Margaret River Ocean Swim draws big crowd | Photos

More than 300 swimmers headed to Gnarabup Beach on Saturday for the 2025 Margaret River Ocean Swim.

The course takes in a one kilometre loop of the pristine Gnarabup Bay, and the annual event is known as the friendliest swimming event on the coast.

The event was first held in January 2003 and has grown into a favourite for locals and visitors, adding to participation numbers each year.

“Many people came together to stay for the weekend, and families with multiple generations took part, whilst parents and grandparents watched with pride as their youngest family members took part in the kids 200m ocean race,” organiser and Swimming Women founder Charlotte O’Beirne said.

While participation was the key focus, on the day Margaret River local Ethan Buckland took line honours in his first open water event.

Dunsborough’s Ruby McClennan was the first woman over the line.

The Department of Local Government and Cultural Industries supported the event through the State government events funding program, and the event was also backed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

“The event’s focus this year was on enabling people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds to take part in ocean swimming, and learn more about local ocean conditions as well,” Charlotte said.

“For almost 25 percent of people doing the race, this was their first open water swim event and the joy on everyone’s faces as they crossed the finish line was contagious.”