Bermagui’s ocean swims are the salty soul of the ReBoot in Bermagui weekend, a celebration of movement, wellbeing, and the good life by the sea. Set against the postcard-perfect backdrop of Horseshoe Bay, this event serves up crystal-clear waters, sweeping headlands, and that small-town charm you just can’t fake.
There’s a swim for every level, from casual dippers to distance lovers, and the course is as stunning as it is swimmable. The water’s calm, the vibe is warm, and you’ll find yourself swimming alongside dolphins if you’re lucky (yes, really!).
But it’s more than just a swim. It’s your excuse to shake off the stress, move your body, and reconnect with the ocean. Between the cheers of the locals, the friendly faces at Bermagui SLSC, and the scent of the BBQ drifting in post-swim, this is the kind of event that reminds you why we ocean swim in the first place.
Swim. Smile. Reboot. This is coastal living at its most invigorating.
Horseshoe Bay is a sheltered beach framed by cliffs and open ocean. In early October, expect water temps around 18–20°C and light swell. The bay is relatively calm, with excellent visibility and a safe shoreline entry.
This swim is well-suited for beginners, families, and experienced swimmers alike, with varied terrain for those doing the swim-run combination.
Wetsuits welcome. The ocean swim is safe and beginner-friendly, with calm entry and plenty of water safety. If you’re new to swim-run, this is a great place to try it out – fun, flexible, and low-pressure.
8-11:00 am – Breakfast is served in the surf club (included in entry fee)
9:00 am – Registrations closes
9:30 am – 350m swim start
9:45 am – 1.2km swim start
10:45 am – Presentations
Getting to the swim is a breeze. There’s plenty of free parking available around the Bermagui Surf Club, town centre, and event hub, so no need to stress about finding a spot. The town itself is small, walkable, and super charming, with coastal paths, headland lookouts, and cafés all within flip-flop distance.
Coming from out of town? Bermagui is a brilliant spot for a long weekend. Reflections Holiday Park sits right by the beach, and there are plenty of cabins, motels, and Airbnb options dotted around the coast. You’ll wake up to salty air and the sound of the sea.
Public transport? Easy! Bus services run from Canberra and Sydney, and if you’re flying in, Moruya Airport (1 hour north) and Merimbula Airport (1 hour south) are both within reach.
It’s the kind of town that makes you want to slow down, stay longer, and swim often.
Bermagui does relaxed coastal living like nowhere else, and after your swim, you’ll want to soak it all up. Start your morning with breakfast and a view at the surf club, then cool off with a dip in the iconic Blue Pool, a natural ocean pool set into the rocks with sweeping sea views. Take a walk along the headland trails, wander through the local markets, or just stretch out on the sand and watch the waves roll in.
The town is a postcard-perfect holiday haven, nestled between turquoise waterways, lush bushland, and golden beaches. Whether you’re here for the weekend or a longer spring break, there’s plenty to explore. Whale season is in full swing in October, so keep an eye on the horizon; you might just spot a tail slap or two as they cruise south with their calves.
Foodies will be happy too. Bermagui is home to a buzzy mix of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, a brewery, and a classic country pub and club, all within a flip-flop stroll from town. Keen to keep the adventure going? There’s boating, fishing, surfing, bushwalking, golf, tennis, and more on offer, with many activities included in the ReBoot program.
Make the most of your stay with a night (or two) at Reflections Holiday Park, or explore nearby Narooma and Tilba for extra beachy charm and boutique stays. Whether it’s for a swim, a reset, or a full-blown spring escape, Bermagui is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
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