Rottnest Channel Swim (WA)

The Rottnest Channel Swim is Australia’s most iconic and largest marathon swim, featuring a ~19.7km crossing from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island across the exposed waters of the Rottnest Channel. With thousands of swimmers and support crew participating annually, it is widely regarded as one of the largest open water swimming events in the world.

More than just a race, the Rottnest Channel Swim is a defining experience within Australian sport and a true rite of passage for open water swimmers. Its scale, complexity and history set it apart, with fleets of escort boats, paddlers and crews creating a unique on-water environment.

While accessible through team and relay formats, the solo crossing remains a significant endurance milestone. The combination of ocean swell, currents, winds and marine conditions ensures that no two crossings are the same, demanding not only physical preparation but detailed logistical planning and strong decision-making throughout the swim.

Approx. Date: Late February

Registrations Open: October (ballot)

Event Type: Mass participation event

Event Website: https://rottnestchannelswim.com.au

How to Enter: Ballot entry (solo, duo, team relay). Escort boat, licensed skipper and support crew required.

Qualification Requirements:

• Solo swimmers must have completed an authorized solo crossing in the past two years, an alternative 10km+ event, or a 10km qualifying swim in under 4 hours 15 mins

• Additional competency, safety and crew requirements apply

Key Features:

• ~19.7km ocean crossing

• One of the largest marathon swims globally

• Solo, duo, team relay

• Highly variable and exposed ocean conditions

• Escort boat mandatory

• Out-of-event swims: Yes, but it must be an officially sanctioned "Out of Event Crossing" through the Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA). Unauthorised solo crossings are dangerous and against Fremantle Port Authority (Fremantle Ports) and the Department of Transport (Marine Safety) regulations.