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This isn’t just a swim, it’s a Sydney rite of passage. The Sydney Heads 4000 is one of the most unique ocean swim events on the calendar, taking swimmers on a 4km journey from Little Manly Beach, across the open heads of Sydney Harbour, and finishing in Watsons Bay.
Crossing the famous Sydney Heads is a rare opportunity for ocean swimmers, with all logistics, safety, and approvals expertly managed by the team at JJF Projects. It’s challenging, yes, but achievable, memorable, and deeply rewarding.
If you’ve done your local swims and you’re looking to push your comfort zone with something special, this is your swim.
This is a true point-to-point swim across the open mouth of Sydney Harbour. Starting in the protected waters of Little Manly, swimmers head east, past Middle Head and across the open channel towards South Head and Watsons Bay.
The water can be choppy with some swell at the heads, but it’s generally manageable for confident swimmers. March conditions are warm (22–24°C), with good visibility and incredible views. Expect a strong water safety presence throughout the course.
Wetsuits are optional. This swim is designed for experienced swimmers with solid ocean confidence and the ability to manage distance and conditions. Full safety support is provided across the course.
You’ll need to attend a safety briefing and be comfortable in open water with some movement.
8:00 am: Swimmers arrive at Little Manly Beach for check-in and safety briefing
9:00 am: Swim start
11:00 am: Finish cut-off time
Highlight reel
This is a true point-to-point swim, starting at Little Manly Beach and finishing at Watsons Bay, so a little planning goes a long way.
The best option? Get dropped off at the start in the morning. Swimmer belongings will be securely transported to the finish line for collection post-swim, so you can focus on the salt, not the schlepping.
If you’re using public transport, it’s totally doable from either end. Watsons Bay Wharf is just a short 500m stroll from Camp Cove Beach (the finish area), with Sydney Ferries running hourly into Circular Quay. From there, you can connect to the Manly Ferry or buses as needed.
If you’re heading back to the start post-swim, Captain Cook Cruises offers a ferry from Watsons Bay to Manly for just $7, departing at 12:25 pm, 2:55 pm and 4:10 pm, ideal for a scenic return trip. Keep in mind there’s about a 1km walk from the Manly ferry terminal back to Little Manly Beach.
Alternatively, park near the finish in the morning and use public transport or the ferry to reach the start line.
Final transport and logistics info will be confirmed by organisers closer to the event, so keep an eye on your inbox and arrive early to soak it all in.
Watsons Bay is one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside spots, and after 4km across the heads, you’ll be more than ready to enjoy it.
Kick things off with fish and chips from Doyles, a post-swim classic, or settle in for a long lunch and a cold drink at the Watsons Bay Hotel, where the views are just as refreshing as the beverages. Grab a seat on the deck or sprawl out on the grassy hill overlooking the water and watch the ferries cruise in and out like clockwork.
Still got some energy? Take a stroll out to Hornby Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Heads (you’ll be amazed at what you just swam across), or wander down to Camp Cove for a gentle dip and some quiet time on the sand.
There’s something special about this finish line. Maybe it’s the sparkle off the harbour, the cheers of swimmers on the grass, or the sense of having crossed something iconic. This swim isn’t just about the finish; it’s about the view when you get there.
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