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At a glance

Sun, 29 Mar 2026

Cape Hawke Beach, Forster NSW

Ocean Swim

250m, 500m & 3.8km

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Sun, 29 Mar 2026

The Dorsal Club 2 Club

Cape Hawke SLSC

Forster SLSC

How to enter

Online entries are open.
Entries close online on 28 Mar, 2:00 pm

Enter Now

Event support provided by Ocean Swims

Enhanced Refund Protection Available

See who’s entered

At a glance

Sun, 29 Mar 2026

Cape Hawke Beach, Forster NSW

Ocean Swim

250m, 500m & 3.8km

Around The Buoys
Point To Point

Why this event?

An epic journey swim around the headland from Cape Hawke to Forster

The Dorsal Club 2 Club is a gutsy and gorgeous point-to-point ocean swim that connects two proud local surf clubs across nearly 4km of uninterrupted coastline. From Cape Hawke to Forster, it’s a straight shot along the beach and around the headland, with dolphins often spotted mid-swim.

This is the kind of event that gives you bragging rights and a huge post-swim high. Whether you’re lining up for the full 3.8km course or supporting your grommets in the kids’ 250m or 500m swims, the day has a strong surf community feel and spectacular setting.

It’s one of the most satisfying long swims on the NSW calendar.

On the day

What's on offer

250m Ocean Swim

8 years

Perfect for junior swimmers aged 8 and up, this 250m ocean swim is a great intro to open water swimming, with just the right mix of fun, safety, and salty adventure. Held on Forster Main Beach, right in front of the Forster SLSC, the course takes place on a north-facing stretch of sand that’s naturally sheltered, ideal for giving kids a confidence-building swim, even if conditions kick up a little. Swimmers will head out from the beach, follow an around-the-buoys loop, then return to shore to finish to the cheers of family and friends. It’s short, sweet, and full of smiles, just the way a first ocean swim should be.

500m Ocean Swim

Professionals Forster & Tuncurry 500

10 years

Also held on the calm, north-facing waters of Forster Main Beach, this 500m swim is ideal for older kids, beginners, or anyone looking for a manageable but satisfying ocean dip. Run right in front of the Forster Surf Club, the course follows an around-the-buoys loop before bringing swimmers back to shore for a classic sandy finish. The beach’s natural protection means conditions are usually gentle, even if the weather has a bit of spice, making it a great stepping stone for those newer to open water. Whether you’re building your confidence or just want a cruisy swim with great vibes, the Professionals Forster & Tuncurry 500 is the perfect choice.

3.8km Ocean Swim

Club to Club

14 years

The Club to Club is a true test of ocean spirit, 3.8km of coastal goodness that absolutely earns its ‘epic’ title. Starting at the east-facing Cape Hawke Beach, swimmers head out through the break, round the headland, and take on a long westward push to Forster Main Beach, with the finish line in sight (but maybe not quite within reach!) the whole way. As you wrap around the headland, expect to roll around in the swell and chop, a bit wild, a bit wonderful, and always exhilarating. Once you turn west, things usually settle down… unless the swell’s from the north-east, in which case you’ll get a little more backwash bounce to keep things spicy. The final stretch into Forster is a classic head swim, long, steady, and guaranteed to test your focus (and your sense of humour). But the reward? A cheering shoreline, a finish arch you’ll be dreaming about for the last kilometre, and that unbeatable post-swim feeling. Whether it’s your first long swim or one to add to the list, this course is always fun, sometimes challenging, and totally unforgettable. There’s a 2-hour time limit, so settle into your stroke, keep your eyes on the beach, and enjoy every salty metre of this coastal gem.

What to expect in the water

The course runs from One Mile Beach (Cape Hawke SLSC) to Main Beach (Forster SLSC), tracking north across the headland and past a stunning stretch of undeveloped coast. Water is usually clear with gentle rolling swell and occasional rips, so ocean awareness is key.

April brings warm water (22–24°C) and typically mild surf conditions, although this swim is best suited to confident swimmers due to its length and exposed nature.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits are welcome. The 3.8km swim is for experienced ocean swimmers with good fitness and surf awareness. All swims are patrolled with board paddlers, IRBs and lifeguards throughout.

Sunscreen, water, and a post-swim snack are highly recommended.

Good to know

Registration

All swimmers need to be at Forster Main Beach on Sunday morning to collect their race number and cap (or bring your own cap and recycle).

Club To Club time limit

There is a 2-hour time limit on completing the 3.8km Club To Club swim. Please comply with water safety requests.

Bus transfer

Forster Buslines will transfer swimmers from Forster SLSC to the start line at Cape Hawke SLSC from 8.30 am.

Competition rules

All swimmers must swim the prescribed course and ensure that their name is marked off the official entrants register at the conclusion of the Dorsal 3.8km and 250m and 500m swim even if they do not complete the course.
Swimmers must swim in the category for which they are eligible.
All swimmers must wear their prescribed cap, race number.
A swimmer using extraneous aids e.g. flippers, snorkels or flotation clothing or devices, wetsuits of any kind will not be eligible for a prize
All swimmers are to behave in a fair and sportsmanlike manner without interference or aggression towards other competitors and any breach of this rule may result in disqualification from the swim.
If in the opinion of an event medical officer or a water safety official a competitor is physically or otherwise incapable of starting or completing the swim or has been in the water for an inordinate time such competitor may be disqualified from starting or be removed from the water at any time.
If in the opinion of the Club the weather or swimming conditions are dangerous or unsuitable, the swim may be cancelled without notice.
Prize winners must be present to receive their prizes.

Categories & prizes

Categories

14-19-years, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ and Opens.

Swim aids & wetsuits

Wetsuits not eligible for prizes
Wetsuits are fine to wear, keep in mind they’re not eligible for prizes or age group placings on the day.

Swim aids allowed, not eligible for prizes
Swim aids such as fins and snorkels are welcome. You’ll still be timed, but not eligible for prizes or age group placings.

What’s on when

6:30 – 9:30 am – Registration (Forster SLSC)
8:00 am – 500m swim start (Forster Main Beach)
8:30 am – Bus transfer from Forster SLSC to Cape Hawke SLSC
8:50 am – Swim briefing (at the start line)
9:15 am – 3.8km Club To Club swim start
9:30 am – 250m swim start (Forster Main Beach)

Prepare for this event

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

Getting there & around

All swimmers check in at Forster Surf Life Saving Club, where the finish line and main event hub is located. If you’re tackling the 3.8km Club to Club swim, bus transport is provided from Forster SLSC to the start line at Cape Hawke Beach, easy, breezy, and saves you the shuttle shuffle.

Street parking is available near both Forster SLSC and Cape Hawke, but like any good beachside event, spots fill up quickly, so arrive early or carpool with your swim crew if you can. Bring a towel for the sand, warm clothes for after, and maybe even a change of clothes if you’re sticking around for a post-swim coffee or lunch.

Public transport is also an option, especially if you’re staying in the Forster-Tuncurry area. Local bus services run between nearby towns and stop within walking distance of Forster Main Beach. If you’re travelling from further afield, coach services to Forster are available from Sydney and Newcastle, and make for a scenic trip up the coast if you’re turning your swim into a weekend away.

With the beach, cafes, and event village all within a short walk, it’s a smooth setup for swimmers and supporters alike. Just follow the buzz and the trail of sandy feet.

Cape Hawke Beach

Forster NSW, Australia

While you're there

Forster is the kind of place that makes you want to stay salty, stay barefoot, and stay all weekend. After your swim, head straight for Beach Bums Café, right on the sand, for a post-swim coffee or brekky roll with ocean views. Or settle into Tartt for something a bit more indulgent (and a flat white that hits just right).

Still got some energy to burn? Take a gentle stroll along the rock pool boardwalk, where you can dip your feet, spot some marine life, or just soak up the sunshine. The Forster Ocean Baths are perfect for a post-race float, and the grassy areas nearby are great for lying back with your towel, your mates, and your medal.

If you’re sticking around (and we highly recommend you do), there’s plenty to explore: the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry, sparkling Wallis Lake, local farmers markets, and endless beaches to wander, surf, or snooze on. Hire a kayak, book a dolphin cruise, or just follow the coastline and see where the day takes you.

From beachside brekkies to sunset beers, Forster delivers the goods. This isn’t just a swim, it’s your perfect excuse for a Mid North Coast mini-holiday.

Event support

Ocean Swims provides event support on behalf of the event organiser.

Ask a question

Pre-event: Use the event support contact form for all event queries.

Event day: For support on the day of the event, talk to an event official. Urgent event updates will be communicated via SMS. If you don’t hear from us, the event is on as and where scheduled.

Manage your entry

Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard up until 12 pm the day prior to the event. Fees may apply. Visit your dashboard

Refunds: View the event’s withdrawl and cancellation policies.

Cancellations

Making A Claim

Make an Enhanced Refund Protection claim
Click here if you need to make a claim (claims are handled directly with the insurer, not by Ocean Swims).

Enhanced Refund Protection

Want extra peace of mind? Enhanced Refund Protection is like registration insurance; think travel insurance, but for your event entry.

How it works

You can purchase this protection at the time of online entry only
You’ll be refunded if you’re unable to attend for one of the approved reasons
This does not apply if the event is postponed or cancelled by the organiser.

Click here to read the full details and see if it’s right for you.