- Ocean Swim Festival and Australian Open Water Championships to be based in Busselton for a second consecutive year
- Festival expected to attract thousands of spectators and competitors, and inject millions into WA economy
- Supported by Western Australian Government through Regional Events Program, and the City of Busselton
One of Australia's biggest swimming festivals is set to return to Western Australia for a second year in 2024, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.
The Ocean Swim Festival will take place at the iconic Busselton Jetty from 24-27 January 2024, and will see hundreds of elite athletes and community swimmers compete in various events while spectators enjoy a range of activities on the shore.
As part of the festival, some of the country's best swimmers will also face off in the Australian Open Water Championships, providing athletes with qualifying opportunities for the respective Masters, Open, and Junior International level events held later in 2024.
The Championships were held for the first time in WA in Busselton earlier this year, bringing more than 2,000 visitors to WA's South West , and injecting over $2.1 million into the region.
The different courses, including 500m, 1.25km, 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km and 10km options, will take place around the Busselton Jetty, allowing spectators to line the iconic structure to watch the races.
Outside of the water, several other activities will be made available to both competitors and spectators, including markets and kids' activities.
The event will be hosted by Swimming Australia and supported by Swimming WA.
For more information visit www.swimming.org.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We're very excited to be supporting the Ocean Swim Festival once again as it returns to Western Australia for another year of exciting races and events in beautiful Busselton.
"Busselton's pristine beachfront with its sparkling blue water and iconic jetty provide the perfect place to stage this event, which will bring visitors from all over the nation, supporting local accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, and jobs.
"With flights from Melbourne flying into Busselton three times a week, on what is proving to be a popular route, it's never been easier for visitors from Australia's east coast to travel to WA's South West."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Ocean Swim Festival is a fantastic event that will drive economic growth in South West WA, and we're proud to be supporting it through our Regional Events Program.
"Events like this allow us to showcase our beautiful State as a world-class sporting destination, while diversifying the economy and creating local jobs in the regions.
Comments attributed to South West MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"We can't wait to welcome visitors back to Busselton next year to explore the South West's beautiful forests, pristine beaches, countless attractions and experiences, and world-class culinary and wine offerings.
"These types of events always create a fantastic atmosphere in the community, so I encourage locals to head down and check it out as well."
