Blackmores Billy Swim (Bilgola)

There are two courses as part of the Bilgola ocean swim: a very achievable 500m swim and the 1.5km main event.

The diamond-shaped 1.5km course offers the challenge of a straight run out through the break, then turning NE, aiming towards the dramatic headlands that mark the boundaries of the beach.

Turning SE, the furthest point out for the swim is about 500m from shore. Then, turning SW, if you care to look, you’ll see southern neighbours, Newport Beach – but stop before you reach it, as you’ll turn NW on the next-to-final leg approaching Bilgola.

The final leg is directly back through the break, with the waves and the high tide at about the time of your return to the beach, allowing a gracious and spectacular return to the beach.

The 500m swim is a smaller circuit just off the beach.

Bilgola is tucked away in the trees with a regional beach feel about it.

The Bum Balinos Cafe is a relaxed beachside cafe and a favourite with the locals.

If you fancy a round of afternoon golf, book a round in at the Avalon Golf Course just north of the beach.

When you're this far up the northern beaches, there is a lot of sightseeing to be done just by driving around the coastline. Hit Sunday driving mode and see what's around the next corner.

There is special event parking in Porter Reserve at North Newport, you'll find the entry in Burke St off Barrenjoey Rd. A free shuttle bus will transport you to the beach.

If you want to try your luck closer to the beach, there is a park at Bilgola and space along The Serpentine.

Shuttle information

There will be two 20-seat shuttle buses that will regularly pick up from both Newport Surf Club car park and Porters Reserve They are running from 8 am and then will return regularly from Bilgola from about 11 am, finishing about 12 noon.

The organiser of this event, Bilgola 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:

• Refunds are not available, your entry fee will be donated to the club

Event cancellation

Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:

• Entries will not be refunded
• The organiser may, at their discretion, choose another date for the event in the same season and rollover entries to the new date
• Should another date not be found within the same season, the event will be deemed to be cancelled, and there will be no refunds.

The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.