Derwent River Big Swim

(Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation)

media release

The 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim is now open for 2023/2024 season.

The 34km Marathon Derwent River Big Swim is now open for 2023/2024 season.

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Successful Australian Derwent River Big Swim swimmers

Successful Australian Derwent River Big Swim swimmers

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International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction

International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame induction

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how to register for derwent river big swim and other swim in tasmania

1. Read the swim rules

This swim requires experienced and well-trained swimmers that have swum in around (17-19 deg) temperatures and a similar distance . A 6-hour qualifying swim (solo or in a known event) needs to be completed before attempting the Derwent River Big Swim. Click to review the swim rules.

2. Contact a pilot

The swim is a solo and can be done at any time but is scheduled according to temperature, weather, and tides on the day in conjunction with your pilot & date availability. The swim can be completed between November through to March. You will need to negotiate those conditions/dates with your pilot. You may enquire from the pilot panel or source your own pilot (however if you employ your own pilot, they would require an experienced person who knows the river)

3. Complete the application form, waiver and make payment

Once you have read the rules, contacted and selected your pilot, complete the application form and pay the administration fee. The fee covers the submission of your swim to be ratified. Refer to the rules for the refund policy

swims in tasmania by australian long distance federation

Derwent Big River Swim

Derwent Big River Swim

The original 34km ultra marathon swim starting at New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk to the iconic Tasman Bridge the Derwent River

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New Norfolk Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse

New Norfolk Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse

A 60km ultra marathon swim starting at New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk to the Iron Pot Lighthouse

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New Norfolk Bridge to Opossum Bay

New Norfolk Bridge to Opossum Bay

A 49.12 km ultra marathon swim starting at New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk to Opussum Bay.

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Yingina / Great Lake

Yingina / Great Lake

A 26.84km fresh water ultra marathon swim in a natural lake and man-made reservoir that is located in the central northern region of Tasmania, Australia

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Lake St Clair / leeawulenna

Lake St Clair / leeawulenna

A 14 km freshwater marathon swim in a natural lake located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania, Australia. The lake forms the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

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Gordon River West Coast Tasmania 24.7km

Gordon River West Coast Tasmania 24.7km

A 24.7km marathon swim in fresh cold water in Tasmania's wild West Coast on the World Heritage Gordon River.

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Bowen Bridge to Iron Pot Light house 30km

Bowen Bridge to Iron Pot Light house 30km

A 30km marathon swim from the Bowen Bridge on the Derwent River ending at the Iron pot Light house at Storm Bay

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swims in tasmania by #iswimhappy

Cold Open Water swimming

Cold Open Water swimming

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Cliff to Bridge

Cliff to Bridge

Looking for a 15km swimming challenge? Join our Cliff to Bridge open water event on the beautiful Derwent River, Tasmania.

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Tasman Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse 22.3km

Tasman Bridge to Iron Pot Lighthouse 22.3km

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Tasman Bridge to Bruny Island 24km

Tasman Bridge to Bruny Island 24km

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Bowen Bridge to Bruny Island 30km

Bowen Bridge to Bruny Island 30km

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other items

Australian Triple Crown of Ultra Marathon Swimming

The Australian Triple Crown will be achieved by the successful completion of the three selected established marathon swims.

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Derwent River Big Swim Honour Roll 1975 - 2024

List of swimmers whom have completed the 34km Derwent River Big Swim since conception.

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History of the Derwent River Big Swim

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Swim rules

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Derwent River Big Swim Pilots

Escort Craft/Pilot Contact details

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SS Lake Illawarra mapped in 3D as government prepares to upgrade Tasman Bridge

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Visual representation of DRBS

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ALDSF 15km race Kingston Beach to Constitution Dock

15km race Kingston Beach to Constitution Dock undertaken in the 1980's. Reverse swim 15km Constitution Dock to Kingston beach. All races under the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation.

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