The Shellharbour Ocean Swim is the kind of swim that feels like a warm handshake from the South Coast. It’s scenic, inclusive, and showcases the reefy beauty of Shellharbour’s Main Beach, just 90 minutes south of Sydney.
Whether you’re a young swimmer taking on your first 400m, a weekend warrior doing the 1.2km, or a long-hauler tackling the 2km course, there’s something here for you. The event’s relaxed pace and stunning setting make it perfect for anyone wanting a feel-good swim and a great community day out.
Shellharbour always turns it on, so expect sunny skies, friendly faces, and some good post-swim banter.
Main Beach is a local favourite with a mix of reef and sand entry, offering great visibility and usually calm conditions. April brings water temps around 21–23°C, and early mornings are often glassy and mild.
The courses run either along the beach or across the reef, depending on conditions. Lifesavers, IRBs, and board paddlers keep a watchful eye throughout.
Wetsuits are allowed. Conditions are usually calm, but some reef and swell exposure means swimmers should be confident in open water. The 2km course is best for intermediate+ ocean swimmers, while the shorter events are beginner-friendly.
8:00-8:30 am: 400m registration opens
8:00-9:30 am: 1.2km & 2km registration opens
9:00am: 400m swim start (Shellharbour Beach)
9:30am: 1.2km & 2km swim briefing (Shellharbour SLSC)
10:15am: 1.2km & 2km swim starts (Shellharbour Boat Harbour)
11:30 am: Presentations start
Highlight reel
Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, Shellharbour is the perfect blend of coastal escape and event-day convenience. Whether you’re making a day trip or staying for the weekend, getting there is easy, and parking’s a breeze if you plan ahead.
There’s ample free and paid parking available near the Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club, which is also the event hub and finish line. We recommend arriving early to grab a good spot and enjoy a warm-up stroll along the coastal track before the action kicks off.
Swimmers will walk over the hill to Shellharbour Boat Harbour to begin their swim, while supporters can follow along by walking back across the rock platform, offering stunning views of the course and plenty of cheering opportunities along the way.
For those travelling via public transport, regular trains run from Sydney to Shellharbour Junction Station, with connecting local buses or short taxi/rideshare options into town and the event site. It’s a scenic ride and a great option if you’d rather skip the drive and soak up the views along the way.
With beaches, walking tracks, and the vibrant Shellharbour village all within reach, it’s a smooth, scenic setup for swimmers and spectators alike.
After your swim, don’t rush off, Shellharbour is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
Start with a coffee and brekky at Village Fix, a local favourite for good reason, or if you’re ready to roll straight into celebration mode, head to the Ocean Beach Hotel for a laid-back lunch and panoramic ocean views that make every stroke feel worth it.
Stretch out on the grassy foreshore, rehash the swim with your crew, or wander through Shellharbour Village, filled with boutique shops, bakeries, and coastal charm. The Shellharbour Ocean Pool is just around the corner if you’re after a float or a cool-down dip with a view.
Feeling active? The coastal walk hugs the headland with breezy ocean views and is perfect for a gentle stroll or a post-swim leg stretch. Or grab a picnic and just laze the morning away under the Norfolk pines.
It’s a welcoming, beachside town with a relaxed pace and plenty to explore, whether you’re staying for the day or making a full weekend of it. One swim here and you’ll see why Shellharbour is more than just a stop, it’s a vibe.
Want extra peace of mind? Enhanced Refund Protection is like registration insurance; think travel insurance, but for your event entry.
Click here to read the full details and see if it’s right for you.
Featured reads
Reviews
No results available
Copyright © 1999-2025 oceanswims.com. All rights reserved.
‘OCEANFIT is a registered trademark of OceanFit Pty Ltd.
