Bicheno’s iconic ocean swimming event

the Devil of a Swim, returns on Sunday 26 April 2026,

welcoming swimmers from across Tasmania and beyond to the spectacular east coast.

Proudly hosted by the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club , this much-loved event offers distances to suit all ages and abilities:

• 5km Endurance Swim

• 2km Open Water Swim

• 1km Open Water Swim

• 400m Kids Swim

With crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastal scenery and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Devil of a Swim remains a highlight of Tasmania’s open water swimming calendar.

Originally established in 2009 as a fundraiser supporting research into devil facial tumour disease, the event has grown into a major annual fundraiser for the Club. 2026 marks our 17th year.

Swimmers can compete in:

• Wetsuit category

• Fins category

• Skins category (bathers only)

There is truly an option for every level of experience and confidence.

Event Overview

5km Endurance Swim

The premier 5km event follows a spectacular clockwise course.

Starting at Waubs Beach, swimmers track the coastline towards Redbill Beach before heading around the iconic Diamond Island.

Competitors swim along a shallower line beside Redbill Beach to the 2km sandbar checkpoint (cut-off time: 1 hour). At this point, swimmers are assessed to ensure they can safely continue around Diamond Island.

After completing the island circuit, competitors round the buoy on the island side of the sandbar and make the final push back to the finish line at Waubs Beach.

This is a true endurance challenge set against one of Tasmania’s most breathtaking backdrops.

2km and 1km Open Water Swims

These events follow a clearly marked buoy course just offshore from Waubs Beach — perfect for swimmers wanting to challenge themselves in open water while enjoying the stunning coastal setting.

Kids Swim – 400m

The Kids Swim runs along the shoreline of Waubs Beach, creating a safe, supportive and exciting environment for young swimmers to be part of the action.

Age Requirements

Participants in the 5km, 2km and 1km events must be 12 years or older

There is no minimum age requirement for the Kids Swim

Race Day Information

Venue: Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club – Jetty Road, Bicheno

Registration Pack Collection

(includes Merchandise if purchased)
Saturday 25 April 2026 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Race Day – Sunday 26 April

5km Race

• Start: 8:30am

• Check-in: 7:30am – 8:15am

1km & 2km Races

• Start: 10:40am

• Check-in: 9:15am – 10:20am

Kids Swim

• Start: 11:25am

• Check-in: 9:15am – 10:20am

Race briefings will be held 15 minutes prior to each race start.

Pricing & Transfers

All registrations are processed via Race Roster and incur a 5% processing fee.

Take advantage of early bird registration from Sunday 22 February to Sunday 22 March.

Entries close 25 April 2026.

Refer price guide below.

*SPP Price includes 5% processing fee

Transfers

Competitors can transfer from one race distance to another subject to race roster terms and conditions.

These includes:

• $10 transfer fee applies

• Original registration fee is credited toward the new entry

• If the cost of the new race distance entry fee is less than the original transaction those charges will be refunded

Participants may choose to purchase Race Roster Refund Protection at the time of registration. This protection is administered directly by Race Roster and subject to their terms and conditions.

Refund Policy

The Devil of a Swim does not offer refunds under any circumstances, including withdrawal, non-attendance or change of personal circumstances.

Participants are strongly encouraged to consider Race Roster Refund Protection when registering.

Post-Race Recovery & Refreshments

Please help reduce plastic waste by bringing your own drink bottle. Water refill stations will be available and fruit will be provided.

Hot food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food vendors and the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club.

Presentations

Presentations will take place as soon as results are finalised (approximately 11:45am).

Placing awards (subject to entry numbers) and random draw prizes will be awarded to those in attendance.

Results

Results will be posted on our

Devil Facebook page.

Merchandise

Merchandise (subject to availability) can be purchased during the race registration process via Race Roster, or at any time afterwards by logging back into your Race Roster account.

Limited stock may be available on the day; however, participants are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase to avoid disappointment.

Parking

Parking is available on Jetty Road, Chadwin Avenue and surrounding streets.

Please do not park across driveways or block clearways.

Clubhouse Facilities

Access to toilets and changerooms on site.

Course Maps

Will be emailed to all competitors the Thursday before Race Day.  

Waiver & Conditions of Entry

Participation in the Devil of a Swim is subject to the official event waiver and declaration, including:

• Acknowledgement of inherent risks associated with open water swimming

• Release and indemnity in favour of Surf Life Saving Tasmania Inc (SLST)

• Confirmation of medical fitness to participate

• Consent for use of event imagery

• Agreement to event rules and water safety directions

Full waiver terms are provided during the registration process and must be accepted to compete.

Skins Category Waiver (No Wetsuit)

Participants entering the Skins category acknowledge:

• Participation is at their own risk

• Forced withdrawal may occur at the discretion of the Water Safety Team and Race Director

• Immediate compliance with safety directions is mandatory

• The waiver is governed under Tasmanian law

Full waiver terms are provided during the registration process and must be accepted to compete.

Safety & Weather

The safety of participants is our highest priority.

• Start times and swim courses are subject to change according to weather and safety conditions.

• Updates will be communicated at check-in and during race briefings.

• Updates will be posted on the Devil Facebook page where possible prior to the event:

Race Rules

1. Swimmers must follow the designated course as per maps provided and the race briefing.

2. The official swim cap provided must be worn.

3. 5km Skins swimmers must complete an additional waiver at check-in. To qualify as a Skins swimmer you may only wear:

• Goggles

• Official race cap

• Lycra swimsuit (shoulder to knee – women / navel to knee – men)

• No neoprene permitted

4. Swimmers wearing fins must start at the back of the field. Fins swimmers are not eligible for placing prizes but are eligible for random draw prizes.

5. If assistance is required in the water, raise one arm above your head to attract attention from water safety personnel.

6. Swimmers may rest by holding onto SLSC rescue craft and then continue swimming. If safety concerns arise, the paddle boarder will liaise with the lead water safety officer. BSLSC reserves the right to withdraw a swimmer from the race.

7. In the event of evacuation or emergency rescue, follow instructions from water safety personnel immediately. This may include rescue craft pick-up or swimming to a designated location. Do not leave the exit point until you have been officially accounted for.

8. The 5km event has a 1-hour cut-off at Diamond Island Spit.

9. If withdrawing during the race, notify the nearest SLSC rescue craft and return to shore. You must report your withdrawal to the check-in desk as soon as possible.

10. Wetsuits are permitted and will be the main category for entrants and placing awards.

11. Swimmers must finish through the timing chute and clearly announce their race number to timekeepers. If finishing in a group, remain in order until your name and number are recorded.

12. No personal support watercraft or non-entrant swimmers are permitted near the course during the race. Immediate disqualification will apply.

Race Roster Refund Protection Program