you're there

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.