The Nepean 2.5km Classic is a brand-new addition to the open water calendar, giving swimmers a chance to test themselves in a safe, flat-water setting that feels a world away from ocean chop and swells.
Held at the stunning Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), the event is all about accessibility and enjoyment. Whether you’re stepping into your very first open water swim or hunting down a personal best, the calm, controlled conditions are perfect for building confidence and speed.
It’s not just about the swimmers either. With a lakeside grandstand and footpaths circling the course, family and friends can cheer you on every stroke of the way. The atmosphere is lively and supportive, making it a fantastic day out for the whole community.
Close out your year with something memorable. This is your chance to be part of the inaugural Nepean 2.5km Classic, a swim that combines the buzz of an event with the calm of a world-class venue.
The Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith is best known as a legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It’s a purpose-built rowing and paddling lake, making it one of the most accurately measured and swimmer-friendly courses in the country.
Expect calm, flat freshwater with no currents, tides, or marine life. November typically brings mild spring temperatures, with water averaging 20 – 22°C, comfortable for both wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers. This is an ideal setting for first-timers or those who want to test their speed without distractions.
Up The Ante: 2km Training Program
Step up in distance with this training program designed to build you up & guide you all the way to the finish. Learn more
Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.
The Sydney International Regatta Centre sits on the banks of Penrith Lakes, less than an hour’s drive west of the Sydney CBD via the M4 motorway. There’s plenty of on-site parking, so arriving by car is straightforward, and it’s a smooth trip from most parts of Sydney or the Blue Mountains.
For those using public transport, Penrith Station is the closest major hub on the Western Line. From there, local buses and taxis can get you to the regatta gates in under 15 minutes. Rideshare services also operate widely in the area, making it easy to organise a lift straight to the venue.
Once at SIRC, everything is set up for both swimmers and supporters. The grandstand and pathways circle the course, meaning spectators have some of the best vantage points of any open water swim in the country. You can follow your swimmer almost stroke for stroke. Facilities include toilets, change rooms, shaded areas and food and drink outlets, so you can settle in and enjoy the whole event.
Make a full day of it in Penrith. After your swim, reward yourself with a coffee or a hearty breakfast at one of the lakeside cafés around the regatta centre, or head into Penrith town for more foodie favourites, from boutique brunch spots to classic pub meals.
If you’re keen to keep the body moving, the Great River Walk along the Nepean River is a local gem, offering scenic views and plenty of space to stroll, jog, or simply unwind. For families, Penrith has loads to explore. The Penrith Whitewater Stadium (another Sydney 2000 Olympic venue) offers rafting adventures, while iFLY indoor skydiving and Cables Wake Park provide action for the thrill-seekers.
If you’re after something more relaxed, take the short drive up into the Blue Mountains. In under half an hour you can be wandering clifftop trails, browsing village cafés, or taking in iconic lookouts like Echo Point and the Three Sisters. Whether you stick around the lakeside or venture further afield, Penrith is the perfect base to turn your swim day into a mini adventure.
Featured reads
Reviews
Copyright © 1999-2025 oceanswims.com. All rights reserved.
‘OCEANFIT is a registered trademark of OceanFit Pty Ltd.
