One of Australia’s most loved charity ocean swims is blending art, community, and coastal culture ahead of its milestone 35th year.

The Balmoral Swim has announced an exclusive swimwear collaboration for 2026, partnering with iconic Australian swimwear brand Budgy Smugglers and emerging contemporary artist Alexandra Angus to create a limited-edition event collection.

The collaboration adds a fresh creative layer to a swim that has long been known for bringing together swimmers, families, and supporters for a cause that reaches far beyond the shoreline.

A design inspired by swimming and the Australian coast

The official 2026 swimwear has been designed by Alexandra Angus, a passionate swimmer and illustrator whose connection to the Balmoral Swim runs deep. A graduate of the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Advanced Studies in Anatomy and Histology, Angus brings a distinctive blend of science and art to her creative work.

Her design draws inspiration from natural forms and coastal environments, celebrating the movement, colour, and energy that define ocean swimming.

Angus said the project held strong personal meaning.

“Using what I’ve learnt in illustration to create designs, including swimwear for an event that has been part of my life for so long, has been an incredible opportunity,” she said.

“For this design, my goal was to create something that celebrates both the joy of swimming and the beauty of the Australian coast.” 

More than swimwear, it’s part of the festival experience

The Balmoral Swim has always been as much about atmosphere as it is about the swims themselves. The new collection continues that tradition, offering participants a keepsake that reflects the event’s long-standing spirit of fun, creativity, and connection.

Available exclusively through the event, the swimwear collection has been designed to appeal to swimmers of all ages and abilities, reinforcing the inclusive and community-driven nature of the festival.

Swimming for a life-changing cause

Beyond the beachside buzz and colourful caps, the Balmoral Swim remains firmly anchored in its charitable mission.

Funds raised through the event support the Children’s Cancer Institute, helping fund research aimed at finding a cure for childhood cancer. 

It’s a cause that has helped shape the identity of the swim for more than three decades, turning every stroke into something that contributes to meaningful change.

A milestone year for a much-loved swim

The 35th annual Balmoral Swim will be held on Sunday, 22 March 2026 at Balmoral Beach in Mosman, continuing its legacy as one of Sydney’s most cherished ocean swim festivals.

Run entirely by volunteers, the event has built a reputation as a welcoming, family-friendly celebration of ocean swimming culture, drawing participants back year after year.

With the added splash of this artistic collaboration, 2026 is shaping up as a particularly special chapter in the swim’s story.

Swimmers and supporters are encouraged to register early, with strong interest expected as the event celebrates its 35-year milestone.