If you love swimming with a splash of marine magic, the Collaroy Beach Ocean Swims are for you. Set within the spectacular Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, this event lets you glide over reef patches teeming with sea life, offering some of the best underwater scenery in Sydney.
It’s a relaxed, community-style event with three short-distance swims, perfect for first-timers, families, and swimmers easing into the season. The beachside vibe is warm and welcoming, and once you’re done in the water, the hospitality continues at the surf club with drinks and a great local atmosphere.
Whether you’re after a leisurely saltwater fix or keen to notch up your first ocean swim, Collaroy delivers a little coastal magic for everyone.
*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ
Collaroy Beach sits snugly in the northern corner of Long Reef Headland. While the headland offers some shelter, this is still an open beach exposed to swell and shifting sandbanks, meaning conditions can vary with the tides.
Expect gutters, reef patches, and a dynamic beach environment, especially as you move further out into the 800m and 1.5km courses. It’s a great location for spotting fish and reef life, so keep your eyes open during your swim!
Wetsuits are welcome but not required. Most swimmers opt for togs, with the spring water temperature sitting in the high teens. You’ll need a basic level of swim fitness and open water experience, especially for the 1.5km.
Collaroy’s all about creating a smooth, feel-good day in and out of the water. You’ll be well looked after, with plenty of water safety on hand, from big boards to small craft, keeping watch throughout each swim. Before you hit the water, the team will run a jet ski around the course so you can get a clear picture of the direction and turns ahead.
Make sure you arrive early and jump online to enter using your own device, there’s no paper or cash on the day. And if you need a hand, the friendly crew in the boat shed will point you in the right direction (and probably share a smile while they’re at it).
7:30 am – Registration opens
8:30 am – 300m swim
9:00 am – 800m swim
9:30 am – Registration closes
10:00 am – 1.5km swim
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.
Collaroy Beach is located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, around 40 minutes from the CBD.
Parking: There’s a small car park next to Collaroy Surf Club and a larger one just north near The Collaroy. Free on-street parking is available on surrounding streets, but arrive early as it fills up quickly.
After the swims, everyone’s invited back to the surf club from 11:30 am to enjoy a cold drink, a yarn with fellow swimmers, and a relaxed beachside atmosphere.
Make a day of it by exploring Long Reef Point, a beautiful walk with panoramic ocean view, or take the family for a splash in the Collaroy rock pools. With waves lapping over the edge and a gentle vibe, it’s the perfect way to unwind post-swim.
2024 | 2023 | 2022 (300m & 800m | 1.5km)
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