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At a glance

Sun, 23 Feb 2025

Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach NSW

Ocean Swim

500m, 1km & 2.1km (+ 2km & 4km Beach Runs)

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Last held on Sun, 23 Feb 2025

City Ford Sydney Bondi Blue Water Challenge

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Bondi SBLSC

How to enter

Online entries are closed

Event Website

At a glance

Sun, 23 Feb 2025

Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach NSW

Ocean Swim

500m, 1km & 2.1km (+ 2km & 4km Beach Runs)

Around The Buoys

Why this event?

Finish summer with a swim at Bondi Beach

What better way to wrap up summer than with a splash at Sydney’s most iconic beach? The Bondi Blue Water Challenge is your final fling with the ocean before autumn kicks in, and it brings the heat with three swim distances, big beach energy, and classic Bondi buzz.

This event is for everyone. First-timers love the 500m and 1km swims, while seasoned swimmers take on the 2.1km loop with a grin. And if you’re keen to swap freestyle for footwork, the 2km and 4km soft sand runs will test your legs with two or four laps of the famous Bondi Beach. It’s a full-body challenge, salty, sandy, and seriously satisfying.

There’s a real sense of celebration in the air, with music pumping, sunshine blazing, and swimmers of all ages soaking up the last of the season. Run by the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, it’s as authentic as ocean swimming gets: a true community event, run by ocean lovers for ocean lovers.

On the day

What's on offer

500m Ocean Swim

9 years

Perfect for nippers or first-time ocean swimmers, this 500m swim is a great intro to the sport. The course is a short loop around two marker buoys set about 200 metres off the sand, right in front of the Bondi Surf Club. It’s close to shore, well-supported by water safety, and ideal if you’re looking to dip your toes in without going too far out. A confidence booster with a side of sea spray.

1km Ocean Swim

10 years

A great next step for growing your open water confidence, this 1km course is a single, wineglass-shaped loop right in front of the club. You’ll head out from the beach, pass the gate buoy on your right, and cruise south towards Icebergs. After rounding the central marker buoy, you’ll swim across the bay, turn left around the outermost buoy, and then head for home. Pass through the final gate buoy (again on your right), and finish it off with a short run up the beach under the iconic blue arch. Wide turns, good visibility, and a classic Bondi view the whole way.

2.1km Ocean Swim

13 years

For experienced swimmers looking to end summer on a high, the 2.1km is your big one. This wineglass-shaped course takes you across the full sweep of Bondi Bay. You’ll start on the sand, pass the gate buoy on your right, then head south towards the Icebergs. After passing one buoy on your left, you’ll round the marker near MacKenzies Point, before stretching across the bay to Ben Buckler at the northern end. One last left turn sends you back towards shore, passing the central bay marker on your left. Slip through the final gate buoy on your right and finish with a short beach run under the blue arch. It’s got distance, direction changes, and Bondi’s best views, plus that satisfying, salt-soaked feeling of ticking off a full lap of the bay.

2km & 4km Beach Run

Soft Sand

10 years

Think your legs are done after the swim? Think again. The soft sand run is your chance to double down on the challenge or just kick up some sand for fun. Starting at the ramp in front of Bondi Surf Club, you’ll head south along the back of the beach with cones marking the way (don’t worry, there’s still plenty of room for sunbakers and beach walkers). Each loop is a 1km round trip, with 2km runners tackling two laps, and 4km runners taking on four. You’ll finish strong under the same inflatable arch as the swim, just with a little more sand in your shoes and a lot more bragging rights. It’s classic Bondi: tough, iconic, and full of beachside energy.

Swim map

What to expect in the water

(23–25°C), with small-to-moderate swell and glassy early-morning surf. The course is well set up with plenty of water safety support and clearly marked buoys.

It’s an excellent event for newer swimmers looking for a confidence boost, and a solid challenge for more experienced ocean-goers.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits are welcome. Swimmers should be comfortable in ocean conditions, especially for the 2.1km course. All swims are patrolled by experienced surf lifesavers, with plenty of support on hand.

Sunscreen, hydration, and a towel for the sand are a must.

What’s on when

7:30 am: Registration and check-in opens for all swims and beach run (surf club)
7:55 am: Race briefing for the 2km & 4km run (at the start line)
8:00 am: 2km & 4km beach run start
8:55 am: Race briefing for the 500m swim (at the start line)
9:00 am: 500m swim start
9:25 am: Race briefing for the 1km swim (at the start line)
9:30 am: 1km swim start
9:30 am: Awards presentation for the beach runs and 500m swim (on the beach)
10:25 am: Race briefing for the 2.1km swim (at the start line)
10:30 am: 2.1km swim start
12:00 pm: Awards presentation for the 1km and 2.1km swims (surf club)

Photo highlights

Getting there & around

Ah, Bondi parking… hopefully by this time in the season, things have eased up a bit, but let’s be real, if the sun’s out, every spot from here to the hills will be gone before sunrise. Plan ahead and arrive early, especially if you’re driving.

There’s beach parking along Elizabeth Drive and behind the Pavilion, as well as 2-hour timed spots within a couple of blocks. If you’re happy to stretch your legs, head a little further out, Military Road past the golf course in North Bondi often has better luck, and that walk to the beach? Call it a warm-up.

Better yet, carpool or catch public transport. Buses to Bondi are reliable and run often; 333, 380, and 381 will all drop you close to the sand. The 389 is also an option, but you’ll need to hop off at Hall Street or the North Bondi terminal and enjoy a short stroll in.

However you get there, give yourself plenty of time. Bondi on swim day is buzzing, and it fills up fast.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach NSW, Australia

While you're there

Make a day of it, because once you’ve swum at Bondi, you’re not going to want to rush off.

Start with a fresh juice or smoothie from Cali Press, then cruise up the hill to Harry’s or Bills for a brunch worth swimming for. Think ricotta hotcakes, avo smash, and coffee that hits the spot. Still salty and barefoot? No stress, Bondi’s made for that.

After you refuel, kick back on the grassy knoll above the beach, prime people-watching real estate, or take a wander through the Bondi Markets if it’s the weekend. For a second dip (with serious views), stroll the promenade south to the iconic Bondi Icebergs ocean pool and float your way into recovery mode.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is just a few steps away, with cliff views, sea breeze, and selfie stops guaranteed. Or grab a gelato and let the day roll on.

It’s the perfect bookend to your summer swim season, salty, sun-soaked, and full of that unbeatable Bondi buzz.