Sea— Australia

Victorian Open Water Championships

Dec 19, 2026
Distances from 500m to 10km
2nd edition

At a glance

Next edition date
December 19, 2026
Distances
500 m · 1.3 km · 2.5 km · 5 km · 7.5 km · 10 km
Where
Sea · Eastern Beach, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Entry fee
30–135 €

About the race

The Victorian Open Water Swim is proudly brought to you by Swimming Victoria and supported by Masters Swimming Victoria and The Rip Swim. The event takes place at the scenic Eastern Beach in Geelong, offering a variety of distances for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.

Participants can choose from a range of course options including 500m, 1.25km, 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km, and 10km. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, with a designated back-up day on Sunday, December 20, 2026, in case of inclement weather.

Course

2.5 km

Great for juniors and intermediate distance swimmers. Held in the sheltered waters of Corio Bay on a well-marked course.

5 km

The Olympic standard and most popular event. Held in the sheltered waters of Corio Bay on a well-marked course.

7.5 km

Endurance distance for serious athletes and qualifiers. Held in the sheltered waters of Corio Bay on a well-marked course.

10 km

Endurance distance for serious athletes and qualifiers. Held in the sheltered waters of Corio Bay on a well-marked course.

Awards

Medals on offer in standard Masters age/ sex categories.

How to get there

Geelong is accessible by train from Melbourne (V/Line) or by car via the Princes Freeway.

✈️ Search flights to AVV

Victorian Open Water Championships

Frequently asked questions

When is Victorian Open Water Championships?
Victorian Open Water Championships takes place on December 19, 2026.
What distances does Victorian Open Water Championships offer?
Victorian Open Water Championships offers 500 m, 1.3 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, 7.5 km, and 10 km.
How much is the entry fee for Victorian Open Water Championships?
The entry fee ranges from 30 € to 135 €.
Where does Victorian Open Water Championships take place?
Victorian Open Water Championships is a sea swim. Location: Eastern Beach, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Where to stay

Geelong offers a mix of accommodation styles, from waterfront serviced apartments overlooking the bay to heritage guesthouses located in the city center, a short walk from the start line. Expect to pay between $180 and $350 AUD per night depending on the proximity to the Eastern Beach reserve. Budget-conscious travelers can find caravan parks and basic motels slightly further inland, while boutique hotels near the harbor provide immediate access to the race site.

Things to do nearby

Beyond the race, the region is defined by the proximity to the Bellarine Peninsula, known for its cool-climate wineries and local produce markets. The waterfront area itself features extensive walking paths suitable for post-race recovery, and the nearby Geelong Botanic Gardens offer a quiet retreat. For those staying longer, the coastal trails provide excellent conditions for cycling and sea kayaking, while the city's museum district offers insight into the maritime history of the Port Phillip region.

Swimmers

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