There aren’t too many better ways to kick off one of Australia’s biggest multisport weekends than with a late-afternoon kilometre off Noosa Main Beach.

The Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim has been part of Noosa Tri week for more than 25 years, carving out a following all of its own. The combination of an iconic beach, an achievable 1km distance and the buzz of the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival makes this one swimmers return to year after year.

The swim starts and finishes on the golden sand of Noosa Main Beach, with a distinctive M-shaped course taking swimmers out into Laguna Bay before bringing them back to shore. It’s compact enough for newer ocean swimmers looking to take on their first kilometre, while still offering plenty for experienced swimmers and triathletes keen for a hit-out before the weekend’s main events.

And then there’s the timing. A 4:15 pm start means you get that classic late-afternoon Noosa atmosphere, with Hastings Street and the festival action right behind the beach. Finish your swim, rinse off the salt and you’ve still got the whole evening ahead of you.

Whether you’re chasing a quick kilometre, swimming alongside mates or simply want to be part of the action, the Noosa 1000 packs plenty of atmosphere into one very enjoyable lap around the bay.

One kilometre, Noosa Main Beach and a Friday afternoon in the Sunshine Coast. Hard to argue with that.