If you’re after a swim that feels like a secret, tucked between headlands, hugged by cliffs, and filled with friendly faces, the Bilgola ‘Billy’ is it. One of the most charming and low-key swims on the Northern Beaches calendar, this event is all about community, connection, and that boutique beach energy you don’t find just anywhere.

It’s the kind of swim where you’ll spot familiar faces, get a warm welcome from the surf club crew, and walk away with salty hair and a big smile. With two distances on offer, it caters to everyone, whether you’re dipping your toe into ocean swimming for the first time or chasing a solid summer hit-out.

The water is usually crystal clear, the beach is tucked away from the crowds, and the setting is pure postcard, natural, unspoilt, and backed by bushland. Add in the laid-back vibe, great local support, and a course that lets you really enjoy the beauty of the bay, and it’s easy to see why the Billy has such a loyal following.

It’s a local favourite for a reason, and once you’ve done it, you’ll be back next year too.