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.
Derwent River Series – Tasmanian Marathon Swimming Challenges
Derwent River Series – Tasmanian Marathon Swimming Challenges
The Derwent River Series showcases a collection of marathon and ultra-distance swims set on the iconic Derwent River in Tasmania, Australia, one of the nation’s most historic and challenging open-water routes. Anchored by the renowned Derwent River Big Swim, this series offers swimmers a suite of endurance events ranging from classic long-course river crossings to unique freshwater and estuarine challenges against stunning natural backdrops.
The Derwent River Series celebrates endurance, resilience and the spirit of marathon swimming. All swims take place in Tasmania’s diverse waterways, from cool freshwater rivers and lakes to tidal estuarine sections offering a mix of technical challenges, scenic beauty, and personal achievement opportunities.
Featured Swims
Derwent River Big Swim – 34 km
The flagship event of the series, this iconic ultra-marathon swim starts at the New Norfolk Bridge in the Derwent Valley and finishes beneath Hobart’s Tasman Bridge. As Tasmania’s original 34-kilometre river swim, it challenges participants with variable tidal flows, changing water conditions.
Additional Series Challenges
The Derwent River Series extends beyond the flagship 34 km swim, offering a range of distances and settings suitable for different levels of marathon swimmers:
Tasman Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse – 22.3 km – Marathon swim from Tasman Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse in Storm Bay.
Bridgewater Bridge to Bruny Island – 41 km – Long river–to-island course from Bridgewater Bridge to Bruny Island (Dennes Point).
Frederick Henry Bay Big Swim – 12.3 km – Ocean swim across Frederick Henry Bay in Southern Tasmania.
Lake Pedder Big Swim – 43.5 km – Freshwater ultra swim in Lake Pedder, South West Tasmania.
Gordon River West Coast – 24.7 km – Cold-water marathon swim on Tasmania’s West Coast.
Lake St Clair / Leeawulenna – 14 km – Natural freshwater marathon swim at Lake St Clair.
Yingina / Great Lake – 26.84 km – Freshwater ultra swim across Great Lake on the Central Plateau.
New Norfolk Bridge to Opossum Bay – 49 km – Extended river–to–coastal ultra swim.
Bowen Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse – 30 km – Marathon swim from Bowen Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse.
New Norfolk Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse – 60 km – Ultra marathon from New Norfolk to Iron Pot Lighthouse.
When & How to Participate
The Derwent River Series events run predominantly across the Tasmanian swimming season, with flagship swims typically offered between November and March timed to coincide with optimal weather and water conditions.
To enter or learn more about individual swims, logistics, safety requirements, and support craft/escort boat guidelines, visit the official Derwent River Big Swim website and contact the organisers directly.
Mader 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.