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At a glance

Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Busselton Jetty Foreshore, Busselton WA

Ocean Swim

500m, 1.25km, 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km & 10km

Swimming WA Open Water Swim Series

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Sun, 25 Jan 2026

2026 Australian Open Water Championships & Ocean Swim Festival

Swimming WA

How to enter

Entries are not open yet

Event Website

At a glance

Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Busselton Jetty Foreshore, Busselton WA

Ocean Swim

500m, 1.25km, 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km & 10km

Around The Buoys

Hold The Date Details for this event will be finalised when entries open

Why this event?

Take part in the Ocean Swim Festival

The 2026 Australian Open Water Championships isn’t just for the elites; it’s for everyone. This is your chance to dive into a national-level event, right alongside Australia’s top open water talent. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned swimmer chasing your next big goal, the Ocean Swim Festival is your ticket to something special.

Set against the backdrop of Busselton, Western Australia, the swim course is as stunning as they come, think calm, crystal-clear water, soft sandy beaches, and the iconic Busselton Jetty stretching out over the turquoise bay. The atmosphere? Electric. The support? Loud and proud. The memories? Unbeatable.

Choose from distances that suit you, from a cruisy 500m to the classic 2.5km, or go all in with the 10km. You’ll swim in professionally marked courses, share the stage with some of the country’s best, and feel like part of something much bigger than just a morning dip.

This is more than just a swim; it’s a celebration of open water swimming in one of Australia’s most iconic coastal towns. Join the festival, feel the buzz, and make your mark on the national stage, no matter your pace.

What's on offer

500m Ocean Swim

9 years

The 500m course takes place in the calm, sheltered waters alongside the iconic Busselton Jetty. It’s a simple out-and-back triangle-style course with clear sightlines, stunning turquoise water beneath you, and the famous jetty keeping you company the whole way. Ideal for first-timers, social swimmers, and anyone who wants to soak in the scenery without going the full distance.

1.25km Ocean Swim

11 years

One lap, one stunning loop. Perfect for swimmers looking to dip into the action without going the distance. This single-lap course kicks off alongside the Busselton Jetty, heading north to the first turn buoy, then across the top of the triangle past the paddler feeding zone, before sweeping south and back towards shore. It’s a fast, fun loop in glassy waters with jetty views all the way.

2.5km Ocean Swim

12 years

Two laps of open-water bliss. This is a great challenge for intermediate swimmers or anyone building up to longer distances. You’ll complete two laps of the 1.25km rectangular course, with turns that keep things interesting and plenty of space to find your rhythm. Expect calm, clear water and a scenic route that makes the distance fly by.

5km Ocean Swim

12 years

Four laps, classic distance, national spotlight. This Olympic-standard distance swim covers four laps of the 1.25km loop, starting and finishing next to the iconic Busselton Jetty. With a designated feeding pontoon available, it’s ideal for swimmers pacing themselves for a longer haul. Whether you’re racing or cruising, this is a distance to be proud of, and one that cements your place in the open water scene.

7.5km Ocean Swim

14 years

Six laps for the endurance legends. If you’ve done a few ocean swims and you’re hungry for more, the 7.5km event is your proving ground. With six laps of the rectangular course, this one’s all about smart pacing, strong technique, and enjoying the mental challenge of long-distance swimming. Take advantage of the paddler feeding area and settle in for a big, beautiful swim.

10km Ocean Swim

14 years

Eight laps. The full marathon. The ultimate test. This is the big one, the Olympic open water distance and a true badge of honour for any ocean swimmer. Eight laps of the 1.25km triangle, with access to feeding pontoons and plenty of jetty-side inspiration. It’s a test of grit, stamina, and sea legs, swum in one of Australia’s most iconic coastal venues. You’ll finish salty, satisfied, and part of something truly special.

What to expect in the water

Due to the ocean swims being swum on the same course as the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships, each of the swims will be swum on a FINA-approvel Olympic-style course, which is rare for any ocean swim.

Prepare for this event

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.

Photo highlights

Getting there & around

Busselton is the jewel of WA’s southwest coast, just a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Perth and well worth the road trip. The swim takes place right off the famous Busselton Jetty, with the event hub based on the grassy foreshore, just steps from the sand.

There’s plenty of parking available near the beachfront, including bays along Marine Terrace and surrounding streets. But for the ultimate swim weekend, we recommend staying local, with everything from beachside cabins to boutique stays and family-friendly holiday parks, Busselton’s made for a weekend getaway.

Travelling without a car? No worries. You can hop on a South West Coach Lines or Transwa bus from Perth to Busselton, with multiple services running daily. Once you’re in town, it’s an easy stroll or short ride to the foreshore.

The whole event site is super accessible, family-friendly, and buzzing with good vibes. There’ll be food trucks, shaded seating, local market stalls, and festival activations throughout the day, so bring your crew, your sunscreen, and your salty spirit.

This isn’t just a swim, it’s a whole coastal experience.

Busselton Jetty Foreshore

Busselton WA

While you're there

Start with a stroll along the Busselton Jetty, at 1.841km long, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s a sight to behold. You can walk it, take the little train to the end, or even pop into the Underwater Observatory to see what’s swimming below.

Once you’ve had your fill of jetty adventures, swing by the local markets (check out the foreshore or nearby Signal Park), grab a bite from a food truck, or stretch out on the sand for a well-earned post-swim chill.

Feeling adventurous? Hire a bike and cruise along the coast, go stand-up paddleboarding, or take a dip at one of the nearby calm beaches.

And for the perfect recovery plan, you’re in wine country, Margaret River’s world-class wineries and craft breweries are just a short drive away. Think long lunches, vineyard views, and a celebratory sip (or two) to toast your swim.

Busselton’s got the vibe: salty, social, and seriously worth sticking around for.