Oceana North Bondi Swim Classic

Both the 1km and 2km courses are fairly straightforward circuits, following the buoys out around and back into the beach.

Bondi Beach is an open beach with banks, gutters, rips and plenty of swell. However, North Bondi beach is the calmer and gentler end of Bondi, being protected by Ben Buckler and the northern headland and rock shelf.

While there is usually a strong run out in the corner of North Bondi, which is helpful for getting out through the break, you will want to stay away from this on your way back in.

The 1km course is a smaller version of the 2km swim. Starting on the beach out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and swimming straight out, before a slight turn south, then followed by a turn heading north-west into the beach and one final swim past a buoy before returning into shore out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.

The 2km course reaches every corner of the Bay. Starting on the beach out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and swimming straight out, before a slight turn south, then followed by a 75 degree turn west, followed another turn and lastly, one final turn into shore to finishing back out the front of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.

Swim aids such as wetsuits, fins, snorkels and pull buoys are allowed during the race, but swimmers who choose to use aids will need to state so in the online entry portal.

After the swim, head up to the surf club, and then explore Sydney’s famous beachside suburb, Bondi. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore and fit everyone's taste.

Take your pick of local favourites Messina, the North Bondi RSL, The Depot and Ravesis.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the famous ‘Boys in Blue’, the lifeguards from Bondi Rescue. They are either on the beach or roaming the streets of Bondi and are always up for a photo if you ask.

Bondi Beach has multiple parking options; the Bondi Beach carpark offers parking for $8 per hour, but if you travel a few streets back from the main Bondi strip, you will find 2-hour paid parking zones followed by a hot commodity of free all-day parking. Be warned, though, these parks do get snapped up quickly.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also catch public transport, with the 380 and 333 heading from the city, through Bondi Junction, to Bondi Beach.