2XU Ocean Swim Series - Diamond Island Challenge

On the morning of the Devil of a Swim, Waubs Beach transforms into a base of operations for the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club. Members arrive before dawn, laying out buoys and securing the perimeter, their routine a seasonal rhythm that signals the start of the community's most significant water-based gathering. Locals and visiting swimmers mingle on the sand, sharing coffee and nervous energy, while the club’s volunteers coordinate the safety craft—a logistical necessity for navigating the coastal currents that sweep past the headland. It is a day when the town, usually known for its quiet, rugged coastline, pivots its entire focus toward the water, welcoming families and competitive endurance swimmers alike.

The Island Challenge

Participants tackling the 5km endurance route embark on a clockwise circuit that demands both navigation and stamina. The course pushes athletes away from the shoreline to clear the rugged coastline before rounding Diamond Island, a landmark whose jagged silhouette defines the local maritime horizon. A shallow passage along Redbill Beach leads to a critical sandbar checkpoint, where race officials monitor progress. Here, the challenge shifts; the mandatory 1-hour cut-off at this junction ensures that only those capable of handling the open-sea conditions proceed to the full island loop. It is a grueling segment that requires constant adjustment to the swell, turning the swim into a direct encounter with the raw, unpredictable character of Tasmania's east coast.

Race Logistics and History

Early bird entries range from 30 to 70 AUD, a price point that reflects the extensive water safety infrastructure required to keep swimmers protected during the island transit. Those looking to sharpen their skills before the main event often prepare by participating in the Australia Day Swim, which sets a different pace earlier in the season. While the shorter 1km and 2km distances keep to the protected waters off Waubs Beach, all participants, regardless of the distance, must be at least 12 years old. The event remains a core tradition for the Bicheno community, drawing a blend of seasoned ocean veterans and locals eager to test their limits in the same waters that have shaped the region’s maritime identity for decades.