Media Release – 06 September 2025
Everyday Swimmers Celebrated with the Launch of 2026 Busselton Jetty Swim
The countdown to the 2026 Busselton Jetty Swim has begun, with entries set to open on 1 October, 2025.
Best known for its signature 3.6km swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, the much-loved open water event will return on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February 2026, giving more than 5,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities the chance to take part across a variety of distances.
Event Coordinator, Clare Anderson, said that after celebrating the Jetty Swim’s 30th anniversary earlier this year, the 2026 theme, “Your Swim, Your Story,” aims to shine a spotlight on the real heroes of the event: the swimmers themselves.
“Turning 30 was a huge milestone, yet it’s the stories of our everyday participants that make the Busselton Jetty Swim what it is,” Clare said.
“Some swim because it’s on their bucket list, to honour a loved one, or because it’s an annual family tradition. Others want to challenge themselves to their first open water swim, then progress from one of our shorter distances to the full 3.6km Solo Swim around the Jetty.”
“Your Swim, Your Story honours and celebrates the diversity of people who participate.”
Clare confirmed the 2026 event will follow the same format as 2025, with an online ballot system in place to manage entries for the most popular categories.
The online ballot will be open from 1 to 8 October 2025 for the 3.6km Solo Swim and the One Mile Swim to Shore, both of which take place on Sunday 8 February.
The remaining categories – Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim, 2 or 4 person Team Swim, and the Kids Swim – will be held on Saturday 7 February with swimmers registering on a first come, first served basis.
“Busselton Jetty Swim is all about participation,” said Clare. “Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to challenge yourself, there is a distance to you. Plus, you won’t find a more supportive, inclusive, or friendly event – it’s what keeps people coming back year after year.”
“Whatever your distance, reason, or story – it’s your Jetty Swim.”
Key Dates
• Event Dates: Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 February 2026
• Online Ballot: Open from 1 to 8 October 2025 (for 3.6km Solo & One Mile events)
• General Entries Open: 15 October 2025 (for all other events)
• For more information or to enter the ballot, visit busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
Busselton Jetty Swim is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions
Additional info
Overview
· The 2026 Busselton Jetty Swim will take place on the weekend of 7th and 8th February 2026.
· More than 5,000 swimmers are expected to participate across all categories with distances ranging from 500m to 3.6km.
· The inaugural event was held in 1996 and included 82 participants.
Two-day program
Day 1 – Saturday 7th February
· Kids Swim – Dedicated 220m swim around the Busselton Swimming Jetty for children aged 8 to 12 years (must have Level 8 or higher in swimming lessons)
· Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim – perfect introduction to open water swimming for any age or ability.
· 2 or 4 Person Team – a relay style swim. Teams swim a combined distance of 3.6km. Every team member swims a loop along and under the Jetty, starting and finishing on the beach.
· Entries to Saturday events open on 15th October 2025.
Day 2 – Sunday 8th February
· 3.6km Solo Swim – our signature swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty
· One Mile Swim to Shore: participants walk to the end of the Jetty, then swim 1.6km back to the beach finish
· Entry to Sunday’s events is by online ballot entry only, which will be open from 1st to 8th October 2025.
Ballot
· The ballot system was introduced to minimise technical issues from high demand and to ensure a fair and smooth entry process.
· The online ballot is for 3.6km Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore.
· Ballot open: 1 to 8 October 2025.
· Participants may apply for one event only: Solo or One Mile.
· Places will be randomly allocated, with results announced on 15th October 2025.
· Those not initially selected will be placed on a waitlist.
Concert
· A Sunset concert will be held on Saturday 7th February in collaboration with City of Busselton’s Shift Crew Youth Battle of the Bands finals.
· The headline artist will be announced in December · For further information, visit busseltonjettyswim.org.au
