The Yamba Ocean Swims are the perfect blend of summer holiday vibes and small-town surf club hospitality. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Rivers coastline, this swim is all about laid-back fun with a salty edge.
Whether you’re holidaying in the area or a local looking to kick off the new year with a splash, the Yamba swims offer a warm welcome and stunning conditions. The 700m swim is perfect for newer ocean swimmers or those just wanting a relaxed hit-out, while the 2km course offers a little more challenge with wide ocean views and space to settle into your rhythm.
The event finishes with lucky draws, smiles all round, and often a post-swim dip in Yamba’s famous ocean pool just around the corner. It’s a classic Aussie summer morning, and one you’ll want to come back for year after year.
Yamba Beach is known for its reliable conditions and clear summer waters. Tucked between two rocky headlands, the beach usually offers mild to moderate swell with decent protection from wind and surf.
Expect water temperatures around 23–25°C in early January. Perfect for togs, with or without a wetsuit. The setting is scenic, safe, and great for swimmers building confidence or stretching into longer distances.
Wetsuits and swim aids aren’t allowed at this event, so it’s just you, your swimmers, and the sea.
But don’t worry, the ocean is typically warm in January, and the course is well supported by local lifesavers on boards and IRBs.
All you really need is a pair of goggles, some sun protection, and a love of the ocean. Simple, safe, and all about the swim.
8-9:00 am – Late entries
8:00 am – Registration
10:00 am – 700m Swim Start (Convent Beach)
10:45 am – 2km Swim Start (Main Beach)
12:00 pm – Dash for Cash (Main Beach)
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
Yamba’s beach precinct is walker-friendly and full of parking options, but keep in mind, it’s a popular spot in summer, so arriving early is your best bet. The good news? Small town swims mean plenty of on-street, free parking if you know where to look.
Start your search in the carpark next to the Queen Street tennis courts, it’s one of the closest spots. From there, try Clarence Street, Queen Street, Beach Street, and Pilot Street. You’re almost guaranteed to find a park within easy strolling distance of the start and finish areas.
Once you’re sorted, you’ll find plenty of spots to soak it all in. There are grassy, shaded areas perfect for spectating or kicking back post-swim, and nearby cafés ready to serve up your post-dip coffee or brekky. Yamba’s relaxed layout means everything’s close, so you can enjoy the morning without any stress.
Yamba is a coastal treasure with laid-back charm and plenty to explore once you’ve rinsed the salt off. After your swim, take a short stroll to the ocean pool tucked beneath the headland; it’s the perfect spot for a post-swim dip or a quiet float with a view.
For brekky, you’re spoiled for choice. Grab a seat at Beachwood Café for a hearty feed, or swing by The Kiosk Yamba for a casual bite with ocean views. If you’re after top-notch coffee and a bit of local buzz, head up the hill to Sip or Irons and Craig.
Make time for a wander, Turner’s Beach is right next door and great for a post-swim sunbake. Keen to explore further? Head to Pippi Beach for a long shoreline stroll or make your way to Angourie Beach, a legendary surf spot and home to the famous Angourie Blue Pool.
If you’re chasing a view, don’t miss the Yamba Lighthouse. Perched above the coastline, it offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific and is a perfect spot to watch the waves (or whales, if you’re lucky).
From boutique shops and beachside cafés to walking trails and wave-filled beaches, Yamba’s the kind of place that turns a swim morning into a weekend escape. You might just find yourself staying longer than planned.
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