Swim Thru Perth

Claremont Masters

How to enter

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At a glance

Sun, 18 Jan 2026

Matilda Bay, Crawley WA

River Swim

250m, 800m, 1.6km & 3.5km

Around The Buoys

Why this event?

Australia’s oldest river swim, still going strong

Swim Thru Perth is one of the oldest open water swims in Australia, and still one of the most enjoyable. First held in 1912, this iconic event is steeped in history and has become a beloved tradition in the local swim calendar. Set on the tranquil, flat waters of the Swan River at Matilda Bay, it offers a safe and scenic course ideal for swimmers of all levels. It’s a relaxed, community-led swim with big tradition and even bigger heart.

Whether you’re diving into your first open water event or challenging yourself in the 3.5km main event, Swim Thru Perth has something for everyone. There’s also a 1.6km Classic and a 250m Try-It swim, perfect for newer swimmers or those easing back into the open water.

With the Perth skyline rising to one side and the greenery of Kings Park lining the other, this is a city swim with a natural feel. Dolphins are known to make surprise appearances, and the summer sun gives the bay a postcard-perfect glow.

It’s well-organised, friendly, and full of long-standing swim spirit, an event where new swimmers are welcomed, old friends reunite, and the local swim community shines. Stick around after the race for the relaxed picnic vibes, prize presentations, and the buzz of a job well done.

If you’re looking for a swim that blends history, heart, and the best of Perth’s outdoors, this is it.

On the day

What's on offer

800m Bay Swim

Matilda Splash

years

Perfect for newer swimmers or those looking for a quick hit of river magic, the 800m Matilda Splash is a single-loop course set in the calm, sheltered waters of Matilda Bay. The course starts just off the beach near the Royal Perth Yacht Club, heading out along a clearly marked 340m straight line before turning at the far buoy. From there, swimmers loop around and return along a parallel line back to shore, flanked by peppermint trees and city views. Outbound buoys guide you out, inbound buoys bring you home, with a final turn at the green triangle buoy leading to a chequered buoy and the finish boom. Expect flat, glassy conditions, easy sighting, and a friendly atmosphere. This is a swim that’s as scenic as it is achievable. Whether it’s your first open water swim or a warm-up for a longer event, the Matilda Splash is a great way to dip into the action.

1.6km Bay Swim

Classic Mile

years

A true favourite for ocean swimmers of all levels, the 1.6km Classic Mile is a two-lap course set in the protected waters of Matilda Bay, offering a perfect blend of challenge and serenity. The course starts just off the beach near the Royal Perth Yacht Club, where swimmers head out along a 340m straightaway marked by bright yellow outbound buoys. After rounding the far 40m turn buoy, you’ll head back along the inbound line, completing the first lap before looping around again for lap two. The calm conditions of the Swan River make this course ideal for rhythm swimming and fast times, with plenty of space to find your groove and enjoy the stunning riverside setting. A green triangle buoy signals your final turn towards the finish chute, guided by the chequered buoy and into the floating finish boom.

3.8km River Swim

The Challenge

years

A point-to-point swim with city views, river calm, and a splash of history, the Melius Consulting 3.5km Challenge is Perth’s signature open water swim. The course kicks off just north of the Narrows Bridge, with swimmers transported from Matilda Bay to the start line by bus. After a quick briefing and check-in riverside, you’ll dive into a scenic straight-line swim that winds its way down the iconic Swan River. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Perth’s most recognisable landmarks, the heritage-listed Old Swan Brewery, the green slopes of Kings Park, the beloved “Eliza” statue mid-river, and the much-photographed blue Crawley Boatshed, before landing back at Matilda Bay’s calm foreshore finish. Whether you’re chasing a time or just soaking in the views, this is a challenge worth ticking off. Swum (and won) by legends of the sport, the 3.5km Challenge is more than just a swim, it’s a rite of passage on the Perth open water calendar.

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

Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.

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