Manly to Bundeena 36km

On 21 January 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip anchored in the waters of a sheltered bay, naming it Manly Cove after the assertive demeanour of the local Aboriginal people he encountered. Today, those same waters serve as the starting point for a 36km endurance challenge that pushes athletes far beyond the harbour's protection, tracing the coastline south toward Bundeena. This annual point-to-point journey is a test of navigation and stamina, requiring every swimmer to secure their own support boat to manage the transit through the exposed swells of the Sydney seaboard.

The coastal landscape

As you depart from Little Manly Beach, the scale of the Sydney coastline becomes immediately apparent. The route is defined by the geology of the region, where sandstone cliffs drop directly into the Pacific, creating a dramatic backdrop for the long hours in the water. Looking toward the shore, the heritage-listed St Patrick's Seminary remains a constant, imposing visual anchor on the northern skyline. Further along the inner harbour, you pass the historic Manly Ferry Wharf, a site of continuous maritime activity since 1856. While the original atmosphere has evolved, the area maintains its legacy as a hub for those who frequent the sea; the heritage-listed Manly Cove Pavilion stands as a quiet reminder of this long-standing local culture of bathing. The swim demands a serious commitment to logistics, with the 36km distance often requiring careful negotiation of tidal currents around headlands, a factor that makes this event a distinct experience compared to shorter outings like the Bondi Blue Water Challenge held in the spring, or the regional events such as The Collaroy Beach Ocean Swims.

Life beneath the surface

The marine ecosystem of the harbour coves is surprisingly active, and it is not uncommon for swimmers to encounter giant stingrays or sea turtles during the long-distance effort. The environment also supports colonies of little penguins, whose presence in the coves is a well-documented aspect of the local harbour biodiversity. In deeper sections, the history of these waters includes sightings of grey nurse sharks, which have historically inhabited the rocky reef systems along this stretch of the coast. With water temperatures in December typically ranging between 20°C and 22°C, the event is designed for swimmers who prefer to maintain their stroke rhythm without a wetsuit over the extended duration of the crossing.