The Swimming NSW 2.5km Classic is your chance to be part of something special, a safe, flat-water swim set against the electric backdrop of the Australia Cup. You’ll be sharing the venue with national and international athletes, soaking up the atmosphere of elite competition while enjoying your own swim challenge.
This event is designed to welcome everyone. If you’re new to open water, the calm, controlled waters of the regatta lake make it the perfect entry point. And if you’re a seasoned swimmer, the accurately measured 2.5km course offers the chance to test yourself and even chase down a personal best.
Spectators aren’t left out either. With footpaths and grandstand seating circling the course, friends and family can follow every stroke, all while the buzz of the Australia Cup keeps the energy high.
It’s the perfect way to close out your swimming year: world-class facilities, a vibrant community vibe, and a swim you won’t forget.
The Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith is one of Australia’s premier flat-water venues, built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and still world-class today. Purpose-built for rowing and paddling, its accurately measured lake offers swimmers some of the calmest and safest open water conditions in the country.
Expect flat freshwater with no tides, swell, or marine life. December water temperatures typically sit between 21 – 24°C, comfortable for both wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers. With no environmental surprises, you can focus purely on your swim.
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.
The Sydney International Regatta Centre is located at Penrith Lakes, about an hour west of Sydney’s CBD via the M4 motorway. Driving is the simplest option, with ample on-site parking available. For those travelling by train, Penrith Station is the nearest major hub, with buses, taxis, and rideshares connecting directly to the venue in under 15 minutes.
Once inside the gates, SIRC makes life easy for both swimmers and supporters. Wide footpaths and a grandstand circle the course, so family and friends can follow the action from multiple vantage points. Facilities include toilets, change rooms, shaded areas, and food outlets, making it one of the most comfortable and spectator-friendly swim venues in Australia.
Turn your swim into a full Penrith adventure. Kick things off with a well-earned coffee or brunch at one of the lakeside cafés right by the regatta course, or head into the town centre where you’ll find everything from casual cafés to family pubs and modern dining spots.
If you’re up for a gentle wind-down, the Great River Walk along the Nepean River is a local favourite, offering peaceful paths and lovely views. For those wanting more adrenaline, Penrith has you covered. Take on the rapids at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, feel the rush of flight at iFLY indoor skydiving, or carve it up on the water at Cables Wake Park.
And if you’ve got time to spare, the Blue Mountains are calling. In less than 30 minutes, you can be wandering clifftop trails, exploring charming villages, or gazing out over world-famous views like the Three Sisters. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day that’s already packed with memories.
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