- Two major swimming events confirmed to return to Western Australia in 2027
- Australian Open Water Swimming Championships and Oceanswim Festival and Short Course Swimming Championships expected to attract thousands of spectators and competitors
- Mass participation events form part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs
Western Australia continues to make waves as a premier destination for national sporting events, with two major swimming championships confirmed for 2027.
Supported by the Cook Labor Government, the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships and OceanSwim Festival will return in 2027, alongside the 2027 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships, later that year.
The Australian Open Water Swimming Championships and OceanSwim Festival will once again take place in Bunbury in January 2027.
The four-day festival is Australia's premier open water swimming competition and attracts hundreds of elite and aspiring swimmers, as well as thousands of visitors, delivering strong economic and tourism benefits for the South West region.
Western Australia will also host the 2027 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships from 29 September to 1 October at the Perth High Performance Centre in Mount Claremont.
The three-day event is the pinnacle short course swimming competition in Australia, attracting hundreds of competitors and support staff, and over 4,000 spectators.
The championships will feature heats and finals across multiple sessions and will be broadcast via 9Now as part of Swimming Australia's partnership with the Nine Network.
In addition to elite competition, both events will include community engagement initiatives such as a Junior Excellence clinic for local swimmers.
These major swimming events build on the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, delivering a year-round calendar of mass participation events, growing tourism, and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Find out more at www.swimming.org.au
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
"My government remains committed to building a diverse, year-round events calendar that supports jobs, drives visitation and highlights the best of Western Australia to the world.
"Securing both the Australian Open Water Championships and OceanSwim Festival in January 2027, and the Australian Short Course Championships later in the year highlights Western Australia's strength as a host of world-class sporting events.
"These events not only bring elite competition to our State, but also attract thousands of visitors, spectators, and support staff, delivering huge economic benefits to our tourism and hospitality sectors."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Hosting these national swimming events is a fantastic outcome for swimming in Western Australia and gives our local athletes the opportunity to compete against the nation's best at home.
"From elite competition through to mass participation, these events will showcase the important role sport plays in bringing communities together and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
"Western Australia has a proud record of producing world-class swimmers and the Cook Labor Government will continue investing in the facilities, events, and programs that support athletes at every level."
