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.

• 7:00am – Timing chip collection open (Nobbys Beach)
• 8:30am – Timing chip cap collection close
• 8:30am-8:45am – Walk to start line at the lighthouse
• 8:50am – Swim briefing (at the start line)
• 9:00am – Swim start
• 10:15am – Presentation (Newcastle SLSC)

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

• Bags can be left at the start at Nobbys, located near the break wall.
• Newcastle Surf Club personnel will transport your bags to Newcastle Beach for you to collect after the swim.