• 8:00 am – Swimmers arrive at Little Manly Beach for check-in and the safety briefing
• 9:00 am – Swim start
• 11:00 am – Swim cut-off time

The Watsons Bay Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your achievement with fellow swimmers, family, and friends.

Due to the swim starting in Manly and finishing in Watsons Bay, all effort should be made to get dropped off at the start. Swimmer belongings will be transported to the finish line for collection after the swim.

Ferries

• Watsons Bay Wharf is a 500m walk from Camp Cove Beach. Sydney Ferries run from Watsons Bay Wharf to the city on the hour.
• Captain Cook Cruises run a ferry from Watsons Bay to Manly which costs $7 & leaves at 12.25 pm, 2.55 pm & 4.10 pm. There is an approx. 1km walk from the Manly ferry terminal to Little Manly Beach.

Q&A

When & where does the SH4000 swim take place?
The Sydney Heads 4000 swim is on Sunday, 9th March 2025, starting at 9:00 am from Little Manly Beach at Manly & finishing at Camp Cove Beach, near Watsons Bay from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

How long is the swim, and what is the course?
The swim is 4 kilometres, crossing Sydney Heads from Little Manly Beach to Camp Cove Beach.

Who provides water safety during the event?
Water safety is provided by Surf Life Saving NSW, with 8 IRBs patrolling the swim course.

Can I bring my own paddler for support?
Yes, you can bring your own kayaker or paddler to accompany you during the swim.

Do I need prior experience to participate?
Yes, this event is for experienced open-water swimmers who have trained for a 4-kilometre open water swim.

Is there a limit on the number of entries?
The event is limited to 200 swimmers.

Can I wear swim fins?
Yes, swim fins/flippers can be worn.

Will the swim be timed?
No, this is an experience, not a race.

How will my belongings be transported?
Your clothes & personal items will be transported to the finish line at Camp Cove Beach by the event organiser.

Are there toilets and refreshments at the finish line?
Yes, toilets & refreshments are available at Camp Cove Beach.

What time should I arrive at the starting point?
Swimmers should arrive at Little Manly Beach at least one hour before the start time (by 8:00 AM) for check-in and the safety briefing.

Is there a time limit for the swim?
Yes, due to the event being across Sydney Heads there is a 2-hour time limit set for the event.

Will there be medical support on-site?
Yes, a paramedic will be stationed at the finish line. Surf Life Saving NSW staff in the IRB’s on the water will also provide medical support.

Is there Insurance provided as part of the event?
Public liability insurance for each swimmer is part of the event registration.

Who is the organiser of the event?
The organiser is JJF Projects Pty Ltd who have run the South Head Roughwater since 2002.

Is public transport available from Watsons Bay to Manly or the City
Yes – Watsons Bay Wharf is a 500m walk from Camp Cove Beach. Sydney Ferries run from Watsons Bay wharf to the city on the hour. Captain Cook Cruises run a ferry from Watsons Bay to Manly which costs $7 & leaves at 12.25 pm, 2.55 pm & 4.10 pm.

Is the SH4000 approved by NSW Maritime?
Yes, NSW Maritime, a division of Transport for NSW, have approved an aquatic licence  for the event. An operational & water safety plan has been prepared & approved as part of the aquatic licence approval.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the event is postponed due to bad weather it will be held two weeks later, on 23 March 2025. Entrants must be available to swim on the postponement date as no refunds will be given if they cannot attend. Entrants will be notified by text message on the morning of the event & by checking on this event listing.