4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim
- Distance: 49km
At a glance
- Distances
- 49 km
- Where
- River · Derwent River, New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia
- Registration
- derwentriverbigswim.com
About the race
The Derwent River Big Swim is Tasmania’s original 34-kilometre ultra-marathon swim, beginning in the Derwent Valley at New Norfolk and finishing beneath Hobart’s Tasman Bridge. It represents a personal test of endurance, strength, and connection to one of Australia’s most beautiful waterways.
Each swim is a solo event, carefully scheduled with an experienced pilot based on weather, tide, and temperature conditions. The main swim season runs from November to March, offering swimmers the opportunity to tackle various routes across Tasmania's iconic river and lake environments.
Sources: New Norfolk · Boyer Mill · Blair Street Bridge
Course
Starting at New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk to Opossum Bay.
Awards
Swims are ratified and eligible for the Australian Triple Crown.
How to get there
Nearest airport: Hobart (HBA), 45km. There are no trains in Tasmania. Reachable from Hobart in 40 minutes via the A10. Local buses (Tassielink) are available. Parking is available at the race site along the Derwent River; renting a car is recommended for flexibility.
4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim
Frequently asked questions
- What distances does 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim offer?
- 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim has a single distance: 49 km.
- Where does 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim take place?
- 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim is a river swim. Location: Derwent River, New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia.
- How do I register for 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim?
- The reference page for registering for 4 Bridges to Lighthouse Swim is https://www.derwentriverbigswim.com/how-to-register.
Where to stay
New Norfolk offers a range of stays, from heritage-listed colonial cottages and former convict-built inns to modest riverside motels. Boutique guesthouses housed in 19th-century buildings are common in the town center, while camping options exist slightly further upstream. Expect to pay between 120 and 250 AUD per night depending on the proximity to the riverfront.
Things to do nearby
The Derwent Valley is defined by its deep agricultural and colonial roots. Visitors can tour the historic Salmon Ponds, explore the ruins and heritage buildings of Willow Court, or engage in trout fishing in the surrounding streams. Kayaking and SUP are popular in the calmer sections of the river, while the local orchards offer seasonal fruit picking and cider tastings that reflect the region's long-standing horticultural traditions.
Swimmers
What to see around
1. Mount Field National Park (Russell Falls). 2. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). 3. Wine tasting in the Derwent Valley. 4. Historic town of Richmond. 5. Hiking on Mount Wellington for panoramic views of Hobart.
Other races by this organiser
- Derwent River Big Swim — HobartHobart, AU
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