The iconic Newcastle Harbour Swim is set to celebrate a major milestone this Australia Day, marking three decades of community spirit and athletic endeavour in the heart of the city's working harbour.
A Milestone Celebrated with Local Icons
To honour its 30th anniversary, the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club has launched a special collaboration with renowned local artist Mitch Revs, who has designed unique, limited-edition merchandise for the event. The club is also bringing back the legendary voice of Novocastrian sports commentary, Mike Rabbitt, to call the races once again.
"The Newcastle Harbour Swim is woven into the fabric of our city," said Stockton Surf Life Saving Club president, Jo-Anne Dryden. "Partnering with Mitch Revs for our 30th anniversary allows us to celebrate this milestone in a way that's authentically Newcastle."
She highlighted the local flavour of the entire event, noting that swim caps were designed by another local, Matt Johnstone, and with Rabbitt on the microphone, it "doesn't get more Novocastrian than that."
From Illegal Night Swims to a Premier Event
The swim, which sees participants tackle either a 700-metre or a 1.4-kilometre crossing of the harbour, has grown from humble and slightly rogue beginnings. Event founder and long-term club member Ken Grainger recounted its origins in the 1990s.
"People would go out for the night in Newcastle and miss the last ferry and do the illegal swim across the harbour," Mr Grainger said. "The water police would pull quite a few people out of the water. We decided to make an event where people could swim it legally, one day of the year, on January 26th."
Now, it attracts over 500 participants and supporters annually, including elite athletes, everyday swimmers, and even international competitors. In the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics, the Dutch national swimming team, training in Newcastle, took part.
Mr Grainger reflected on the event's evolution, from handing out coloured caps and place-getter sticks to modern electronic timing. He fondly recalled a humorous moment involving a local doctor who, after tiring, hitched a ride on a surf boat's sweep oar before triumphantly celebrating his 'finish'.
A Community Event for a Community Cause
The swim is a true community affair, starting on the northern Stockton wharf side and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the Stockton parklands. Mr Grainger emphasised that its success hinges on local support.
"We have so many people come out to help out, whether they are in the club or not," he said. "That is what makes it such a great event. It is for the community and not a big organisation coming in to hold an event for profit."
Registrations are now open for both race distances, with places strictly limited. Swimmers affected by last year's cancellation have been offered automatic entry, meaning remaining spots are expected to sell quickly.
All funds raised through registrations and merchandise sales directly support vital lifesaving equipment and education programs at the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing community safety across the Newcastle region. The special Mitch Revs merchandise will be available for purchase on event day, January 26, 2026.
