- Date15 Jan 2023
- Recommended
Tucked away on the Northern Beaches of Sydney is Bilgola Beach – one of the smallest and most picturesque beaches in the Sydney area – and home to one of the more challenging Swims of the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series.
Despite its bucolic setting, the swell is tricky, reflected in the Guringai Aboriginal meaning for the original place name ‘Belgoula' of ‘swirling waters'. But fear not – alongside this reputation, another reputation is the water safety offered by Bilgola SLSC for the 500M and 1500M swims on the day which is second to none.
The Blackmores Billy Swim, affectionately known as the 'Billy', has two different swims starting an hour apart, 500m and 1.5km and the more daring of swimmers can certainly try to complete both.
The event is a major fundraiser for Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, supporting patrol activities and equipment acquisition throughout the season. Your entry fees help keep Bilgola Beach safe.
Blackmores is once again the major sponsor, with Harris Farm supplying fruit for after swim replenishment.
While you're in Bilgola, make a day of it and explore the northern tip of the beaches.
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:
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
WIN! Enter and complete 3 out of 5 swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series and you'll go in the draw to win an OceanFit Swim The Whitsundays swimming holiday valued at $2,295!
There are five swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series that are held across five different parts of Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Newport (8 Jan), Bilgola (15 Jan), Mona Vale (22 Jan), Palm Beach (29 Jan) and Avalon (12 Mar).
Immerse yourself in the exquisite waters of the Whitsunday Islands, cruising from one picturesque island to the next on your live-onboard tall ship, swimming at secluded bays, along white sand beaches and around tropical islands.
Two swims for the price of one!
+$5 for on-the-day entries.
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Bilgola NSW, Australia
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Stephen Ellis
15 Jan 2023 at 2:03pmGreat conditions and fabulous swim. I’d suggest that having just two waves (male & female) wasn’t enough. It was too crowded particularly around the first two buoys. Maybe next year a minimum of 4 waves?
Eoin Doyle
15 Jan 2023 at 2:12pmCredit to Bilgola SLSC. Great swim this year with perfect conditions. Everything ran very smoothly. The club have been very supportive to Can Too swim group this season and we had about 25-30 swimmers attend. 🙏
Philippa Sawyer
15 Jan 2023 at 3:02pmPerfect day for it.
Not sure that the time keeping was very accurate.
Beautiful in the water.
Brendon Hyde
15 Jan 2023 at 8:02pmA really well organised event on a beautiful day with easy surf but what a pity the usual BBQ could not be held
Marten Touw
15 Jan 2023 at 9:59pmInteresting comment Phillipa. My Garmin watch,.which I clicked after the start, and then really well after I was over the finish line, who then remembers to click it straight away, had a time 6 seconds faster. No biggie.