The 2026 Sydney Heads 4000 is an elite-level open-water swimming challenge scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Little Manly Beach, New South Wales. This prestigious event takes swimmers into the iconic and often challenging waters near the entrance of Sydney Harbour. Managed by JJF Project Pty Ltd and supported by the expert team at oceanswims.com, the race is designed for experienced endurance swimmers looking to test their limits in a significant 4-kilometer trek.
| Race Category | Distance | Start Time | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Heads 4000 | 4,000 m (4 km) | 9:00 AM GMT+10 | 15+ Years |
Participation and Logistics
The event is centered at Little Manly Beach, a cove that provides a slightly sheltered starting point before swimmers head toward the more exposed conditions of the Sydney Heads. Due to the 4km distance and the technical nature of swimming near the Harbour's entrance, this event is recommended for those with previous open-water experience. Extensive water safety and support craft will be provided by the organizers to monitor the course. Participants are encouraged to arrive well before the 9:00 AM start time for safety briefings and to coordinate any required gear drop-offs.
Registration and Enrollment
Online registration is active and handled through the oceanswims.com platform. The entry fee is A$172.97, which includes the base entry cost and a mandatory service fee that supports the event's professional management and promotion. Participants must be at least 15 years old to enter. For those traveling from outside the Northern Beaches, Little Manly offers limited parking, so utilizing public transport or arriving early is highly advised. For specific inquiries regarding the course route or potential weather-related adjustments, swimmers can access the official event listing or contact the support team at oceanswims.
Apr 11, 2026
Distance — 4km
Type — Water sports
09:00
$172.97
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Manly.
Learn more about the host city, Manly.
Manly is a beach-side suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is 17 kilometres (11 mi) north-east of the Sydney central business district and is currently one of the three administrative centres of the local government area of Northern Beaches Council. Manly has a long-standing reputation as a tourist destination, owing to its attractive setting on the Pacific Ocean and easy accessibility by ferry.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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