At a glance

  • Sun, 3 May 2026
  • Main Beach, Byron Bay NSW
  • Ocean Swim
  • 800m & 2.2km

Sign in to leave a review

  • Last held on Sun, 3 May 2026

Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic

Recommended

At a glance

  • Sun, 3 May 2026
  • Main Beach, Byron Bay NSW
  • Ocean Swim
  • 800m & 2.2km
  • Point To Point

Why this event?

A favourite of the traditional ocean swimmers

The Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic is one of those swims that every Aussie ocean swimmer should tick off at least once, though most end up coming back year after year. Held in one of Australia’s most iconic beach towns, this 2.2km point-to-point swim is more than just a race; it’s a ritual.

Starting at the sheltered Wategos Beach, you’ll round Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point, before cruising into the open bay and finishing at Main Beach, right in the heart of Byron. Along the way, you’ll glide over sandy patches, reefy glimpses, and (if you’re lucky) a sea turtle or two.

But the real magic? It’s the vibe. This is a swim that radiates good energy, no wetsuits, no hard sell, just salty people doing what they love. From elite athletes chasing a PB to first-timers riding the swell, everyone shares the same finish line and the same post-swim grin.

Add in the tropical water temps, the relaxed surf club vibe, and a town full of cafés, music, and beach culture, and you’ve got yourself the full Byron experience. Whether you’re chasing a challenge, a new swim to brag about, or just an excuse to visit Byron, this Classic delivers.

On the day

What's on offer

800m Ocean Swim
  • Mini Swim
  • 9 years
Whether you’re a junior swimmer, a family diving in together, or just after a cruisy warm-up before the main event, the Byron Bay Chocolate Co Dash is your go-to. This 800m swim starts at Clarkes Beach and makes its way around the bay to Main Beach, offering calm waters, a gentle current, and a big confidence boost. It’s the perfect dip for those newer to ocean swimming or anyone wanting to soak up the Byron magic without going the full 2.2km distance. Designed to be welcoming and low-pressure, this swim encourages everyone to have a go, no matter your age or pace. Open to swimmers aged 9 and up, it’s ideal for building ocean confidence, trying something new, or simply enjoying the view from the water. Think of it as your friendly, splash-filled stepping stone to the Byron Bay Classic..
2.2km Ocean Swim
  • Byron Bay Classic
  • 12 years
This is the big one, the Byron Bay Classic, a 2.2km stunner that captures everything we love about ocean swimming. It’s a scenic, slightly curving point-to-point route that takes you from Wategos Beach, around the famous Pass, and across the bay to the golden sand of Main Beach. Swimmers start their journey with a short bus ride from the surf club to the start line at Wategos. From there, it’s all about finding your rhythm and soaking up the surroundings, turquoise water, sandy sea floor, and a coastline so pretty you might forget you’re racing (almost). The course is well-marked with buoys, and the local surf clubs have safety covered, so you can focus on enjoying one of the most iconic ocean swims in the country. At around 2.2km, it’s long enough to be a challenge, but cruisy enough to be achievable for anyone with a bit of open water experience under their belt. Whether you’re swimming for time, for fun, or just for that incredible feeling of walking out of the water with Main Beach cheering you in, this Classic delivers. It’s summer in Byron, salt on your skin, and a story you’ll be telling for years.

Plot your course

*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ

What’s on when

7:00 am: Registration opens at Byron Bay Surf Club 
9:00 am: Safety briefing 
9:30 am: 800m swim start
9:15 – 10:00 am: Buses leave Byron Bay Surf Club for the 2.2km swim start at Wategos Beach 
10:00 am: 2.2km swim start
12:30 pm: Presentation starts

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.

How it went

Most recent results

2026 Results are available

Previous results

2025 | 2024 | 2023

Reviews

Upcoming events nearby

No results available

partner-logo-vorgee-white-450-01
partner-logo-oceanfit-white-450-01
partner-logo-vorgee-white-450-01
partner-logo-speedo-white-450-01
partner-logo-oceanfit-white-450-01

Copyright © 1999-2025 oceanswims.com. All rights reserved.
‘OCEANFIT is a registered trademark of OceanFit Pty Ltd.