If you’re after a swim that feels like a secret, tucked between headlands, hugged by cliffs, and filled with friendly faces, the Bilgola ‘Billy’ is it. One of the most charming and low-key swims on the Northern Beaches calendar, this event is all about community, connection, and that boutique beach energy you don’t find just anywhere.
It’s the kind of swim where you’ll spot familiar faces, get a warm welcome from the surf club crew, and walk away with salty hair and a big smile. With two distances on offer, it caters to everyone, whether you’re dipping your toe into ocean swimming for the first time or chasing a solid summer hit-out.
The water is usually crystal clear, the beach is tucked away from the crowds, and the setting is pure postcard, natural, unspoilt, and backed by bushland. Add in the laid-back vibe, great local support, and a course that lets you really enjoy the beauty of the bay, and it’s easy to see why the Billy has such a loyal following.
It’s a local favourite for a reason, and once you’ve done it, you’ll be back next year too.
Bilgola Beach is nestled between Avalon and Newport, protected by steep headlands that often help reduce swell and block the wind. It’s a beautifully quiet pocket of sand with a gentle slope and usually clean, small surf.
In January, the water sits around 22–24°C, perfect for skins or wetsuits. Conditions are typically manageable, making this swim ideal for those newer to open water or just getting back into it post-holidays.
Wetsuits are welcome but rarely needed in January. Water temps are swimmer-friendly, and the beach is well patrolled with lifesavers and water safety along the course. Be confident in basic open water skills, especially for the 1.5km swim.
8:00 am – Registration opens
9:00 am – 500m swim start
10:00 am – 1.5km swim start
10:45 am – Presentations and prize draws
Bilgola’s secluded setting is part of its charm, but it does mean a little extra planning to get there smoothly. There’s limited parking near the beach, so if you’re after a close spot, arrive early. Otherwise, there are a few solid options nearby with easy access.
Your best bet is Porter Reserve at North Newport. You’ll find the entry via Burke Street, just off Barrenjoey Road on the left as you leave Newport heading north. From there, a free shuttle bus will run regular loops to Bilgola Beach, starting at 7:45 am and continuing until around 12 noon. Look for the friendly Billy Swim volunteers holding signs.
You can also park at the Newport Beach car park, where the shuttle will stop too. Just a heads-up: Northern Beaches Council parking fees apply at both Porter Reserve and Newport car park.
Prefer to stretch your legs? There’s a beautiful walking track over the headland between North Newport and Bilgola Beach, about 12 minutes of coastal views and salty air. Join the track from the north end of Newport Beach and enjoy one of the prettiest pre-swim strolls around.
Whichever way you’re getting there, be sure to allow enough time to reach the beach, check in, and soak in the atmosphere before your race kicks off.
Bilgola is the kind of place you stay a little longer. Bring a towel, stretch out on the sand post-swim, or take a dip in the heritage ocean pool at the northern end of the beach. For food, head over the hill to Avalon for brunch at Nourished or coffee from The Sneaky Grind.
It’s the kind of swim morning that lingers, in the best way.
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