About this event
The Macquarie Bank Big Swim is a challenging 2.8km point-to-point ocean swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach, following the coastline around Little Head. Now in its sixth decade, the event was first held in 1974 and is regarded as one of Australia’s iconic journey swims.
Starting from the sand near the Palm Beach Pavilion, swimmers make their way through open water before finishing on the sand at Whale Beach. The course combines spectacular headland scenery with the changing swell, chop and conditions of the Tasman Sea, making it a genuine ocean-swimming challenge.
For younger swimmers, beginners and those building towards the full distance, the 1km Little Big Swim offers a shorter, family-friendly alternative at Palm Beach. The course begins from the beach, heads beyond the break, loops around four buoys and returns to the starting point.
The event is supported by local volunteers providing registration, water safety, first aid and other on-the-beach services. Proceeds from the main swim support lifesaving activities at Whale Beach and other local beaches.
- Date: Sunday, 31 January 2027
- Location: Palm Beach and Whale Beach, New South Wales
- Main swim: 2.8km ocean swim, suitable for swimmers aged 12 and over
- Short course: 1km Little Big Swim, suitable for swimmers aged 10 and over
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