Surf Swimmers Excel in Choppy Conditions at 30th Newcastle Harbour Swim
Hundreds of dedicated swimmers braved the choppy waters of Newcastle Harbour on Monday, January 26, 2026, for the 30th annual Newcastle Harbour Swim. The challenging conditions, marked by wind and marine activity, proved ideal for experienced surf swimmers who dominated the event.
Victory in the 1400-Metre Challenge
Jackson McCleery emerged as the overall winner of the premier 1400-metre competition, completing the course in an impressive 15 minutes and 13 seconds. "The swim was nice, the water temperature was beautiful, bit of a chop but it was a good swim," he remarked after his victory. McCleery, who also won the Bondi to Bronte swim in December 2025, noted that his background in surf life saving and open water swimming prepared him well for the windy harbour conditions.
This was McCleery's first time participating in the Newcastle event, and he expressed enthusiasm about returning. "It was a really great event and I'll definitely be back next year," he added, highlighting the swim's reputation among open water enthusiasts.
Top Female Performer and Event Details
Stephanie Carey was the first female to finish the 1400-metre swim, clocking a time of 16 minutes and 40 seconds, which placed her sixth overall. The North Avoca resident described the experience as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. "I was a bit nervous about the conditions this week with all the marine activity but it was a really nice day," she said. Carey, who is accustomed to surf swimming, appreciated the choppy water, noting, "It's a bit scary at times swimming in Newcastle Harbour but there's plenty of water safety around."
The 1400-metre course required competitors to enter at Stockton, swim across to Queens Wharf, then turn around and return. Carey, who has attended the event with a group from Mingara on the Central Coast for several years, planned to celebrate with a brunch in Newcastle. She also thanked the volunteers and surf clubs for their efforts, calling it "a really fun carnival."
Additional Highlights and Community Impact
In the 700-metre swim, Paul Lemmon from the Central Coast secured first place with a time of 10 minutes and 9 seconds. Lemmon also participated in the 1400-metre event, finishing fourth, demonstrating remarkable endurance with back-to-back swims. He shared that he was visiting family at John Hunter Hospital and found the swim to be a positive way to enjoy the day.
The Newcastle Harbour Swim, held annually on Australia Day, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026. Organisers describe it as a "bucket list" item for many participants, attracting swimmers from across the region. The event is managed by the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, with proceeds supporting vital community programs:
- Safety initiatives and beach patrols
- Youth development projects in the local area
- Surf life saving training and equipment
Despite the choppy conditions, the swim showcased the resilience and skill of surf swimmers, reinforcing the event's status as a highlight of Newcastle's summer calendar. The combination of competitive spirit, community support, and scenic harbour views made for a memorable day for all involved.
