Boxing Day done differently. Swap the Christmas leftovers for a refreshing ocean swim on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
There’s no better way to shake off the Christmas Day food coma than diving into the ocean, and the Point Leo Swim Classic has been helping Victorians do just that for more than 30 years. Held every Boxing Day at Point Leo Beach, this much-loved ocean swim is the perfect excuse to swap the couch for the coast and kick off the summer swimming season.
As the opening event of the Great Victorian Swim Series, the Point Leo Swim Classic brings together swimmers of all ages and abilities for a morning of salty fun, friendly faces and that unmistakable summer holiday atmosphere. With the beautiful Mornington Peninsula as your backdrop, it’s as much about enjoying a day at the beach as it is about the swim itself.
There are three distances to choose from: 400m, 1.2km and 2.5km, making it a great option for everyone from younger swimmers finding their ocean swimming feet to seasoned regulars ready to stretch out after Christmas. And if swimming isn’t your thing, there’s also a 4km beach run, so the whole family can get amongst the action.
The sheltered waters of Western Port Bay and Point Leo’s sandy shoreline create a welcoming setting, with plenty of room for spectators to spread out along the beach, cheer on their favourite swimmers and soak up the atmosphere.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, there’s no need to rush off. Grab a coffee, catch up with your swim mates or settle in for a relaxing afternoon by the water. After all, Boxing Day is made for beach days, and Point Leo knows how to do them well.
This swim takes place on the same course as the 1.2km Point Leo Swim Classic, with swimmers completing two laps of the course to finish the race.
This event does have a cut off time of 1.5 hours which will be enforced. Any swimmers who have not completed the swim in 1.5 hours will be pulled from the water.
This course is a great warm up for the main event of the day, the 1.2km Point Leo Swim Classic.
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Point Leo Beach sits along the shores of Western Port Bay on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, offering a scenic coastal swimming experience with sandy beaches, open water and beautiful views across the bay. Unlike the more exposed ocean beaches on the peninsula, Point Leo generally offers a more protected setting, although conditions can still change with the wind, tides and weather.
In late December, water temperatures around Western Port are typically in the high teens to low twenties, so expect a refreshing dip rather than tropical warmth. Morning conditions can be relatively calm, but afternoon sea breezes, wind chop and tidal movement can make the water more challenging. Visibility can also vary depending on recent weather and water movement.
Wetsuits are permitted, and swimmers must wear their allocated swim cap and timing transponder. Water safety personnel will be on hand throughout the event, with a 90-minute cut-off for the 2.5km swim. Choose a distance that suits your ability, attend the pre-swim briefing and remember to pack your goggles, towel, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Each competitor will be issued with a transponder which they will be required to wear around their ankle at all times during the race. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure the transponders are securely fastened to them prior to entering the water.
Categories
1.2km Point Leo Swim Classic
Balnarring & District Community Bank 2.5 km Challenge
There will be no separate age categories for the 2.5km challenge.
400m Nipper Swim
Paton Estate Agents 4km Beach Run
A complimentary t-shirt will be given to participants on a first-come, first-served basis (excluding those in the 400m Nipper & Novice Swim).
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.
The Point Leo Swim Classic is held at Point Leo Beach, Point Leo, on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne. The event is based around Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, with easy access to the beach and surrounding foreshore.
Parking: Parking is available at Point Leo Foreshore Reserve, including the area near the surf lifesaving club. A $4 per vehicle parking fee is available at the surf club car park. Boxing Day is a busy time along the peninsula, so arrive early, allow extra time to find a spot and consider carpooling with fellow swimmers. Check the current reserve fees before travelling.
Public transport: There is no direct public transport service to Point Leo Beach. If you’re travelling without a car, your best option is to arrange a lift, carpool or organise transport from a nearby town. The closest bus option is the Route 782 service between Frankston and Flinders, which passes through the surrounding area. However, the nearest stops are some distance from the beach, making public transport less convenient for swimmers carrying their gear.
Once you’re there, everything is within easy walking distance, making it simple to move between the beach, event check-in and spectator areas.
Once you’ve finished your swim, there’s no better place to settle in for a lazy Boxing Day than Point Leo Beach. Find a spot on the sand, grab a coffee, catch up with your swim mates and enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere. With beautiful coastal scenery and plenty of space to spread out, it’s the perfect place to turn a morning swim into a full family beach day.
If you’re keen to explore, take a wander along the Point Leo foreshore, check out the nearby rock pools when conditions and tides allow, or head along the coast towards Shoreham for more beautiful beaches and coastal views. The nearby villages of Balnarring and Red Hill are also worth exploring, with local cafés, bakeries, wineries and farm gates dotted throughout the area. Just remember that Boxing Day trading hours can vary.
For those making a weekend of it, the Mornington Peninsula has plenty to offer, from coastal walks and scenic lookouts to boutique wineries and relaxed seaside towns. Whether you’re staying for a few hours or a few days, the Point Leo Swim Classic is a pretty good excuse to extend the Christmas celebrations and enjoy a little more time by the water.
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