Another Level Performance Palm to Shelly 26km swim

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At a glance

Sat, 11 Apr 2026

Palm Beach, Palm Beach NSW

Ocean Swim

10km & 26km Solo (+ Teams)

Point To Point

Why this event?

Palm Beach to Shelly Beach, 26km of ultra ocean swimming.

This is it, the big one. The Palm to Shelly Swim is one of the longest and most iconic open water swims in Australia: a 26km ocean odyssey from Palm Beach to Shelly Beach, tracing the curve of Sydney’s rugged northern coastline. It’s not just a swim, it’s a full-body, full-mind, full-heart experience that demands endurance, strategy, ocean awareness, and a deep well of determination.

You’ll swim past headlands, beaches, cliffs, and coves, with the deep blue of the Pacific beneath you and the sweep of Sydney’s coastline stretching ahead. Conditions can range from dreamy to demanding, with swell, current, and chop all part of the story. Whether you’re going solo or as part of a duo or team, this is a swim that tests your limits and expands them.

But it’s not all grit; this event is also pure magic. From the early-morning start at Palm Beach, through long stretches of rhythmic, meditative swimming, to the moment you round the final point and spot Shelly Beach ahead, it’s a journey like no other. The sense of accomplishment at the finish line is hard to describe, and even harder to forget.

If you’ve ever dreamed of conquering an ocean, of joining the ranks of those who’ve truly gone the distance, this is your moment. It’s not just a swim, it’s a badge of honour.

On the day

What's on offer

26km Ocean Swim

years

A straight-line swim from Palm Beach to Shelly Beach, either solo or with a team. Participants must have their own escort boat or kayak support, and should prepare for 6 – 10 hours in the water, depending on pace and conditions. Solo: For ultra-distance swimmers with the stamina and strategy to go the distance. Duo: Tackle the journey with a partner, taking turns and sharing the challenge. Team: Designed for groups who want to experience the swim together, splitting the distance between members.

What to expect in the water

The Palm to Shelly course hugs the eastern edge of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a coastline famous for its raw beauty. Expect to swim past iconic surf breaks, golden beaches, and dramatic sandstone cliffs, with sections of deep ocean in between.

Water temperatures in [insert month] sit around 20 – 22°C, usually comfortable for experienced ocean swimmers without a wetsuit. Conditions can change quickly, currents, wind, and swell all play a role, so it’s a swim best suited to strong, experienced ocean swimmers or well-prepared relay teams.

This is a serious test of endurance, but the scenery and spirit of the event make every kilometre worth it.

Swimmer essentials

For comprehensive event information, please visit the official event website.

Photo highlights

Highlight reel

Getting there & around

Palm Beach can be reached by car (limited parking available) or public transport from Sydney CBD. At the finish, Shelly Beach is a short walk from Manly Wharf, making it easy for friends and family to join the celebrations.

Swimmers are required to have their own support boat and crew. Spectators can cheer at the start or welcome swimmers to the finish, with plenty of great spots along the Northern Beaches to track progress.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach NSW, Australia

While you're there

After 26km of open ocean, there’s no better finish line than Shelly Beach. Nestled in a protected cove just around the headland from Manly, Shelly’s golden sand and calm waters offer the perfect spot to catch your breath, stretch out sore limbs, and let the achievement sink in.

Refuel with a celebratory meal at The Boathouse, just steps from the sand. Think fresh Aussie fare, strong coffee, and ocean views that taste even better after a long swim. Or head around to Manly Wharf, where you’ll find everything from post-swim fish tacos at El Camino Cantina, to cocktails at Hugos, to hearty brunch at The Pantry on the beachfront.

If your legs are still working, take a stroll along the Manly to Spit walk, or simply wander the Corso, grab a gelato, and soak in the buzz of one of Sydney’s most vibrant beach communities.

Whether you smashed a time goal or just made it in with the tide, this is a swim worth celebrating, so stay a while, swap stories with your support crew, and soak up the sun, salt, and satisfaction. You’ve earned every second of it.