Bilgola 'Billy' Swim
- Jan 10, 2027
- Distances: 500m and 1.5km
At a glance
- Next edition date
- January 10, 2027
- Distances
- 500 m · 1.5 km
- Where
- Sea · Bilgola Surf Lifesaving Club, Bilgola, New South Wales, Australia
About the race
If you’re after a swim that feels like a secret, tucked between headlands, hugged by cliffs, and filled with friendly faces, the Bilgola ‘Billy’ is it. One of the most charming and low-key swims on the Northern Beaches calendar, this event is all about community, connection, and that boutique beach energy you don’t find just anywhere.
It’s the kind of swim where you’ll spot familiar faces, get a warm welcome from the surf club crew, and walk away with salty hair and a big smile. With two distances on offer, it caters to everyone, whether you’re dipping your toe into ocean swimming for the first time or chasing a solid summer hit-out.
The water is usually crystal clear, the beach is tucked away from the crowds, and the setting is pure postcard, natural, unspoilt, and backed by bushland. Add in the laid-back vibe, great local support, and a course that lets you really enjoy the beauty of the bay, and it’s easy to see why the Billy has such a loyal following.
Sources: Pittwater · Careel Bay · St Michaels Cave (Avalon Beach)
Course
A short, single-lap course just off the beach, staying close to shore.
Diamond-shaped course. Starts with a straight run out through the surf, heads northeast toward the headlands, turns southeast (furthest point ~500m from shore), swings southwest, and returns northwest back toward Bilgola.
Awards
Wetsuits are fine to wear, but they are not eligible for prizes or age group placings. Swim aids such as fins and snorkels are welcome, but participants using them are not eligible for prizes or age group placings.
Aid stations
Fresh fruit supplied by Harris Farm at the finish line.
How to get there
Limited parking near the beach. Free parking available at Porter Reserve (North Newport) with a free shuttle bus to/from Bilgola Beach (7:45 am - 12:00 pm). Alternatively, park at Newport Beach car park and take the 15-minute walking track over the headland.
Bilgola 'Billy' Swim
Frequently asked questions
- When is Bilgola 'Billy' Swim?
- Bilgola 'Billy' Swim takes place on January 10, 2027.
- What distances does Bilgola 'Billy' Swim offer?
- Bilgola 'Billy' Swim offers 500 m and 1.5 km.
- Where does Bilgola 'Billy' Swim take place?
- Bilgola 'Billy' Swim is a sea swim. Location: Bilgola Surf Lifesaving Club, Bilgola, New South Wales, Australia.
Where to stay
Bilgola and the surrounding Northern Beaches offer a mix of traditional holiday rentals and upscale boutique stays. Options range from self-contained beach cottages and classic surf-side apartments starting at approximately $250/night, to more premium boutique guesthouses located near the Newport wharf area, which can exceed $450/night during the summer peak. Staying in the immediate vicinity of Bilgola or the neighboring Avalon allows for easy access to the race start and local amenities.
Things to do nearby
The Pittwater region provides diverse weekend activities centered on its maritime landscape. Visitors frequently explore the estuary via kayak or SUP to witness the local birdlife in Careel Bay or visit the historic Aboriginal rock engravings within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The area is also known for its coastal hiking trails that connect the various surf beaches, offering high-vantage points of the coastline. For a quieter pace, the local wharf area features several spots for tasting regional produce, reflecting the area's history as a hub for early 19th-century orchards and farming.
Swimmers
Similar races
Comments
Transparency: some links on this page (stays, flights, experiences, gear) are affiliate links — if you book or buy through them, Omniathlon may earn a commission from the partner at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.