- Date28 Jan 2023
- Recommended
Nobbys to Newcastle is one of the prettiest courses you will ever do, particularly if you can breathe to the right.
It runs from the beach beneath Nobbys headland - near where the Pasha Bulker was grounded - around the rock shelf, past Newcastle Ocean Baths - one of the great ocean pools on the coast - and into Newcastle beach.
It passes the majestic residential district of Newcastle East, the famed surf spot, Cowrie Hole and into one of the only beaches that sit in a city's CBD.
If you're a speedster, you'll be excited to know that there is prize money of $500 on offer to the first Open Age Category Male and Female.
Swimmers will start the Nobbys to Newcastle ocean swim at the base of Nobbys Lighthouse on Nobbys Beach.
They'll then swim out between the two reef breaks and turn right behind the reefs, before swimming south along a line of buoys.
The buoys go past Shotland Esplanade, the Cowrie Hole, and the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Once Past the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the 2km course turns right and swims towards the beach. But the exact entry line will be subject to rips on the day.
If you're looking to make the trip up from Sydney for the Nobbys to Newcastle Ocean Swim, the city is located just two hours up the F3, making it within shooting distance of Sydney for a day trip.
If it's your first time in Newcastle, there are more than a few attractions you should be checking out on your time up north.
If you haven't had enough of the beach, there are eight different beaches within the city limits for you to check out, with Mereweather and Bar Beach also worth a look in particular.
The city itself is growing in culture and is battling off its stereotypes as a steel town from the 80s.
Make sure you take a stroll down Darby Street, the unique shopping precinct in the CBD. It's located within the suburb of Cooks Hill, which itself is a microcosm of Sydney's inner west, only without the pretence. Check it out for incredible coffee, great food, and amazing shopping.
Parking is available at Nobbys Beach but can be tricky at Newcastle Beach.
There is plenty of parking in the harbour which is a short walk to both beaches. Or, park down at the interchange and take the tram to Newcastle Beach.
Categories
Open, then age groups from 14-19-years, then 10-year categories to 70+.
Prize money
Prize money of $500 is on offer to the first Open Age Category Male and Female. Other age category prizes will also be offered for 1st place.
Alternative course
If conditions prove too difficult on swim day, this event may be moved to its regular backup course off Stockton Beach.
Swim caps
Swimmers are asked to bring their own brightly coloured swim cap. If you arrive without a cap, there will be spares available.
Bag storage/relocation
The organiser of this event, Nobbys SLSC, is a registered charity. This event is a major fundraiser for the club, and all proceeds go towards providing its volunteer lifesaving services to the community.
Cancelling your entry
Should you wish to cancel your entry, for any reason, at any time, the following applies:
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
Note: There are no on-the-day entries.
Note: There are no on-the-day entries.
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard. Fees apply.
Newcastle East NSW, Australia
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paul nichols
30 Jan 2022 at 12:53pmgreat swim
Andrew L
30 Jan 2022 at 2:17pmAlways a GREAT swim!
Mark Wilson
30 Jan 2022 at 2:39pmGreat event and well organized.
Wayne Bower
30 Jan 2022 at 3:36pmThis was my first (not last) ocean swim after recently doing my bronze medallion. What an experience! Really well run event by the local surf club and all their volunteers, heaps of safety support and fast efficient process at sign up online and on the day. Thanks heaps to all those who made it so great.
Bevan McGregor
31 Jan 2022 at 9:49amPerfect day. Beautiful undersea views over the reef. Very enjoyable swim well organised. Thanks for a good day.
Bevan McGregor
31 Jan 2022 at 9:51amPerfect day. Beautiful underwater scenery over the reef. Lovely swim well organised. Thanks for a nice day out.
Adrian dernee
1 Feb 2022 at 7:28amExtremely enjoyable
Georgie
28 Jan 2023 at 3:39pmReally great point to point swim. Well organised, great water safety, excellent atmosphere, easy to walk from one beach to the other. And absolutely perfect ocean swimming conditions today. My favourite swim every year!
Anabelle
28 Jan 2023 at 3:44pmLots of buoys out, made it easy to see. Great having 2 waves on entry.
Paul
28 Jan 2023 at 4:13pmFantastic event. Well organised and beautiful swim
John Graham
28 Jan 2023 at 4:37pmWell organised swim, year after year no hitches. As for the experience – epic journey out into the ocean between two beaches separated by a one km flat walk, with plenty of coffee and food onsite at each and in the city centre just behind.
Ricky
28 Jan 2023 at 4:54pmWithout doubt the BEST ocean swim I have ever done. Perfect day, perfect conditions. Well run. Congratulations to all involved in the organization of this event. 🤙🏽
Stuart Pigott
28 Jan 2023 at 5:42pmAlways a great swim. Top 1,2,3 For women is even better. Only gripe would be cost ( extra $ for tee, no swim cap included) is $$$$$. Overall, a great day that was gifted perfect conditions. Look forward to next years event.
Graeme Healy
28 Jan 2023 at 8:43pmMy fourth N2N – best so far thanks in no small measure to the favourable conditions. This helps a lot for those of us in our late 60s.
Congratulations to the organizers. A small suggestion – please ask the safety support to avoid wearing vests the same colour as the cans. I found it a bit disorientating at times.
Gab S
29 Jan 2023 at 5:23amThe most wonderfully iconic swim. Well run, friendly and fun.
Bevan McGregor
29 Jan 2023 at 11:35amBeautiful swim over the reef at the start with bright green Caulerpa seagrass. Perfect conditions. Go the girls; as the race director said at the briefing “they are the best”. Good to see them at the front for a change. Just the right blend of management by the surf club; organised but relaxed. Put a $1 levy on next year for a new PA at the start. Thanks for a lovely day. Didn’t stay for the presentation & the bacon & egg roll; just too hot even after the swim. Lovely conversations with other swimmers.
John Lawson
29 Jan 2023 at 5:03pmGreat event and fantastically organised by Newy Surf Club.
Perfect day all-round
Craig MacClure
30 Jan 2023 at 4:04pmAlways a great day, Lee and the team do a great job.
Kate B
30 Jan 2023 at 5:04pmFantastic swim and very well organised – felt very safe.
Carolin K
31 Jan 2023 at 12:09pmgreat swim that was really well organised. very supportive and professional water safety. Being rather shortsighted, I do require a lot of directional guidance when swimming and felt very safe and extremely well supported by the water safety team! Thanks a lot!