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At a glance

Sat, 7 Mar 2026

Terrigal Beach, Terrigal

Ocean Swim

300m, 1km, 2km, 3km & 5km

World Series Swims

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Sat, 7 Mar 2026

Terrigal Swim Fest

World Series Swims

How to enter

Online entries are open.
Entries close online on 7 Mar, 9:00 am

Enter Now

Event Website

At a glance

Sat, 7 Mar 2026

Terrigal Beach, Terrigal

Ocean Swim

300m, 1km, 2km, 3km & 5km

Around The Buoys

Why this event?

Swim, celebrate, and soak up the Central Coast at the inaugural Terrigal Swim Fest

Terrigal Swim Fest is set to make waves on the Central Coast. Over two big days, this brand-new festival blends sun, surf, swims, and a whole lot of community fun. It’s more than just an ocean swim; it’s a weekend to remember.

Saturday kicks off with expert-led open water clinics, including Olympic legend Michael Klim, where you can sharpen your skills and build confidence in the surf. Whether you’re a first-timer keen for tips or a seasoned swimmer after the inside scoop, these clinics set the tone for an epic weekend.

Sunday is swim day, with distances from 300m to 5.0km. The vibe is welcoming and inclusive, with something for everyone, from kids in the Junior Giants right through to marathoners taking on the 5.0km. Add in the Knockout Sprint Relay, a fast-paced new format straight from the World Championships, and you’ve got a spectacle that’s as exciting for spectators as it is for swimmers.

But it doesn’t end at the finish line. With live entertainment, social events at local venues, and free community activities, the Terrigal Swim Fest is just as much about hanging out with mates, soaking up the coastal atmosphere, and celebrating the sport we love.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect summer goal, this is it, a festival that’s salty, social, and seriously fun.

On the day

What's on offer

300m Ocean Swim

Junior Giants

8 - 16 years

The Junior Giants is all about fun, confidence, and making memories in the ocean. Designed for swimmers aged 8 to 16, this 300m splash is the perfect chance to get involved, challenge yourself, and share the sand with other young ocean lovers. What makes it special? Family and friends are encouraged to join in and swim alongside the kids, turning it into a shared experience rather than just a race. Whether it’s your first time in open water or you’re already dreaming of bigger swims down the track, the Junior Giants is a safe, supportive, and exciting way to take part in the festival. With a field limit of 150, spots are sure to fill quickly. So grab your goggles, bring your cheer squad, and get ready to dive in, this one’s about fun, not fierce.

1km Ocean Swim

Terrigal 1000

years

The Terrigal 1000 is the perfect introduction to open water swimming. Set in the calm, sheltered waters of Terrigal Beach, this 1.0km course offers a safe and welcoming space for beginners to dip their toes into ocean swimming. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure event designed to help you build confidence and enjoy the thrill of completing your first ocean swim. For some, it’s the first step toward longer distances, while for others it’s simply a chance to enjoy a scenic, supportive swim in a beautiful coastal setting. With a friendly vibe both in and out of the water, the Terrigal 1000 is where open water adventures begin.

2km Ocean Swim

Terrigal 2.0

years

The Terrigal 2.0 is the signature swim of the weekend, attracting a lively mix of competitive athletes and social swimmers who just love being part of the action. At 2.0km, it’s a distance that feels both achievable and rewarding, long enough to give you a challenge, but short enough to keep the fun front and centre. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, testing yourself against the waves, or simply soaking up the festival vibe on the sand and in the surf, the Terrigal 2.0 is an excellent summer goal. With the crowds cheering and the Central Coast setting the scene, this is the swim you’ll be talking about long after you’ve dried off.

3km Ocean Swim

Terrigal 3.0

years

Ready to take things up a notch? The Terrigal 3.0 is designed for swimmers looking to go beyond the classic 1km and 2km distances and really test their endurance. At 3.0km, it’s the perfect stepping stone towards longer marathon swims, offering a challenge that feels both tough and achievable. Whether you’re pushing your limits, building towards a bigger goal, or simply keen to enjoy more time in the water, the Terrigal 3.0 delivers. With the stunning Central Coast as your backdrop, this swim is as rewarding for the soul as it is for your fitness.

5km Ocean Swim

Terrigal 5.0

years

This is the big one, a true marathon swim in the heart of Terrigal. At 5.0km, the Terrigal 5.0 is a distance that attracts some of Australia’s most talented pool and open water swimmers, while also tempting seasoned ocean swimmers ready to take on a serious challenge. The multi-lap course winds through the sheltered waters of Terrigal Beach, giving you the perfect stage to push past the usual open water distances and test both your stamina and determination. It’s tough, but the rewards are immense, a finish that feels like a milestone in any swimmer’s journey. Course maps will be available in advance, and swimmers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the layout and check course markings on the day. With safety support and a buzzing festival crowd on the sand, this marathon swim is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the achievement.

1.75km Ocean Swim

Knockout Sprint Relay

years

Fast, fun, and full of drama, the Knockout Sprint Relay is one of the most exciting new additions to the World Series Swims program. Borrowed straight from the Open Water World Championships, this back-to-back format brings a whole new energy to Terrigal Swim Fest, keeping swimmers and spectators on the edge of their seats. Here’s how it works: everyone starts with a 1000m swim, but only the top 20 men and women progress to the 500m semi-final. From there, the field is whittled down again, with just 10 athletes lining up for the final, a 250m flat-out sprint to crown the champion. It’s designed with competitive swimmers in mind, but it’s open to anyone keen to test themselves in this fast-paced, knockout-style challenge. Best of all, entry is free if you’ve signed up for another swim on the program, making it an easy add-on for those looking for something different. The Knockout Sprint Relay isn’t just another swim, it’s a show. Expect plenty of cheers from the shoreline as the field gets cut down, and big finishes as swimmers leave nothing in the tank. If you want to see ocean swimming at its most electric, this is the event for you.

What to expect in the water

Terrigal Beach is one of the jewels of the NSW Central Coast. Known for its sweeping sandy shoreline, protected surf, and vibrant esplanade, it’s a spot that balances natural beauty with swimmer-friendly conditions.

March usually delivers mild mornings, warm sunshine, and water temps around 21–23°C, perfect for open water swimming. Terrigal’s bay offers sheltered conditions, but swimmers should still be ready for light chop, a playful swell, and tidal changes.

This is a versatile venue, welcoming for beginners tackling shorter swims while still offering plenty of challenge for experienced swimmers in the 3.0km and 5.0km courses.

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.

Highlight reel

Getting there & around

Terrigal is just over an hour north of Sydney and around 90 minutes south of Newcastle, making it an easy coastal getaway for swimmers and supporters alike. The town sits right on the Central Coast Highway, so whether you’re driving from the city or heading down from the Hunter, the trip is straightforward and scenic.

Parking is available around the beach foreshore, in nearby council carparks, and along surrounding streets, but spots can fill quickly on busy summer weekends. Aim to arrive early to secure a space, or consider carpooling with friends. Some local accommodation options are within easy walking distance of the start line, so if you’re staying the weekend, you can enjoy a stress-free stroll to the beach on swim morning.

If you’re coming by public transport, trains run regularly from Sydney and Newcastle to Gosford or Woy Woy stations, with travel times just over an hour. From there, connecting buses will take you straight to Terrigal, dropping you a short walk from the esplanade and event hub. It’s an easy option if you’d prefer to leave the car at home and relax on the way.

Once you’re in town, everything is within reach. The beach is backed by a lively esplanade lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, so you’ll have plenty of places to grab a pre-swim coffee or refuel afterwards. Accommodation ranges from beachfront hotels to family-friendly holiday apartments, making it simple to turn the swim into a full weekend escape.

Terrigal Beach

Terrigal, New South Wales, Australia

While you're there

Terrigal isn’t just a swim venue, it’s one of the Central Coast’s favourite holiday destinations, buzzing with a laid-back beach vibe that’s perfect for a weekend escape. After your swim, wander up to the bustling Terrigal Esplanade where you’ll find cafés and restaurants spilling onto the street, many with sweeping ocean views. It’s the ideal spot to sip a flat white, tuck into a big post-swim breakfast, and soak up the atmosphere with your fellow swimmers.

For a dose of nature, stretch your legs with a walk up The Skillion, the town’s iconic headland lookout. The short climb rewards you with spectacular views across Terrigal Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and down the coast towards Avoca. Or, if recovery is the priority, spread a towel on the sand and simply kick back with your support crew as the waves roll in.

If you’re making a weekend of it, the surrounding area has plenty to explore. Avoca Beach is just down the road, home to boutique markets and a relaxed surf-town feel. Wamberal offers long sandy stretches that are great for a quiet walk or a dip. And Erina Fair, one of the largest shopping centres in the region, is nearby if you’re after some retail therapy or a family-friendly afternoon activity.

From sunrise swims to sunset drinks overlooking the ocean, Terrigal Swim Fest is the perfect excuse to dive in, hang out, and enjoy everything the Central Coast has to offer.