Welcome to the
Coogee Island Challenge
Spring Edition Ocean Swim
The Coogee Island Challenge (Spring Edition) is one of the highlights of Sydney's ocean swimming calendar and the perfect way to kick off the summer swimming season, with the opportunity to take on the iconic swim around Wedding Cake Island.
Held at Coogee Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, the event offers a spectacular open water experience with distances to suit swimmers of different ages, abilities and experience. Whether you're a regular ocean swimmer, returning to the water or taking on your first ocean event, you'll be supported by the extensive water safety operation and qualified surf lifesavers of Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
🌊 Choose Your Swim Distances:
- 800m Junior Dash – great for younger swimmers.
- 800m Community Swim - NEW FOR 2026 – for swimmers aged 13+, including first-time ocean swimmers, those returning to the ocean or anyone looking for a shorter challenge.
- 1km Swim – a course within Coogee Bay 13+.
- 2.4km Island Challenge – the iconic circuit around Wedding Cake Island for swimmers aged 13+.
The new 800m Community Swim follows the Junior Dash on the same in-bay course, providing an accessible way to experience the atmosphere of the Coogee Island Challenge without taking on the longer distances.
Join us at Coogee Beach for a spectacular day of ocean swimming and start your summer swimming season with a swim to remember.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
800m Community Swim – NEW FOR 2026
Price changes in 30 days 7 minutes-
For swimmers aged 13+, including first-time ocean swimmers, those returning to the ocean or anyone looking for a shorter challenge. * Numbers are limited for this event.
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Register for 800m Community Swim – NEW FOR 2026A$25.00
Early bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Sept 27 -
A$35.00
Standard
Sept 28 – Nov 28 -
A$40.00
Late Entry
Nov 29 – Nov 29
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800m Junior Dash
Price changes in 30 days 7 minutes-
The 800m ‘Junior Dash’ is an event for ages 10-12 and follows a circuit course around a set of buoys inside of Coogee Bay to take advantage of the calm conditions.
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Register for 800m Junior DashA$25.00
Early bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Sept 27 -
A$35.00
Standard
Sept 28 – Nov 28 -
A$40.00
Late Entry
Nov 29 – Nov 29
-
1km Splash n Dash
Price changes in 30 days 7 minutes-
The 1km ‘Splash and Dash’ is encapsulated within the surf-free waters of Coogee Bay as well, just venturing out a little further than the juniors. This swim is perfect for beginners or those experienced ocean swimmers wanting a warm-up for the Challenge later in the morning.
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Register for 1km Splash n DashA$45.00
Early bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Sept 27 -
A$55.00
Standard
Sept 28 – Nov 28 -
A$60.00
Late Entry
Nov 29 – Nov 29
-
2.4km Coogee Island Challenge
Price changes in 30 days 7 minutes-
One lap circumnavigating the famous Wedding Cake Island. Starting at the north end of the beach, swimmers will head out past the northern headland to swim clockwise around the island. Once around the back, buoys will mark the course straight back to the beach, this time finishing in the middle of the beach to a roaring crowd lined up along the beach and promenade.
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Register for 2.4km Coogee Island ChallengeA$55.00
Early bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Sept 27 -
A$65.00
Standard
Sept 28 – Nov 28 -
A$70.00
Late Entry
Nov 29 – Nov 29
-
'The Works' Combined Entry (1km + 2.4km)
Price changes in 30 days 7 minutes-
One race not enough for you? You can now register for both the 1km and 2.4km combined and set that extra challenge for yourself.
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Register for 'The Works' Combined Entry (1km + 2.4km)A$75.00
Early bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Sept 27 -
A$85.00
Standard
Sept 28 – Nov 28 -
A$90.00
Late Entry
Nov 29 – Nov 29
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Contact information
- Event contact
- Coogee Ocean Events, Coogee SLSC
- Website
- Visit website
