Beach 2 Beach Swim

Beneath the surface, the water shifts from the deep blue of the Storm Bay channel to the dense, amber-hued kelp forests that define this southern coastline. As you sight, the rugged Permian mudstone of the Alum Cliffs rises thirty metres above you, a sheer wall of ancient sediment that seems to lean over the water. Near the southern edge of the course, you pass the natural arch eroded into the rock, a blowhole where the swell compresses and surges through with a rhythmic, thunderous pulse. The water here demands focus, particularly around the rocky shelves of Flowerpot Point, where thick seaweed mats can catch a trailing hand or ankle, requiring a precise line to avoid the snags.

A landscape of deep time

Swimming from Blackmans Bay toward the mouth of the Browns Rivulet, you are effectively traversing a geological timeline. To your left, the coastline reveals the unique formations of Fossil Cove, where the rock strata tell the story of a much older ocean. As you push forward, the horizon opens up to reveal the silhouette of Bruny Island sitting low across the water, a constant orientation point as you navigate the changing currents of the Derwent Estuary. The water temperature in this region is influenced by the surrounding Southern Ocean, leading to significant seasonal shifts that swimmers must prepare for.

Race day at Kingston Beach

The Derwent River Big Swim held in February sets a colder, more river-focused tone for the season, but the Beach 2 Beach Swim in April offers a different character, shaped by the open sea swell and the exposed nature of the coastline. Organised annually by the Kingston Beach SLSC, the event provides a 2.6km point-to-point crossing that serves as the final test of the Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series. Those entering the 5km category complete this initial transit before turning back for an additional 2.4km loop in front of the beach. The registration process is managed through the surf club, ensuring that the necessary water safety and kayak escorts are positioned to monitor the currents around the headlands. Post-war settlement patterns left their mark here, with the local community historically tied to the 'Little Groningen' migration, though today the beach remains a focal point for the local saltwater culture.