How to enter

Online entries are closed

View results

At a glance

Sat, 29 Nov 2025

Toowoon Bay Beach, Toowoon Bay NSW

Ocean Swim

400m, 1km & 2km

Sign in to leave a review

Last held on Sat, 29 Nov 2025

Toowoon Bay Ocean Swim

Toowoon Bay SLSC

How to enter

Online entries are closed

View results

At a glance

Sat, 29 Nov 2025

Toowoon Bay Beach, Toowoon Bay NSW

Ocean Swim

400m, 1km & 2km

Around The Buoys
Dash For Cash

Why this event?

A boutique swim on the Central Coast

The Toowoon Bay Ocean Swim is one of those hidden gems that’s well worth the drive. It’s boutique in feel, big on charm, and perfectly positioned on the Central Coast for a salty weekend escape.

What sets Toowoon Bay apart is its flexibility. With three distances, including a junior 400m, a cruisy 1km, and a classic 2km, you can go easy or go all-in. The swim is well organised, community-run, and always buzzing with local support and cheerful volunteers.

It’s also one of the safest open water spots around, thanks to the bay’s sheltered curve that blocks the wind and tames the swell. This makes it a top pick for those wanting a calm, confidence-building swim.

Relaxed, scenic, and social, it’s everything a local ocean swim should be.

What's on offer

400m Ocean Swim

Junior John McNamara Memorial

8 - 12 years

A beginner-friendly wade and swim for 8-12 year-olds, designed to boost ocean confidence.

400m Ocean Swim

Open John McNamara Memorial

13 years

Dive in and take part in this highly-achievable swim distance – great for beginners and those looking to take it easy.

1km Ocean Swim

11 years

The 1km swim is the perfect entry point into the world of ocean swimming. A manageable distance, calm waters, and plenty of support make it ideal for newer swimmers, teens, or anyone wanting a more relaxed ocean experience. Set within the sheltered curve of Toowoon Bay, this course offers gentle conditions and clear sightlines, making it a great confidence builder. Swimmers will follow a well-marked circuit just off the beach, with lifesavers on hand and plenty of cheering from the sand. Whether you’re trying your first ocean swim, using it as a warm-up for a longer event, or simply keen to get amongst the action without going too far, the Toowoon Bay 1km swim is a fun, friendly way to dive in.

2km Ocean Swim

12 years

The 2km swim is the feature event at Toowoon Bay, a beautiful, buoyed circuit set in the calm, protected waters of one of the Central Coast’s favourite swim spots. This course offers the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. With gentle conditions, sweeping coastal views, and a supportive, community vibe, it’s a great swim for regular ocean swimmers or those looking to step up from shorter distances. Make it your main goal for the day, or if you’re feeling strong, pair it with the 1km swim earlier in the program to notch up a satisfying 3km total, the perfect mix of endurance and adventure. Whether you’re here to race, cruise, or just soak up the swim day atmosphere, the Toowoon Bay 2km swim delivers that classic summer ocean swim feel in a relaxed, scenic setting.

250m Ocean Swim

Dash For Dinner

18 years

The sprint starts in front of the iconic Kims Beachside Retreat. All swimmers 18 years and over will automatically be registered.

Swim map

Plot your course

*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ

What to expect in the water

Toowoon Bay is a tranquil, crescent-shaped beach just south of The Entrance. It’s known for its shallow entry, mild surf, and reef-protected bay, making it ideal for swimmers looking for a gentle intro to ocean swimming.

November water temperatures average 20–22°C, and the beach is generally protected from heavy swell or strong winds. This makes it a great choice for kids, newer swimmers, and anyone stepping up to a longer distance.

Swimmer essentials

Wetsuits are allowed but optional. The bay stays relatively warm in late spring, making skins a comfortable choice for most swimmers. Lifesavers are positioned along the course, and support boards patrol each swim.

Bring goggles, your brightest smile, and maybe a change of clothes for post-swim coffee.

Good to know

Merchandise

Limited merchandise will be available for purchase on the day.

Categories & prizes

Age Groups

Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female for each age group (8, 9, 10) and (11, 12)
Prizes for 1st and 2nd Male and Female placegetters for each age group (13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+).

1km

1st Male and 1st Female

2km

1st Male and 1st Female

250m Dash For Dinner

A Kims Beachside Retreat $150 voucher to be won by random draw for one male and one female

Swim aids & wetsuits

Wetsuits not eligible for prizes
Wetsuits are fine to wear, keep in mind they’re not eligible for prizes or age group placings on the day.

Swim aids allowed, not eligible for prizes
Swim aids such as fins and snorkels are welcome. You’ll still be timed, but not eligible for prizes or age group placings.

What’s on when

7:00 am – Registration opens
8:15 am – 400m swim start
9:15 am – 1km swim start
10:30 am – 2km swim start
11:30 am – Dash For Dinner
12:00 pm – Presentations*

Registration closes 15 minutes before each swim.

*Presentations: Prize presentations will take place upstairs at the Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club commencing from 12 noon. Prizes must be collected on the day; no post-swim deliveries will be made.

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.

Photo highlights

Getting there & around

Toowoon Bay is just over 90 minutes from Sydney and 25 minutes from Gosford. It has three car parks near the beach, but they fill quickly on a sunny morning. Arrive early to snag a spot. There’s also ample street parking and facilities near the surf club, including change rooms, showers, and a shaded park.

Toowoon Bay Beach

Toowoon Bay NSW, Australia

While you're there

Whether you’re refuelling, relaxing, or making a weekend of it, Toowoon Bay and surrounds have you covered with great spots to eat, stay and explore.

Bateau Bay Bowling Club

The go-to for a family-friendly post-swim wind-down. Think hearty meals, raffles, cold drinks, and a classic roll on the green, all just a short drive from the beach.

Mingara Recreation Club

Heading in from Sydney or Newcastle? Make a pit stop at Mingara on your way to the Bay or on the drive home. With bars, restaurants, an indoor lap pool, and sport on the big screen, it’s more than just a club, it’s a destination.

Shelly Beach Golf Club

Golfers, you’re in luck. This ocean-side course is so close, you could roll your bag straight from the beach car park. Tee off after your swim and soak up the views.

The Lakes Hotel

Recently refurbished and right in the heart of The Entrance, this modern, family-friendly hotel is a fun and easy base for your swim getaway.

The Entrance Leagues Club

A local favourite in nearby Bateau Bay, this vibrant club has something for everyone; dining, entertainment, and a welcoming community vibe.

Kim’s Beachside Retreat

Why not stay the whole weekend? With absolute beachfront views, you can watch the swim from your veranda or the onsite restaurant – cocktail in hand. Want a front-row beach chair to catch the action? Just ask.

Local gems at Toowoon Bay Shops

Stroll up from the sand to grab a post-swim coffee at Flour and Co., fish and chips from Saltwater Takeaway, or a gourmet bite at Table 92. Pick up a homeware or gift from Palm Bay Lifestyle while you’re there.