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Looking for an ocean swim with a little extra thrill? The Sharkskin Caves Beach Ocean Swim delivers the goods, wave play, rocky swim-throughs, and a true journey-style route that makes it one of the most distinctive and talked-about swims on the calendar.
Framed by the iconic sea caves that give this beach its name, the 1.5km point-to-point course kicks off with a dramatic start and winds around reefs, headlands, and cliffs before sweeping you into the wide, sandy curve of Caves Beach. It’s the kind of swim that keeps you engaged every stroke of the way, dynamic, scenic, and full of surprises.
For younger swimmers or those easing into the sport, the 500m kids’ swim offers a safe, fun loop close to shore, still full of energy, but with calmer waters and cheering crowds lining the beach.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this swim is bold, beautiful, and an absolute blast, the perfect mix of challenge, scenery, and coastal fun that leaves you buzzing long after you cross the line.
*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ
Caves Beach is known for its dramatic landscape, protected entry, and wave-washed charm. The 1.5km course usually follows a reef-skirting route from Spoon Rocks to the main beach, often with some swell and surge at the entry and finish.
Expect warm water (22–24°C) in late April and changing surf depending on conditions. The course is supported by IRBs, board paddlers, and plenty of eyes on the water.
Wetsuits are allowed. The main swim is best for confident ocean swimmers who can handle a bit of wave entry, reef current, and some surf finesse. Water safety is top-notch and there’s a pre-swim briefing on navigation.
8:00 am: Registration and on-the-day entries opens (Caves Beach SLSC)
8:30 am: 500m swim registration/entries close
8:50 am: Daffodil Dip (Non-Swim) Dip briefing
9:00 am: Daffodil Dip (Non-Swim) Dip start
9:00 am: 400m Daffodil Dip Swim Marshalling / Swim Briefing
9:15 am: 400m Daffodil Dip Swim start
9:15 am: 500m Juniors Swim Marshalling / Swim Briefing
9:30 am: 500m Juniors Swim start
9:15 am: 1.5km swim registration/entries close
9:45 am: 1.5km swim, Marshalling/Swim Briefing at Spoon Rocks
10:00 am: Daffodil Dip (Non-Swim) Dip ends
10:00 am: 1.5km swim starts
15 minutes after the last swimmer returns, a presentation will be held in front of the Club House
Have A Go: 1km Training Program
Whether you’re coming back after a long break or you’re completely new to swimming, we’ll help you prepare for your 1km swim. Learn more
Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.
Photo highlights
Caves Beach is about 1.5 hours north of Sydney and a quick hop south of Newcastle, perfect for a Sunday swim escape. There’s plenty of street parking around the area, including at the beach via Mawson Close, or above the surf club off Caves Beach Road. But on a sunny day, spots fill fast, so arrive early or buddy up and carpool if you can.
Public transport is an option too. While there’s no train station at Caves Beach, buses run regularly from Swansea and Belmont, with stops along Caves Beach Road just a short walk from the action. Plan ahead using the Transport NSW trip planner to sync up your route.
Whichever way you get there, pack some warm gear, a snack, and maybe a thermos of tea, you’ll want to hang around post-swim and enjoy that salty satisfaction.
Caves Beach isn’t just a great place to swim, it’s a full-blown coastal playground. After your salty splash, grab a coffee and brekky from Mawson or kick back at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows with a cold drink and sea breeze.
If the tides are right, explore the famous sea caves at the southern end of the beach, just check the conditions first, as they’re best explored at low tide. It’s a bit magical down there, with light bouncing off the rock walls and rockpools waiting to be discovered.
Not in a rush? Unroll your towel or set up a picnic on the grassy headland above the surf club and enjoy the view. Watch the grommets hit the waves, chat with your fellow swimmers, or just stretch out and let the post-swim glow sink in.
It’s coastal living at its best, laid-back, sun-kissed, and full of salty smiles.
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