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Australia is one of the world’s meccas for swimming. In turn, the country has a longstanding reputation for developing world-class swimmers and Olympian-caliber triathletes.
While the pool is commonplace for breeding elite-level swimmers, nothing beats swimming in open water, especially if you’re training for a triathlon or an ocean swimming event. Also referred to as wild swimming in Australia, open-water swimming is a nature-immersive experience that involves swimming in oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Australia is home to some of the best places for open-water swimming, be it Perth’s pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline or the picturesque shores of Byron Bay in New South Wales. To help inspire your next
1. Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Cottesloe Beach is a beautiful, wide stretch of sand and clear water located in Perth. This beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and its clear waters provide a refreshing and invigorating swimming experience. However, the water can notoriously be unpredictable and wavy, so a swimming wetsuit is advised for those who are planning a serious swim.
Cottesloe Beach is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of activities and entertainment options available for visitors. The beach is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal after a swim. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax, Cottesloe Beach is the perfect destination for a day by the ocean.
2. Bondi Icebergs, Sydney
Bondi Icebergs is a famous ocean pool in Sydney that offers stunning views of Bondi Beach. This pool is surrounded by rocks and provides a challenging and invigorating swimming experience for those looking to test their skills in open water. The saltwater pool is clear and refreshing, and the sun deck provides a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun after a swim.
The views from the pool are breathtaking, and swimmers can take in the iconic Bondi Beach and the surrounding coastline while they swim. With its stunning scenery and unique swimming experience, Bondi Icebergs is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Sydney.
3. Manly Beach, Sydney
Manly Beach is a popular destination for swimmers, surfers, and beach-goers located in Sydney. The beach has a long, wide stretch of sand and offers a safe swimming area with lifeguards on duty. In addition to swimming, Manly Beach is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the beachfront.
Manly Beach is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean while they swim or relax on the sand. With its safe swimming area, lively atmosphere, and stunning views, Manly Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Sydney.
4. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
St Kilda Beach is a stunning stretch of sand and water in Melbourne, offering a safe and refreshing swimming experience for visitors. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and is surrounded by an iconic pier and a lively promenade.
In addition to its swimming and sunbathing opportunities, St Kilda is also known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, making it a great destination for both swimmers and non-swimmers. With its safe waters, stunning scenery, and lively atmosphere, St Kilda Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Melbourne.
5. Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast
Mooloolaba Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand and water located on the Sunshine Coast. The beach offers a safe swimming area, surrounded by a lively esplanade filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The stunning views of the ocean make Mooloolaba Beach a perfect destination for both swimming and sightseeing.
Visitors can take in the beauty of the ocean while they swim, and then relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants located nearby. With its clear waters, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning views, Mooloolaba Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting the Sunshine Coast.
6. Coogee Beach, Sydney
Coogee Beach is a stunning oceanfront location in Sydney, known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing a beautiful backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities. Coogee Beach is a safe and popular destination for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season.
In addition to swimming, Coogee Beach is also a popular destination for walking, with a scenic coastal walk that takes visitors from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. With its clear waters, stunning scenery, and lively atmosphere, Coogee Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Sydney.
7. Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay is a popular and iconic beach destination located in New South Wales, known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by a stunning coastal landscape, and visitors can take in the beauty of the ocean while they swim.
Byron Bay is a popular destination for surfers, and the waves are ideal for both beginner and experienced surfers. In addition to surfing and swimming, the beach is also a popular destination for yoga and other outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a healthy and active lifestyle. With its clear waters, stunning scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Byron Bay is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting New South Wales.
8. Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
Noosa Heads is a stunning beach destination located on the Sunshine Coast, known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and vibrant atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, providing a stunning backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities. Noosa Heads is a safe and popular destination for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season.
Beyond just swimming, the beach is also a popular destination for surfing, fishing, and other water-based activities. With its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and lively atmosphere, Noosa Heads is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting the Sunshine Coast.
9. Bronte Beach, Sydney
Bronte Beach is a stunning oceanfront location in Sydney, known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing a beautiful backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities. Bronte Beach is a safe and popular destination for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season.
Bronte Beach is also a popular destination for picnicking, and visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean. With its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Bronte Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Sydney.
10. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island is a stunning island destination located off the coast of Western Australia, known for its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. The island is surrounded by stunning beaches and bays, providing a perfect destination for swimming, sunbathing, and other water-based activities. Rottnest Island is a safe and popular destination for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season.
Rottnest Island is also a popular destination for snorkeling, fishing, and other water-based activities. With its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Rottnest Island is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Western Australia.
11. The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Last but not least, the Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 tropical islands located off the coast of Queensland. The clear, turquoise waters of the islands make them a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. The islands are surrounded by stunning coral reefs, and visitors can enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.
Lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season, making the Whitsunday Islands a safe destination for swimming. In addition to swimming and water-based activities, the islands are also a popular destination for kayaking, sailing, and other outdoor activities. With its clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and lively atmosphere, the Whitsunday Islands are a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting Queensland.
12. Wategos Beach, New South Wales
Wategos Beach is a secluded and picturesque beach located in Byron Bay, New South Wales. The beach is surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, providing a beautiful backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities. Wategos Beach is a safe and popular destination for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak swimming season. The beach is also known for its good waves, making it a popular destination for surfers.
Beyond epic swimming and surfing, the beach is also a popular destination for picnicking, and visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean. With its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Wategos Beach is a must-visit destination for any swimmer visiting New South Wales.
Where Will You Swim First?
With so many wild swimming options all throughout Australia, you could make a day trip or vacation around some of these destinations. Some are more exotic than others, but all of the destinations above offer stunning places for open-water swimming, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
