How to enter

Online entries are closed

At a glance

  • Sun, 13 Apr 2025
  • Coogee Beach, Coogee NSW
  • Ocean Swim
  • 800m, 1km & 2.4km
  • Around A Feature
  • Around The Buoys

Sign in to leave a review

  • Last held on Sun, 13 Apr 2025

Coogee Island Challenge

How to enter

Online entries are closed

At a glance

  • Sun, 13 Apr 2025
  • Coogee Beach, Coogee NSW
  • Ocean Swim
  • 800m, 1km & 2.4km
  • Around A Feature
  • Around The Buoys

Why this event?

The second ‘cut of the cake’ for swimmers chasing the Coogee Triple Crown

The Coogee Island Challenge is one of Sydney’s most iconic swims. Wrapping around the famous Wedding Cake Island, the 2.4km loop gives you stunning views above and below the surface, with a healthy dash of ocean spice in between.
With junior and starter swims also on offer, it’s a perfect event for the whole family or swim crew. You’ll get surf club energy, a festive beachside setup, and the chance to tick off one of Sydney’s must-do swims.

What's on offer

800m Ocean Swim
  • Junior Dash
The swim follows a circuit course around a set of buoys inside of Coogee Bay to take advantage of the calm conditions.
  • 10 - 12 Years Old
1km Ocean Swim
  • Splash and Dash
The swim is encapsulated within the surf-free waters of Coogee Bay, just venturing out a little further than the juniors. This swim is perfect for beginners or those experienced ocean swimmers wanting a warm-up for the Challenge later in the morning. 
  • 13 Years Old
2.4km Ocean Swim
  • Wedding Cake Island
This swim is one lap circumnavigating the famous (in the Eastern Suburbs) Wedding Cake Island. Starting at the north end of the beach, swimmers will head out past the northern headland to swim clockwise around the island. Once around the back, buoys will mark the course straight back to the beach, this time finishing in the middle of the beach to a roaring crowd lined up along the walkway. When swimming around Wedding Cake Island, you may experience some mild to challenging conditions, including a sweep and wave reflection. But don’t fear, the beautiful underwater views and stunning views of the island make for an exceptional swim. 
  • 13 Years Old

What to expect in the water

Coogee Bay is mostly protected by the island itself, with smaller surf than other Eastern Suburbs beaches. That said, the loop around Wedding Cake Island can serve up chop, swell, and surge, making for a thrilling but safe swim.
Water temps in mid-April average 21–23°C, and visibility is often crystal clear.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits optional. All events are well-supported by IRBs, board paddlers, and surf lifesavers. Swimmers should be confident in open ocean conditions for the 2.4km course.

Getting there & around

Coogee Beach can get busy, arrive early or take public transport. Parking is available but limited. Coogee SLSC is located at the southern end of the beach. All swims start and finish from the main beach.

  • Coogee Beach
  • Coogee NSW, Australia

While you're there

Coogee’s full of great post-swim haunts, try The Little Kitchen, Barzura, or grab a smoothie and sit on the grass. Stick around for a beach walk or coastal trek to Gordon’s Bay.

Results

Most recent results

2025 results are available

Previous results

202420232022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 

Three Iconic Swims – One Unforgettable Series!

Enter all three events to go in the draw to WIN $1,000 in Cash Prizes for each male & female category. T&Cs apply.

Malabar, 16 Feb | Coogee, 13 April | South Maroubra, 27 Apr

Video

Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series

  • Sun, 26 Apr 2026

Reviews

Events near Coogee

  • Sun, 30 Nov 2025
  • Sun, 26 Apr 2026
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.