Summer on the Northern Beaches just hits differently, and for thousands of ocean swimmers, January means one thing – the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series. In 2026, the beloved run of community swims kicks off at Newport on Sunday, 4 January, with Bilgola, Mona Vale and The Big Swim taking over each Sunday after. Avalon then wraps things up on 15 March with its much-loved program, including the iconic Around The Bends from Newport to Avalon.

For many regulars, these swims are the highlight of the season. Forestville couple Ross and Denise Farrelly are two of the many who keep coming back. They took on four Pittwater swims in 2024 and say the series delivers everything they love about the sport – nature, community and that unbeatable feeling of being out in the elements.

“I’ve always had an affinity with the ocean,” Ross said. “There’s something special about working with the waves and currents to get where you want to go.”

For Denise, who’s been swimming since 1999, it’s the mix that keeps her hooked – the health, the headspace, the friendships and the joy of swimming somewhere beautiful. “There’s nothing like being in nature. It’s a grand feeling,” she said. “And sharing it with friends, family and the Bold & Beautiful crew just adds to it.”

Their training couldn’t be more different – Ross keeps things cruisy with the odd Bold & Beautiful and some gym cardio, while Denise mixes squad sessions, strength training and regular swims. But that’s part of the charm of Pittwater: it’s a series built for everyone, whether you’re swimming with your partner, your mates, or just looking for a long, quiet glide along the coastline.

What’s on in 2026

• 4 January – Newport
• 11 January – Bilgola
• 18 January – Mona Vale
• 25 January – (Palm to) Whale Beach
• 15 March – Avalon Beach

Each event has a range of distances, from 400 m and 800 m options through to the longer 2 km and ~3 km challenges.

Big community energy, big on safety

The Pittwater swims are known for being friendly, fuss-free and incredibly well run. Organising committee leader, Vikki Curtin, says swimmers can expect the usual gold-standard setup: plenty of lifesaving craft on the course, drone surveillance overhead, and support crews in the surf zone for anyone who needs a hand.

The shore vibes are just as good – fresh fruit, BBQs, cheers rolling up the beach, medals for category winners and lucky-dip prizes that always draw a crowd.

If you swim at least three of the five events in 2026, you’ll also go into the draw for one of two $250 fine-dining vouchers at The Basin Restaurant.

Why swimmers love Pittwater

For Ross and Denise, and many others, the drawcard is simple: the beaches are stunning, the water is clean, and the atmosphere is warm and genuinely community-driven.

These events run like clockwork – water safety, buses, bag transport, hydration, first aid, timing – all handled by passionate volunteers who pour months of work into making the series what it is.

“We love that it’s a grassroots community event,” they said. “We get to swim together, support local surf clubs and enjoy some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, right on our doorstep.”