Plan Your Next Marathon Swim
Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic and challenging marathon swims — from ocean channel crossings to river endurance races. The Australian Marathon Swimming Calendar brings these events together in one place, helping swimmers plan their next challenge and celebrate the diversity of open water swimming across the country.
This calendar highlights key events recognised by Marathon Swimming Australia, including established classics such as the Derwent River Big Swim, Port to Pub, Palm to Shelly, and the Rottnest Channel Swim, alongside emerging local and regional races.
If you are an event organiser and would like your swim listed here, and your results formally recognised in the Australian Long Swims Database, we’d love to hear from you.
Please reach out via our Contact Us page to discuss event inclusion and ratification requirements.
Derwent River Big Swim
The original 34km ultra marathon swim starting at New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk to the iconic Tasman Bridge the Derwent River.
Geo Bay Swim
Take on a marathon swim in one of Western Australia’s most picturesque bays. The Geo Bay Swim is a 20 km crossing in sheltered waters near Dunsborough. With options for solos, duos, and teams, it’s accessible to a wide range of swimmers.
VladSwim Challenge
Looking for the perfect stepping stone to longer marathon swims? The VladSwim Challenge offers distances of 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km within Sydney Harbour. Held each December, it’s a festive end-of-year test for developing swimmers and experienced marathoners alike.
Safety to Sorento
Experience Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in a way few ever do — by swimming its entire sweep. The Safety to Sorrento is a 24 km ultra-swim that combines coastal beauty with serious endurance. Born out of COVID restrictions, it has quickly become a beloved fixture on the calendar.
Rottnest Channel
Join one of the largest marathon swims in the world. Each February, thousands of swimmers make the 19.7 km crossing from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island in Western Australia. With solo, duo, and team categories, the Rotto Swim is as much a festival as it is a race.
Port to Pub
Take on Western Australia’s ultimate ocean crossing. The Port to Pub challenges swimmers with a 19.7 km direct route or a 25 km ultra-marathon across the channel from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island. Staged in March, it’s one of Australia’s most prestigious marathon swims and part of the Australian Triple Crown.
Palm to Shelly
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming the length of Sydney’s spectacular Northern Beaches, the Palm to Shelly is your chance. This 24 km ocean challenge runs each April, tracing a stunning course from Palm Beach to Shelly Beach at Manly. Known as a proving ground for international channel aspirants, the Palm to Shelly attracts some of Australia’s best distance swimmers.
Swim Around Keppel
If you’ve ever wanted to combine tropical paradise with marathon swimming, this is the event for you. The Swim Around Keppel circles the island over 20 km of crystal-clear water, coral reef, and golden beaches. It’s one of the most scenic swims in the world and a true bucket-list event.