Get Social At Sea: 5 Top Ocean Swim Clubs In Australia

Where you can bring your friends and make new ones.

It’s no doubt Australia is known for its iconic beaches. From the picture-perfect views of the Gold Coast to the famous Bondi Beach, us Aussie’s are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect spot to soak up some vitamin D and sea.

But if you’re one of those beach-goers who enjoys swimming in the great big ocean but sometimes find it can be a solo sport, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the best ocean swim clubs around Australia where you can socialise, have fun, and swim with like-minded people.

1. 4SEAsons Swim, Bondi, NSW

4SEAsons Swim don’t pack away their goggles when summer ends – they’re swimming all year round (yes, even during winter) at the famous Bondi Beach. Welcoming swimmers of all abilities, the crew meet every Friday and Saturday morning to brave the weather while learning new skills, getting fit, and enjoying the ocean at the same time. If you like a challenge, the crew also take part in many swim races throughout the year.

via Instagram @sproutdaily

2. Bold & Beautiful, Manly, NSW

Instantly recognisable from their famous pink swimming caps, the squad at Bold & Beautiful meet every morning at Manly Life Saving Club, rain or shine, and kick-start their 7am swim to Shelly Beach and back. The distance covered is 750m each way but don’t let that scare you, known for its comradery, the squad never leaves a swimmer behind and waits for the “Let’s Go” signal before starting the next lap.

3. Gold Coast Open Water Swimming Club, Gold Coast, QLD

Grab your favourite Speedos and join former swimming champ, Steve Cornelius in the Gold Coast’s first open water swimmers club. Locals meet on the grass area in front of Kurrawa Surf Club, behind Tower 28 and are taken out into the open ocean to swim 2kms in total (500m at a time), while the advanced group swims about 3-6kms. Don’t fret if you are not an experienced swimmer, they partner you up with a buddy so you’re not alone and you can enjoy your morning swim.

via Getty Images

4. Port Beach Polar Bears, Fremantle, WA

Founded in 1992, Port Beach Polar Bears members swim all year round, meeting every morning at 6am to swim 3-6 kms while taking interval stops to breathe in the fresh Fremantle air and catch some waves. The love of the ocean is what brings this group of individuals together, but it is the friendship they have formed that motivates them to turn up every morning for an early swim. After some time out in the ocean, members can head over to the Fremantle Surf Life Saving club where they can enjoy a warm and delicious morning tea together.

via Instagram @swimwellaustralia

5. Mentone Pink Caps, Mentone, VIC

Kick off your weekend in your favourite wetsuit and a morning swim, with the Mentone Pink Caps in Victoria. The group meet at the Mentone Life Saving Club every Saturday morning at 8:30am between November to April, and enjoy an open-water swim. Swimmers of all ages and all swimming levels are encouraged to take part in the 1-5 km swim where you will be fully supported by their water safety crew. After your morning swim, you can head back to the Mentone Life saving club where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and catch up with your fellow swimmers.