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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 Zubi at Billy’s 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.
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.
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