Coogee Island Challenge

RESULTS

Coogee SLSC

How to enter

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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.

The run sheet

7:30am – Registration opens
8:30am – Junior 800m swim start
9:00am – 1km swim start
10:00am – 2.4km swim start
11:30am – Presentations & beachside fun

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.