Bridge2Bridge Splash Swim

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At a glance

Sat, 18 Jan 2025

Howitt Park Rowing Club, Bairnsdale

River Swim

2.5km

Point To Point

Why this event?

Go with the flow, from bridge to bridge on the Mitchell River.

After a few years away, the Bridge2Bridge Splash Swim made a triumphant return to Bairnsdale in 2024, bringing back one of Gippsland’s most loved river swims. This 2.5 km downstream journey along the Mitchell River captures the friendly, community-first spirit of country swimming at its best.

It’s an easy-flowing, scenic swim that threads through the heart of Bairnsdale, from the Lind Bridge in Wy Yung down to the Howitt Park Rowing Club jetty, finishing under the Howitt Park Rail Trail Bridge.

Whether you’re swimming solo, teaming up with family, or rallying a group of friends, it’s an event that celebrates participation and shared adventure.

There’s a relaxed local vibe here, swimmers cheer each other on, locals gather on the banks, and the riverside lawns fill with smiles, chatter, and plenty of post-swim stories.

On the day

What's on offer

2.5km River Swim

Solo

17 years

Start at Lind Bridge, Wy Yung, and follow the river downstream for 2.5 km to finish at the Howitt Park Rowing Club landing. Ideal for recreational swimmers and those looking to step up from shorter events.

2.5km River Swim

Teams

13 years

Not ready to go it alone? Share the journey with friends or family in the team event. Teams of two or three swimmers complete the full 2.5 km course in relay format, passing the baton (or timing chip) at designated changeover points along the Mitchell River. There are three legs in total, and swimmers are welcome to take on more than one leg if they wish: Leg 1: Lind Bridge to Dog Hole (600 m) Leg 2: Dog Hole to Port of Bairnsdale (1,000 m) Leg 3: Port of Bairnsdale to Howitt Park Rowing Jetty (900 m) It’s a fun, social way to experience the course and share the achievement with your crew. Whether you’re swimming side by side or cheering from the bank between legs, it’s all about teamwork, community, and crossing the finish line together at Howitt Park.

Prepare for this event

Up The Ante: 2km Training Program
Step up in distance with this training program designed to build you up & guide you all the way to the finish. Learn more

Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.