Sydney’s ocean swimming scene is set for a major shake-up this season with the launch of the Bondi2Coogee 5 km Swim and the revival of the Sydney 5km Series, a project aiming to reignite long-distance racing across the city’s iconic beaches.

For event director Tim Garrett, the concept has been years in the making.

“Traditionally, this 5km swim has been run from Coogee to Bondi by Neil Rogers and others before him,” said Mr Garrett.

“It’s a great swim, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve done it in both directions because it’s such an incredible course.

“It deserves a permanent place on the swim calendar, which is why I’ve worked so hard to bring it to life again.”

Five beaches, four headlands, one epic course

Unlike most 5km swims that loop around buoys, Bondi2Coogee is a true point-to-point adventure. Starting at North Bondi and finishing at South Coogee, the course takes swimmers past five golden beaches, four rugged headlands, two bays, and the legendary Wedding Cake Island, all backed by the sandstone cliffs and coastal walk that attract over a million visitors each year.

“The Bondi to Coogee coastline is awesome,” said Mr Garrett.

“It’s one of the best pieces of coastline in Australia; it is truly spectacular.

“More than a million people walk it every year, but very few get to swim it.

“But that is about to change because this event gives people the chance to swim it, giving them the opportunity to say they have both swam and walked the magnificent coastline.”

Swimmers can expect constantly changing scenery and conditions: sandy shallows giving way to rocky reefs, shifting currents off Bronte Headland, and a steady southern drift toward Coogee. Every kilometre brings new sights and sensations, schools of fish, reef shadows, and the deep-blue stillness beneath Waverley Cemetery.

“It’s more than just a race,” said Mr Garrett.

“It’s an ocean adventure that rewards every swimmer with challenge, beauty, and the thrill of conquering one of Sydney’s most iconic stretches of coast.

“To ensure fairness and safety, the direction of the swim will alternate each year.

“This year the course will be Bondi to Coogee and next year it will be Coogee to Bondi.

“Although we are ready to reverse the course on race day if the wind or swell demands it.”

Building a pathway for longer swims

While Sydney’s ocean-swimming calendar is packed with 1km and 2km charity swims, there are currently only a handful of true 5km events. Mr Garrett hopes that the Bondi2Coogee 5 km Swim will help bridge the gap between short coastal dashes and marathon-distance swims.

“Swimming is a lot like running, people set goals to go further, go faster, or take on new challenges,” said Mr Garrett.

“At the moment, there aren’t enough 5km swims to give swimmers that next step up. This event gives them a safe, supported opportunity to do exactly that.

“And we’ve capped the field to 100 swimmers, to ensure a friendly, community-focused atmosphere where everyone is known, supported, and part of this unique experience.”

The Sydney 5km Series

The Bondi2Coogee swim is also part of something bigger, the rebirth of the Sydney 5km Series, a concept that once existed years ago but faded from the calendar.

“The long-term vision has already started,” said Mr Garrett.

“I’m resurrecting the Sydney 5km Swim Series after Vlad (VladSwim) had been in my ear about it for a while!

“There used to be a series years ago, but then it stopped, I’m not sure why it did, but it did and has been greatly missed on the calendar.”

The lineup is still being finalised, but Mr Garrett hopes to feature at least five of Sydney’s most popular 5km ocean swims, with full details to be announced in the coming months.

A must-do for every Sydney swimmer

With its breathtaking scenery, small-field camaraderie, and serious ocean-swim credentials, the Bondi2Coogee 5 km Swim is set to become an instant classic on the Australian swim calendar.

If you’ve ever dreamed of linking Sydney’s most famous beaches in one go, from Bondi’s golden curve to Coogee’s welcoming bay, this is your chance.