Bonbeach Life Saving Club Open Water Swim

Driving toward Bonbeach, the low-lying coastal landscape of the Mornington Peninsula slowly gives way to the expansive blue of Beaumaris Bay. As you approach the shoreline, the proximity of the Patterson River mouth becomes apparent; this waterway, the shortest in Victoria at just 6 kilometers, has a long history of shaping the coastal geography since the 1876 construction of the Patterson Cut. This channel was carved to drain the expansive Carrum Carrum Swamp, a 52-square-kilometer wetland that once defined this area.

The water and wildlife

Once you step onto the sand, the water is calm and inviting, characteristic of this sheltered stretch of the bay. While swimming, keep an eye out for the diverse marine life thriving in the brackish interface near the river mouth, where black crabs, spider crabs, and the distinctive eastern long-necked turtles are often found. If you glance toward the shore, the Carrum Wetlands are a haven for birdlife; you are likely to spot the Australian pelican, the Caspian tern, or the nankeen night heron patrolling the shallows. The area remains ecologically sensitive, with local riparian zones home to reptile species such as the lowland copperhead and tiger snake, though these are well removed from the swimming lanes.

Race day logistics

The Bonbeach Life Saving Club Open Water Swim, an annual fixture on March 22, 2026, offers distances of 600m, 1200m, and 2500m. The 1.2km distance, popular for its scenic loop, is a great alternative for those who enjoyed the intensity of the Mornington Twilight Swim or are looking for a mid-season challenge before heading to the Carrum Winter Solstice Swim. The 2.5km event serves as a rewarding out-and-back test with a manageable one-hour limit. If you need a moment of local color before your start, you might recognize the nearby Bonbeach railway station, which famously appeared in the Australian series Kath & Kim. Entry includes event merchandise, and the community-focused atmosphere reflects the site's history; the land itself was once partitioned in an 1866 auction where plots were sold for a mere three pounds per acre before the major drainage projects began. Today, the event remains a vital fundraiser for the club.