The North Bondi Swim Classic is the kind of event that pulses with summer energy. Held on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, it attracts swimmers from across the country but still holds tight to that community-led surf club feel.

This swim brings full-on carnival vibes, music, surf patrols in full swing, and thousands of swimmers hitting the water in waves. With both 1km and 2km distances, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day. The 1km is perfect for first-timers or teens finding their rhythm in the open water, while the 2km offers a classic rectangular course that delivers the full Bondi experience. Salt, surf, and that unmistakable Bondi buzz, it’s all here.

There’s even more reason to dive in with a Dash for Cash held between the 1km and 2km swims in honour of Bondi icon and swimming legend Neil “Coach” Rogers, the beloved voice of ocean swimming for decades. With $500 up for grabs for the first male and female swimmer across the line, it’s a fast and furious tribute to a man who helped shape the sport.

A celebration of speed, spirit, and salty tradition, this is a swim day to remember.

On the day

What's on offer

1km Ocean Swim

Ben Buckler

10 years

Perfect for newer ocean swimmers or anyone chasing a quicker dip, this one’s a single-loop course just off the front of North Bondi. You’ll start on the beach, head straight out towards the tip of Ben Buckler, then swing south for a short stretch before looping back in towards the finish. It’s got just enough swell to keep things interesting, but close enough to shore to keep you smiling. A classic Bondi swim, with the sand, surf, and salty high-fives waiting at the end.

2km Ocean Swim

Around The Bay

12 years

This single-loop course takes you on a scenic lap of Bondi’s iconic bay. Starting on the sand in front of North Bondi Surf Club, you’ll head out through the break towards the tip of Ben Buckler headland. From there, it’s a right-hand turn into the big back straight, hugging the coastline all the way across the bay to Icebergs. Another right brings you closer to shore, then one more right lines you up for the final stretch. A cheeky left turn sets you on course for the beach and a well-earned finish. Expect some swell, some cheers, and some unbeatable views the whole way.

~200m Ocean Swim

Neil Rogers Dash for Cash

10 years

A fast and salty sprint in honour of Bondi legend Neil “Coach” Rogers. This 200m dash takes off after the 1km swim, and it’s as simple as it sounds: short, sharp, and all heart. Open to anyone who’s entered in the 1km or 2km, with $500 up for grabs for the first male and female across the line. Expect cheers, a splash of chaos, and a whole lot of fun as swimmers sprint it out in Coach’s memory.

Plot your course

*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ

What to expect in the water

Bondi Beach is big, bold, and beautiful. It’s an open beach break that can serve up anything from calm chop to rolling waves, but early starts usually mean manageable conditions. Water temps in early February are a dreamy 22–25°C.

The course runs out into the bay with plenty of water safety crews on boards and in IRBs. Surf conditions can be a little unpredictable, so swimmers should be comfortable in the waves.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits are optional, but a good attitude is essential. The swim is best suited to confident ocean swimmers, especially the 2km, as conditions can change with the tides. That said, you’ll be in safe hands with strong water safety support on the course.

Prefer to keep it casual? There’s a Friends and Family wave, perfect if you want to swim with your crew rather than race the clock. Just select it when you enter and soak up the good vibes together.

For those chasing glory, the Elite Wave is where the podium hopefuls line up. You’ll need to select this category during registration to be eligible for prizes, so don’t leave it to chance.

No matter how you swim it, don’t forget the basics: sunscreen, hydration, and something warm for post-swim yarns on the sand.

Swim aids & wetsuits

If you plan to use swim aids (wetsuits, fins, snorkels, pull buoys, whatever helps you glide), make sure you choose the Back of Pack category when signing up. No judgement, just more saltwater joy.

What’s on when

8:00 am – Registration opens
8:30 am – Registration closes for 1km swim
8:45 am – 1km swim start
After the 1km – Dash For Cash start
9:45 am – Registration closes for 2km swim
10:00 am – 2km swim start
11:30 am – Prize giving (in the club forecourt)

Prepare for this event

Have A Go: 1km Training Program
Whether you’re coming back after a long break or you’re completely new to swimming, we’ll help you prepare for your 1km swim. Learn more

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.

Photo highlights

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Highlight reel

Getting there & around

Bondi might be iconic, but parking isn’t easy, so plan ahead. The Bondi Beach carpark right near the sand will set you back around $8 an hour, and there’s 2-hour paid parking on nearby streets. If you venture a little further back from the main drag, you might just score that elusive free all-day park, but those spots go quicker than a Dash for Cash sprint.

Your best bet? Go green and catch public transport. The 333 and 380 buses run regularly from the city via Bondi Junction and drop you just a short stroll from North Bondi. Easy.

All the action, including registration, start and finish zones, happens at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. Just follow the buzz, the high-vis, and the smell of sunscreen.

North Bondi Beach

North Bondi NSW, Australia

While you're there

Bondi’s breakfast scene is legendary for a reason. Swing by Speedo’s Café for a smoothie bowl with a side of ocean views, or wander over to Lox Stock & Barrel for a coffee that’ll warm your post-swim soul. Still salty and barefoot? Bondi’s built for that.

After you’ve refuelled, stretch out your legs with a visit to the Bondi Markets, just up the road on Campbell Parade, where you’ll find vintage threads, handmade jewellery, beachy homewares, and all the local flavour you could ask for.

Need to move a little more? Grab your mates and hire a board for a surf at North Bondi, or cruise the famous Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk for sweeping views and selfie-worthy cliff stops. There’s even an outdoor gym and skate bowl if you’re feeling energetic, or a lawn to nap on if you’re not.

For families, there’s the North Bondi playground, rockpools to explore, or an afternoon splash in the shallows. And keep an eye out for the famous “Boys in Blue”, Bondi’s very own lifeguards from Bondi Rescue. You might just spot a familiar face keeping watch from the tower or patrolling the beach.

Or… do nothing at all. Towel down, lay back on the sand, and soak it all in. Because when you’re in Bondi, why rush?

Event support

Ocean Swims provides event support on behalf of the event organiser.

Ask a question

Pre-event: Use the event support contact form for all event queries.

Event day: For support on the day of the event, talk to an event official. Urgent event updates will be communicated via SMS. If you don’t hear from us, the event is on as and where scheduled.

Manage your entry

Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard up until 12 pm the day prior to the event. Fees may apply. Visit your dashboard

Refunds: View the event’s withdrawl and cancellation policies.

Cancellations

Making A Claim

Make an Enhanced Refund Protection claim
Click here if you need to make a claim (claims are handled directly with the insurer, not by Ocean Swims).

Enhanced Refund Protection

Want extra peace of mind? Enhanced Refund Protection is like registration insurance; think travel insurance, but for your event entry.

How it works

You can purchase this protection at the time of online entry only
You’ll be refunded if you’re unable to attend for one of the approved reasons
This does not apply if the event is postponed or cancelled by the organiser.

Click here to read the full details and see if it’s right for you.