Busselton to host huge open water swimming festival for third straight year

In January 2025 the Australian Open Water Championships and the OceanSwim Festival will return to Busselton for the third year running.

The country’s best open water swimmers will compete at the Championships to be held at Busselton Jetty from January 23 to 26.

The two events are expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy, with the event attracting a combined 4,300 visitors to the region over the past two years, generating close to $4.5 million in visitor expenditure for Australia’s South West, according to the WA Government.

Hundreds of elite athletes, community swimmers and spectators will come together in Busselton for the elite swimming event.

WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said Busselton has proven itself as a successful location for this iconic event:

“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,” she said.

The Championships will feature a wide range of courses including the 500m, 1.25kilometre, 2.5km, and 10km Community Swims and the 5km, 7.5km, 10km, and a 4 x 1.25km relay contested for the Open Water Championships.

Competitors will use the Australian Open Water Championships, as qualifiers for the respective Masters, Open, and Junior International level events held later in 2025.

Acting Regional Development Minister Dr Tony Buti added that the event shows off Busselton and Australia’s South West on a global stage.

“This event…shines a global spotlight on Australia’s South West and the beauty of the State’s natural wonders,” he said. “Importantly, these events are also vital for supporting local businesses in the community and helping to diversify our regional economy.”

Alongside the Championship, the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Busselton will be taking place.

The Festival of Busselton offers plenty of free family-friendly events and entertainment offerings including an outdoor cinema, twilight picnic and a concert on the foreshore.

If you’re planning a trip to the Championships in January, check out our list of the best things to do in Busselton, and for more information about the Australian Open Water Championships, follow event updates at swimming.org.au.