Geo Bay Cool Water Classic

The Geographe Bay coastline was first charted by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1801, who named the inlet after his ship, the Géographe. While those early mariners navigated the bay to map the unknown, today’s swimmers trace that same coastline with a focus on endurance rather than discovery. The 20km route starts at the Quindalup Boat Ramp in Dunsborough, where the water is typically sheltered and calm, before pulling the field across a long, open stretch towards the finish at the Busselton Jetty.

The conditions and the challenge

This ultra-distance event relies on the natural protection of the bay, which significantly minimizes swell compared to the open Indian Ocean. Swimmers must maintain a steady pace for several hours, as the course is designed to test mental focus as much as physical output. Every participant is required to have a dedicated support kayaker, a mandatory logistics measure that ensures safety across the long transit. The event takes place in mid-November, when water temperatures in this part of Western Australia generally hover between 18°C and 20°C, often necessitating a wetsuit for the duration of the 20km haul.

The final approach

As you approach the latter stages of the swim, the wooden pilings of the Busselton Jetty emerge, serving as the visual anchor for the final kilometres. Stretching nearly two kilometres into the sea, the jetty is the longest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a distinct landmark that guides swimmers toward the landing zone. Once you clear the structure and reach the sand, the transition from the rhythm of the stroke to the stability of the beach marks the end of a morning spent in the basin. The focus for all entrants remains on the 20km distance, a benchmark that demands preparation and a clear strategy for the long, protected stretch of the bay.