Sea— Australia

Swim Thru Rotto

Dec 5, 2026
Distances: 500m and 1.6km

At a glance

Next edition date
December 5, 2026
Distances
500 m · 1.6 km
Where
Sea · Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia
Entry fee
45 AUD
Registration
swimthrurotto.com

About the race

Swim Thru Rottnest is a hugely popular community swimming event presented by The Cottesloe Crabs Winter Swimming Club. The event takes place in the crystal clear, protected waters of Rottnest Island, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the location while competing in a well-regarded swimming challenge.

Fremantle
Fremantle · Photo: Chewy m at English Wikipedia · CC BY 2.5

With great prizes on offer, the event attracts swimmers looking to test themselves in a scenic environment. Further details regarding the 2026 edition, including potential location updates, are expected to be released in mid-2026.

Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island · Photo: Created by the uploader. Any IP involved in the creation of this image is released into the public domain. · Public domain

Sources: Fremantle · The Basin (Rottnest Island) · Rottnest Island · City of York (barque)

Course

500 m

A short, confidence-boosting swim through shallow, crystal-clear water in Thomson Bay. Perfect for first-timers and juniors.

1.6 km

A classic loop course in the protected waters of Thomson Bay, allowing swimmers to settle into their stroke while enjoying the island scenery.

Awards

Great prizes on offer.

How to get there

Frequently asked questions

When is Swim Thru Rotto?
Swim Thru Rotto takes place on December 5, 2026.
What distances does Swim Thru Rotto offer?
Swim Thru Rotto offers 500 m and 1.6 km.
How much is the entry fee for Swim Thru Rotto?
The entry fee is 45 AUD.
Where does Swim Thru Rotto take place?
Swim Thru Rotto is a sea swim. Location: Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia.
How do I register for Swim Thru Rotto?
The reference page for registering for Swim Thru Rotto is https://www.swimthrurotto.com/.

Where to stay

Rottnest Island offers a range of stays suited for a race weekend, from heritage-listed limestone cottages—historically used by early settlers and fishermen—to modern boutique hotel suites overlooking the main jetty. For those preferring proximity to the finish line, there are popular camping grounds located just a short walk from the Thomson Bay shoreline. Nightly rates typically fluctuate between $250 and $600 depending on the proximity to the coast and the level of amenities provided.

Things to do nearby

Beyond the race, the island is defined by its maritime heritage and natural landscape. You can explore the history of the original 1849 stone lighthouse, go kayaking around the protected reef-pools of The Basin, or take a guided walking tour of the island’s WWII subterranean tunnels. For those interested in local culture, the area between Anglesea Point and Point Marquis remains a site of immense significance, having served for millennia as a traditional meeting and trading hub for the Whadjuk Noongar people.

Swimmers

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Comments

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