The Warriewood to Mona Vale Swim is more than just a coastal cruise; it’s a swim with heart, history, and deep local roots. First held during the 1977–78 season with just 20 swimmers, it’s now recognised as one of the first organised ocean swims in Australia. The event was founded by Mona Vale Surf Club life member Don ‘Doc’ Jenkin, whose legacy continues to shape the swim today.
Now named in honour of Doc Jenkins and fellow surf lifesaving legend Janice Mason, the swim brings together the community each year for a meaningful, scenic, and soul-filled experience.
The 2.26km point-to-point course offers the kind of open water journey ocean swimmers live for: clear water, rugged headlands, and the thrill of swimming from one beach to another. And for those newer to the sport or looking to share the experience with family, the 1km loop swim at Mona Vale provides a safe and welcoming way to get involved.
It’s a swim steeped in tradition, backed by a strong surf club, and cherished by the community. Whether you’re in it for the history, the scenery, or the salty satisfaction, this one’s got it all.
The swim starts at Warriewood Beach and finishes at Mona Vale, just around the headland. This section of the coast is stunning, relatively protected but still open to the occasional rolling swell. In mid-January, expect 22–24°C water and usually light morning winds.
The course is well marked and supported, and surf lifesavers are stationed along the swim line. Conditions can vary slightly, so swimmers should be confident in moderate open water.
Wetsuits are welcome but optional. This swim is open to confident ocean swimmers, with good visibility and solid water safety throughout the course. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and something warm for after; you’ll want to stay a while.
7:30 am: Registration opens (at Mona Vale SLSC)
8:00 am: Bus transport to Warriewood for 2.26km swimmers
8:30 am: 1km Family Swim start (at Mona Vale)
8:30am: Wave 1, Female (Pink)
8:33 am: Wave 2, Male (Green)
8:35 am: Fins & Skins (Green)
9:30 am: Last bus to Warriewood 2.26km
10:00 am: 2.26km Point-to-Point Swim start (at Warriewood)
10:00 am: Wave 1, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24 (Yellow)
10:05 am: Wave 2, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 (Pink)
10:10 am: Wave 3, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54 (Green)
10:15 am: Wave 4, 55-59, 60+ (Orange)
10:18 am: Fins & Skins (Orange)
11:00 am: Presentations
All swimmers should head to Mona Vale Beach to register at the surf club before the swim. From there, a free shuttle bus will take participants in the 2.26km point-to-point swim to the start line at Warriewood Beach. The shuttle runs regularly in the lead-up to the event, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to the start without stress.
Parking is available at the Mona Vale Beach car park, but spots can fill quickly, so arriving early is your best bet. There’s also limited street parking nearby, but keep an eye out for signage and restrictions.
If you’re coming by public transport, buses run frequently along Pittwater Road, connecting Mona Vale with Sydney’s northern suburbs, the city, and surrounding beaches. Services from Wynyard, Dee Why, and Manly make it easy to get to the event without the parking hassle. Use the B-Line or local 199 routes for the most direct access, with a short walk from the Mona Vale bus stop to the beach.
Facilities at both Mona Vale and Warriewood include changerooms, showers, and toilets, making it easy to rinse off and get comfortable before or after your swim. Whether you’re driving, riding, or catching the bus, getting there is easy, and the ocean’s waiting.
Post-swim, you’ve got plenty of options to make the most of your morning in Mona Vale. For a scenic and slightly fancy feed, head to The Boathouse right on the water; it’s perfect for a celebratory brunch with ocean views and a side of sunshine. If you’re after something more low-key, wander into town and check out Armchair Collective, Backyard at the Bowlo, or Ruby’s Café for a great coffee and a casual bite.
Feeling like a cool-down? Take a dip in Mona Vale’s twin rock pools, perched at the northern end of the beach and separated by a stretch of rocky coastline. It’s one of the prettiest pool spots on the Northern Beaches. Or, just roll out a towel on the grassy foreshore, soak up the post-swim buzz, and cheer on the last swimmers as they come in.
You’re surrounded by beaches, bushland, and cafes here, so if you’re not rushing off, why not make a morning of it? Grab a coffee, take a walk along the headland, or just sit back and enjoy that salty satisfaction. This is more than a swim, it’s a full morning out with ocean-loving mates, and the perfect way to start your Sunday.
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