The summer holidays are the perfect time for a road trip, whether seeking new swimming destinations or connecting with like-minded swimmers.

With Australia’s stunning coastline and thriving swim communities, a road trip can offer the perfect mix of exploration and fitness.

Whether you’re looking to meet other open-water swimmers, join a group swim session, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty while keeping your fitness on track, here’s your ultimate guide to road-tripping and meeting fellow swim groups along the way.

Planning your route for swimming stops

Australia boasts a variety of incredible swimming locations from crystal-clear beaches to serene lakes and rivers. To make the most of your holiday road trip, plan your route to include iconic swimming spots. Here are a few of oceanswims.com top picks:

1. Bondi Beach

No swimming road trip would be complete without stopping at Bondi. Bondi Beach is a great spot to meet swimmers, and there are always plenty of swim groups meeting around sunrise or sunset.

View the Bondi Beach Swim Guide

2. Great Ocean Road

This iconic route is home to picturesque beaches such as Apollo Bay, Torquay, and Lorne. Many local swim groups often meet at these beaches, making it easy to dive in and meet others.

3. Noosa Heads

Known for its calm waters and popular swim groups, Noosa offers everything from local ocean swims to surfing at the point. It’s an excellent place to meet other swimmers and join post-swim social events aka a coffee.

How to meet up with swim groups on your road trip

Once you’ve mapped out your route, the next step is connecting with swim groups. Here’s the best way to connect with a group near you:

1. Social media

Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to search for swim groups in the areas you’ll be visiting. Many groups have dedicated Facebook groups where they post regular meet-ups, swim schedules, and local events. You can search for groups in the places you’ll be visiting, such as “Sydney Open Water Swimmers” or “Gold Coast Swim Meetups.” Many swimming communities share information about group swims and events through these channels or direct you to their WhatsApp groups.

Join the Ocean Swimming Enthusiasts Facebook Group

2. Ocean Swims group directory

The Ocean Swims website has a Group Directory where you can find different social swim groups around the country. You can even refine your search to the specific location you will be road-tripping in.

3. Engage with swimming communities

Reach out to local swimming groups ahead of your trip. Many communities love welcoming travellers and swimmers from other regions but it’s always best to ask first before just rocking up and swimming. Reaching out before getting to your location can also help you confirm locations and times as these often change regularly.

How to make the most of your swim road trip

A swim road trip is an adventure filled with opportunities to explore new waters, meet fellow swimmers, and create lasting memories. To make the most of your journey, consider these tips to enhance your experience, stay safe, and truly embrace the joy of swimming in unique locations.

1. Take time to rest and recover

While ocean swimming every day sounds amazing, don’t forget the importance of recovery. After a long swim, find local cafes or spots by the beach to enjoy the view, meet fellow swimmers, and relax. Incorporating some rest days will ensure you’re refreshed for the next swim.

2. Bring the right gear

When road-tripping, it’s essential to be prepared for different swimming environments. Pack your wetsuit (if necessary, the water can still be cold during summer in some parts of Australia), swim cap, goggles, and sunscreen, and make sure you have everything you need for both pool and ocean swims.

3. Respect local swimming etiquette

Different locations may have specific swimming rules or customs. Always ask about swimming conditions, be mindful of safety, and respect local wildlife. Local swimmers will appreciate your awareness of local conditions and respecting their home ground.

4. Record your journey

Use a journal or social media to document your swimming road trip in the form of a travel blog. Sharing your experiences with others can inspire fellow swimmers, and you’ll be able to relive the incredible moments for years to come.

5. Talk to lifeguards

If you’re at a popular beach, lifeguards are a great resource for information on swim conditions, group swim times, and local swim events. They often know about informal swim groups or any special swims happening.