- Date9 Apr 2023
- Recommended
Held at Pacific Palms on NSW's lower north coast over the Easter weekend, the Pacific Palms Real Estate Rock to Rock & Mini Rock Ocean Swim is a fun and family-friendly set of ocean swims for swimmers of all abilities to compete in.
Choose from the 1.5km Rock To Rock or the 600m Mini Rock swim or do both. To take part competitors must be at least 10 years of age.
Elizabeth Beach is a rare north-facing beach, protected from big swell and rough weather and conditions. This means the Pacific Island-like conditions are perfect for those new to open water swimming as well as those who are more competitive.
Take the weekend to relax and explore the area. Immerse yourself in natural beauty with scenic picnic areas and walking tracks.
With a noon start time (R2R, 12pm / Mini Rock, 11am), the swim is easily doable from Sydney for a day trip. Driving to the lower north coast from Sydney and Newcastle is easy on Easter Sunday. Everyone who's going away is already away, and not yet coming home.
There are two swim distances on offer.
The main event, the Rock to Rock, is a 1.5km swim around a triangular course in the bay and the Mini Rock is a 600m straight swim across the beach.
Elizabeth Beach is quite well protected from the worst weather conditions and big swell. As a relatively calm and safe beach, the event is suitable for competitors of all abilities, including those new to the sport.
While at Pacific Palms you could check out Smiths Lake (Frothy Coffee), Wallis Lake (The Recky & Pacific Palms Markets), Charlotte Bay (Foodworks & Service Station), Blueys Beach (Blueys Cellars, Kembali Café, Drift Café, Boomerang Beach Surf Co, Pacific Palms Pharmacy), Boomerang Beach (Moby’s Beachside Retreat & Sips Restaurant), and Booti Booti National Park (walk over to Seven Mile beach)
For variety on the way home, run up to Forster, have a cuppa at Beach Bums, head over the bridge through Tuncurry, and come back to the highway at Nabiac.
If you have some time, cross the highway and come home through Gloucester, Dungog/Stroud/Clarencetown (say hi to Clarence on the way through, as Rotten ol' Herbie used to do), and rejoin the expressway at its start between Maitland and Hexham. Or, take the Booral Road from Buladelah across to Bucketts Way, then across through Clarence Town, Morpeth or Hinton (stop for a break), and on through Thornton to the expressway South.
The mid-drive classic stop these days is Morpeth: it's pretty well right about halfway and Morpeth is a pretty, heritage town which, believe it or not, was once a river port. There's a boutique brewery in the Commercial Hotel and lots of cafes for a cuppa and snack. It's a lovely drive and a beautiful day out.
The event's major sponsor, Pacific Palms Real Estate, has accommodation for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it.
Drive
With the main event (R2R, 12pm) back to a noon start it's easily doable from Sydney for a day trip (Mini Rock, 11am). Driving to the lower north coast from Sydney and Newcastle is easy on Easter Sunday. Everyone who's going away is already away, and not yet coming home. Traffic is light. It's a good run on expressway almost all the way. Take the Lakes Way turn-off from the Pacific Highway just north of Bulahdelah.
Parking
Park in the car park to the west of the Pacific Palms SLSC clubhouse.
Public transport
Bus from Broadmeadow, Train from Central to Broadmeadow.
Under 18 swimmers
Parents/guardians of swimmers aged under 18 must complete the online entry form, not the swimmers themselves. They must include their consent to the entry with full name and phone contact, in the Emergency Contact field. Just a phone number, a first name, or a number and first name will not do. Entries of U18 swimmers are not complete without this complete parental/guardian consent and will not be accepted. Entries of Under 18 swimmers must use the parent's email address, not that of the Under 18 entrant.
The organiser of this event, Pacific Palms SLSC, is a registered charity. This event is a major fundraiser for the club, and all proceeds go towards providing its volunteer lifesaving services to the community.
Cancelling your entry
Should you wish to cancel your entry, for any reason, at any time, the following applies:
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
Late entries will be available from 8.30 am on the day.
Transfers: You can transfer yourself to a different distance or transfer your entry to another person via your Race Roster dashboard, up until midnight the day before the event. Fees apply.
Pacific Palms NSW, Australia
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Anne
18 Apr 2022 at 5:52amI have done this swim many times and enjoy it every year. Great to be back after covid.
Highly recommended well organised and conditions adaptable for all levels of swimmers.
Adam Smith
18 Apr 2022 at 12:23pmMy first time swimming the Rock to Rock and I’ll be back next year. Unreal swim, very safe. A massive Hats Off to the Elizabeth Beach SLSC. Such an enjoyable swim.
Wayne
19 Apr 2022 at 12:20pmGreat event and very well organised by a small club on the mid North coast. Perfect swim for all levels of swimmers. Thoroughly enjoyed it and thanks to all the volunteers.
Graeme Healy
9 Apr 2023 at 8:48pmPerfect conditions after the previous two difficult swims. Most enjoyable.
Jono
10 Apr 2023 at 10:53amLoved it. Beautiful swim, great club at Pacific Palms. Highly recommend it
Jono
Chris Little
11 Apr 2023 at 9:08amSuch a fun swim at such a stunning beach. Well organised, loads of water support and really good vibe at the starting line and in the water. I hope to be back next year!