Rottnest Channel Swim
- Feb 20, 2027
- Distance: 19.7km
At a glance
- Next edition date
- February 20, 2027
- Distances
- 19.7 km
- Where
- Sea · Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wetsuit
- Wetsuit and non-wetsuit categories are separated for awards. Refer to official event rules for specific temperature-based gear regulations.
- Registration
- web.archive.org
About the race
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is a 19.7km open water swim from Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). It is one of Western Australia’s most iconic events and is highly regarded worldwide.
The event offers a unique challenge for swimmers, whether they choose to tackle the crossing solo or as part of a team. The journey across the channel is a significant test of endurance and skill, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Western Australian coastline.
Sources: Perth · Cottesloe Beach · Cottesloe Civic Centre · Indiana Teahouse
Course
Starts at Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) and finishes at Rottnest Island (Wadjemup).
Awards
- Age group awards
- Wetsuit/No-wetsuit separated
Awards provided for various categories including Solo, Duo, and Teams, with distinctions for wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers.
Aid stations
Support boats are mandatory for all solo swimmers and are responsible for providing nutrition and hydration throughout the crossing.
Previous editions
Useful info
Iconic 19.7km event. Support (skipper/boat) is required for solo swimmers. Qualifying rounds are scheduled for solo participants. Transport (ferries) to the island must be planned in advance. Deadlines and details available on the official website.
How to get there
Parking around Cottesloe Beach is limited. Ferries to Rottnest Island are available and should be booked early.
Rottnest Channel Swim
Frequently asked questions
- When is Rottnest Channel Swim?
- Rottnest Channel Swim takes place on February 20, 2027.
- What distances does Rottnest Channel Swim offer?
- Rottnest Channel Swim has a single distance: 19.7 km.
- Is a wetsuit required at Rottnest Channel Swim?
- Wetsuit and non-wetsuit categories are separated for awards. Refer to official event rules for specific temperature-based gear regulations.
- Where does Rottnest Channel Swim take place?
- Rottnest Channel Swim is a sea swim. Location: Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- How do I register for Rottnest Channel Swim?
- The reference page for registering for Rottnest Channel Swim is http://web.archive.org/web/20260518183210/https://rottnestchannelswim.com.au/.
Where to stay
The Cottesloe area offers a mix of heritage-listed guesthouses and modern apartments within walking distance of the beach. Further inland, boutique hotels near the port of Fremantle provide a more urban base. Expect to find a range of options from simple beachside holiday flats to upscale rooms, typically costing between $180 and $450 per night depending on the proximity to the ocean and the time of year.
Things to do nearby
The region is defined by its maritime culture and natural landscape. Weekend visitors can explore the Swan River via kayak to spot native black swans or take a ferry to Rottnest Island for cycling and snorkeling in protected bays. Local trekking paths along the Darling Scarp offer panoramic views of the coastal plain, while the historic streets of Fremantle provide access to museums documenting the area's colonial and maritime past, including its history as a major port for convict-era vessels.
Swimmers
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