The Manly to Bundeena 36km swim is one of the most extreme point-to-point ocean swims in Australia, a true test of mental grit, physical endurance, and deep ocean respect. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for those who crave the edge, this is the ultimate.
Starting at Little Manly Beach, swimmers trace Sydney’s dramatic coastline all the way south to Bundeena in the Royal National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass beneath sandstone cliffs, cross open bays, surf rolling swells, and hug rocky headlands. From the iconic Northern Beaches to the wild southern stretches of the city, this is a front-row seat to Sydney’s raw coastal beauty, if you can keep your head up long enough to take it in.
It’s not just a swim, it’s a journey. Conditions can shift fast, the distance is unforgiving, and every kilometre demands focus, strength, and smart teamwork. But the sense of achievement? Off the charts.
Open to solo ultra swimmers and 2- or 4-person relay teams, this is a swim where the support boat is your lifeline, your crew becomes your family, and the finish line feels like something mythical. For those looking to push their boundaries and etch their name into the long-distance ocean swimming story, this one’s for you.
Big distance. Big ocean. Bigger reward.
Starting at Little Manly Beach and finishing in Bundeena, the course traces the eastern seaboard of Australia’s largest city. Expect everything the ocean can throw at you, rolling southerly swells, tidal movements around headlands, and shifting winds across bays.
December water temps usually sit around 20-22°C, warm enough for most to swim without a wetsuit but still brisk over a long distance. This swim is best suited for experienced ultra-distance ocean swimmers or strong relay groups with solid open-water backgrounds.
It’s a course that demands respect, but it rewards with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world.
Highlight reel
Parking is limited at both ends, so plan ahead. Swimmers must have their own support boat, and crews will need to coordinate logistics between the start and finish. Public transport is available to Manly (ferry + bus) and to Bundeena (train + ferry).
Spectators can cheer at the start in Manly or welcome swimmers at the finish in Bundeena, where the local community vibe makes for a special celebration.
Rest. Recover. Celebrate. You’ve just conquered one of Australia’s toughest ocean swims; now it’s time to soak it all in.
Bundeena greets you at the finish line with calm beaches, laid-back vibes, and that electric “you did what?!” energy from locals and supporters alike. Stretch out on the sand at Bonnie Vale or Horderns Beach, take a gentle float in the bay, or just sit under the trees and let your body (and brain) catch up to what you’ve just achieved.
Feeling up for a wander? Bundeena is the gateway to the Royal National Park, with nearby bush trails like the Jibbon Loop Track offering coastal views, Aboriginal rock engravings, and quiet moments to reflect. Or if you’ve still got legs, venture out to Wedding Cake Rock for an iconic photo-worthy detour.
When hunger strikes, head to The Bundeena Community & Services Club (aka “the club”) for a cold drink and classic pub feed. For something more casual, Bundeena Kayaks Café does excellent coffee, toasties, and locally loved snacks, while Driftwood Café offers wholesome brunches with a beachy twist.
It’s the kind of post-swim town that doesn’t need fanfare, it gives you space to recover, reconnect, and celebrate what you just pulled off. Whether you’re with your crew or flying solo, Bundeena makes the perfect bookend to an unforgettable swim.
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