Portsea Swim Classic | Portsea SLSC

PORTSEA SWIM CLASSIC - SATURDAY 16 JANUARY 2027

The TLC Healthcare Portsea Swim Classic is one of Australia’s most iconic open water swimming events, held every January in the pristine waters of Point Nepean National Park. Now in its 41st year, it draws thousands of swimmers from across the country for a day that’s equal parts competition, community, and celebration on one of Victoria’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best in the 2.5km Gold, swimming the classic 1500m Quarantine course, or bringing the kids along for the Junior 500m, there’s a race for everyone.

Make a weekend of it with the Portsea Bay to Surf Run & Walk, held late Friday afternoon, 15 January. FIND OUT MORE

Registration opens: 9:00am, Friday 23 October 2026.

2027 RESULTS

EVENT PHOTOS

2027 WRAP-UP

Swaps in after 7 January 2027. Event details and Tickets are hidden at the same time. Louise to write a short thank-you (3–4 sentences) including the 2027 fundraising total, and add the 2028 date once known. Update the “Last year’s lunch raised…” line in the Overview to the new total.

EVENT DETAILS

Date	Saturday 16 January 2026
Location	Point Nepean National Park VIEW MAP →
Race Start	Approximately 10:30am (Gold 2500m first, timing based on currents)
Presentations	On the day, at the event
Parking	Jarman Oval, Point Nepean National Park, $5 per vehicle

PLEASE NOTE:

Online registration closes Sunday 10 January. Limited day-of registration is available with a $10 administration fee added to the race price.
There are 3 Gold waves. Wave 1 is for competitive swimmers and those also doing the 1500m Classic. Waves 2 and 3 are for social swimmers and groups. Each wave is capped at 350.
Wave times are subject to change. Check the latest wave times before you travel.

RACE-DAY DOCUMENTS

WAVE TIMES 2027 (PDF)

VENUE MAP (PDF)

CRITICAL COMPETITOR INFO (PDF)

FINAL ON-DAY INFO (PDF)

RACE CATEGORIES

Ages are taken as at 10 January 2027.

Race	Distance	Who Can Enter	Cap
PSC Gold	2500m	12 years and over	3 waves of 350
PSC Classic	1500m	12 years and over	2,000 swimmers
PSC Team	500m	Teams of 2+, 8 years and over	200 swimmers
PSC Junior	500m	7–13 years	250 swimmers

GOLD 2500M

The big one. More time in the water, a fast start, and a good chance of a visit from the local dolphins. Three waves to meet demand:

Wave 1: competitive swimmers, and anyone also entering the 1500m
Waves 2 and 3: social swimmers

Nominate your wave when you register. Swimming as a group? Agree on your wave before you each enter. Sells out quickly.

CLASSIC 1500M

The heart of the day, swum on the Quarantine course. Male and female age groups:

12–17 (Youth)
18–29 (Open)
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70+

JUNIOR 500M

A great first open water race. Swum with the tide from the Quarantine Station, finishing at the Swim Classic line. Male and female age groups: 7–9 and 10–13.

TEAM 500M

For groups of two or more, any age or gender, 8 and over. Swimmers aged 8–11 must be in a team with at least one adult. A relaxed swim together, with times recorded so your group can compare.

DA$H 4 CA$H

A short sprint for competitors 18 and over who are also entered in another race on the day. Male and female heats, winner takes all. $3,000 per winner, kindly donated by TLC Healthcare.

RACE DAY INFO

GETTING THERE AND PARKING

Parking & Community Support
All parking is at Jarman Oval within Point Nepean National Park. 100% of the $5 fee per vehicle is allocated to Peninsula Rescue, CFA Sorrento and Portsea Camp. Supporting our community on and off the Beach.

Please allow extra time on arrival.

MARSHALLING

Be at the bus marshalling zone 40 minutes before your wave start time.

SWIM CAPS AND SAFETY

You will be placed in a colour-coded wave based on your expected swim time. You must swim in your allocated cap colour.

Qualified surf lifesavers watch over swimmers from the water throughout the event. If you need help, raise one arm in the air. Medical support is on the beach.

Some tidal movement may be felt along the course. Start times are set to keep this to a minimum. A wetsuit is recommended for warmth.

TIMING

Every swimmer gets a timing transponder, worn on the wrist for the whole race, outside your wetsuit if you wear one. Transponders must be returned at the Merchandise tent after the race, where you’ll collect your race merchandise.

WETSUIT HIRE

Orca will be at the event with wetsuits for hire. Book early as sizes are limited: email veosportssales@gmail.com. Not sure of your size?

ORCA SIZE GUIDE

Orca will also have wetsuits for sale on the day, with up to 20% off.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your silicone swim cap is handed out before your race. All other merchandise is collected after the race when you return your transponder.

Race	Included in your entry
Gold 2500m	2500m “Gold” t-shirt, “Gold” baseball cap, silicone swim cap
Classic 1500m	1500m event t-shirt, Classic baseball cap, silicone swim cap
Team 500m	Team event t-shirt, Classic baseball cap, silicone swim cap
Junior 500m	Junior event t-shirt, Classic baseball cap, silicone swim cap

Prizes: 1st place prizes for Gold and age group winners are provided by Great Ocean Performance. Other prizes provided by Engine. Prizes vary by race and placing.

REGISTRATION

Registration is via Race Roster. Online registration closes Sunday 10 January 2027. Limited day-of registration is available at an additional $10 fee.