Noosa Summer Swim Festival
February 21-22, 2026 | Noosa Heads, Queensland
The Noosa Summer Swim Festival has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic open water swimming events. Each year, more than 2,500 swimmers—accompanied by around 5,000 enthusiastic supporters—flock to Noosa for a weekend packed with sunshine, surf, and unforgettable swims.
For passionate ocean swimmers, it’s a bucket-list experience, all set against the stunning backdrop and vibrant energy of Noosa Main Beach.
The action kicks off on Saturday with two open water clinics. These are an ideal chance to fine-tune your technique, pick up expert advice from top-level coaches, and sneak in an extra swim before race day.
Sunday is all about the ocean swims, ranging from the 300m Junior Giants event to the big one: the Noosa 5.0. Swimmers of all levels take to the water, from eager first-timers to elite athletes and current Australian team members.
New for 2026 is our Knockout Sprint – this one will be a blast whether you a participant or spectator!
The Events
Noosa 5.0
This is the big one, a 5.0km marathon distance swim.
The Noosa 5.0 is contested by some of Australia’s most talented pool and open water swimmers.
The multi-lap course around the sheltered waters of Noosa Main Beach is the perfect opportunity to push your limits beyond the typical open water distances.
Please view our course maps and clarify the course markings on the day if you are unsure.
Field Limit: 250
Noosa 3.0
If you’re looking for a step up in distance from traditional 1km and 2km distances, the 3.0km course is an ideal training goal.
This course has an extra lap, so please view our course maps and clarify the course markings on the day if you are unsure.
Field Limit: 750
Noosa 2.0
The Noosa 2.0km is the most popular event on the program.
The course takes you out and back from Noosa Main Beach towards the Noosa National Park. For those taking on their first long course event, there is an option to start with friends and other weekend warriors in the Mates Wave.
Field Limit: 1000
Noosa 1.0
The calm, sheltered waters of Noosa are excellent for all abilities, so this short course is an ideal stepping stone for longer distances, or to conquer your first open water event.
Field Limit: 750
Junior Giants (300m)
The Junior Giants event is a great opportunity for kids aged 8 – 16 years to compete with other swimmers their own age.
We also encourage family and friends to share the experience and swim the course alongside the kids.
Field Limit: 250
Knockout Sprint
In 2026 the Noosa Summer Swim has a brand new addition!
The Knockout Sprint is a little different than typical open water events and this format is now a regular fixture at the Open Water World Championships. It involves three events back-to-back, 1000m, 500m & 250m, with only the top finishers progressing to the next event.
Here’s how it works…
The first distance is 1000m with the top 20 finishers (male & female) progressing to the 500m event. From there, only the top 10 athletes will progress to the final – a 250m sprint to determine the champion.
Each event will have both male and female wave start groups and although this is designed for competitive swimmers, it is open to anyone.
The Knockout Sprint will be free to enter if you’ve entered any other event on the program.
Prizes
All World Series Swims will have some great prizes up for grabs from our partners and elite swimmers will also have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes in nominated events, see below.
Presentations on each day will include the following overall prizes in each event (male & female):
| 300m Junior Giants | 1st, 2nd, 3rd (WSS Product Prize) |
| Noosa 1.0 | 1st, 2nd, 3rd (WSS Product Prize) |
| Noosa 2.0 | 1st, 2nd, 3rd (WSS Product Prize) |
| Noosa 3.0 | 1st, 2nd, 3rd (WSS Product Prize) |
| Noosa 5.0 | 1st ($500) 2nd ($300) & 3rd ($200) |
| Age Group Winners: Noosa Summer Swim Product Prize | |
| Age Group prizes will be posted to winners once results are finalised | |
WUNYA NGULUM – Welcome Everyone to Kabi Kabi Country
The Noosa Summer Swim acknowledges the ongoing connection to land, sea and community of the traditional custodians of this region, the Kabi Kabi people.
We acknowledge the Ancestors and Elders of the Kabi Kabi who were and continue to be the storytellers of this land, this sea and its people. They help us to know our country and people of the past and our present more clearly. In 2023, we are reminded of the journey that began with the Aboriginal people in this land, but that now incorporates the larger family Australia people.
The name “Noosa” was based on an understanding of the Kabi Kabi word meaning “shadow” or “shade” and we welcome you in your swim along the shady coastline of Noosa Main Beach within the Noosa National Park – Queensland’s most visited park.
The Noosa community has a long and proud history of protecting the coastline nurturing the region’s environment that is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage – which is why it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007 and was made home to the world’s 10th World Surfing Reserve in 2020.
We invite you to join us in protecting our shores and marine life in the warm coastal waters of Noosa, Kabi Kabi Country at our 12th Annual Noosa Summer Swim.
