About This Event
Swim the iconic 10 km stretch of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra’s heart. Open to solo swimmers and relay teams, this spring challenge offers stunning views of national monuments, a supportive community, and a chance to test endurance in clear lake waters.
Events & entry fees
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Sunday 29 November
-
10 km6:30am$80
Entry fees as listed on 27 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, 29 November 2026
- Terrain
- None
- Location
- Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
- Entry Fee
- Solo $80 early / $100 after 6 pm; Relay $95 early / $125 after 6 pm
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 06:30 AM
- Good for Beginners
- No – the 10 km distance and open‑water conditions are best suited to experienced swimmers
Free training
Training for Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim?
A free plan to race day, with your own paces: three controlled sessions a week and everything else easy, on your calendar. Race day is Sun 29 Nov, 4 weeks away; your training tapers into it and recovers after.
Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and sets up a plan for it, with a taper and recovery.
Event Details
Course Description
The 10 km course follows the full length of Lake Burley Griffin, starting at the Scrivener Dam boom and winding past iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, the National Gallery and the High Court. Swimmers will navigate four transition points – Weston Park, Yarralumla Point, Gallipoli Reach and the finish at Grevillea Park beach – each offering a brief shore respite and aid station. The lake’s water temperature in late November typically ranges from 17 °C to 21 °C, and buoys mark the route to keep competitors on track. Whether tackling the distance solo or as part of a relay team, participants experience a blend of open‑water endurance, scenic city views and the supportive atmosphere of Canberra’s capital.
Getting There
Lake Burley Griffin lies in Canberra’s city centre. The race starts at Scrivener Point off Lady Denman Drive, north of Scrivener Dam. Parking is available at the car park south of the dam (≈700 m walk to the start). For transition points, follow the detailed directions on the event website. Arrive early to allow time for registration and parking.
Weather & What to Pack
November is spring in the Australian Capital Territory, bringing mild, pleasant weather. Average highs hover around 20 °C (68 °F) with lows near 7 °C (45 °F), and occasional showers are common. Expect clear mornings and a gentle breeze over Lake Burley Griffin. Swimmers should consider a lightweight wetsuit (up to 5 mm) for the 17‑21 °C water, and dress in layers for the cooler air. Stay hydrated with water or sports drinks at the aid stations, and use sunscreen for any sunny periods.
Race details last updated 13 Sep 2026
Ready to run Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
When and where do I need to register for the race?
All solo swimmers, their helpers and Leg 1 relay members must register at Scrivener Point (off Lady Denman Drive, north of Scrivener Dam) from 5:45 am. Registration closes at 6:15 am for solo swimmers and helpers, and at 6:20 am for teams. Relay members for legs 2‑4 register at their transition points at least 15 minutes before departure. See the official website for full details.
What are the entry fees and entry deadline?
Early entry (until 6 pm on 29 Oct) costs $80 for solo swimmers and $95 for a relay team. After 6 pm on 29 Oct the fees rise to $100 (solo) and $125 (relay). All entries close at 6 pm on Friday 27 Nov 2026. Check the website for any updates.
Are wetsuits allowed and is there a separate category for non‑wetsuit swimmers?
Wetsuits up to 5 mm thickness are permitted for both solo and relay participants. Solo swimmers have a dedicated ‘no‑wetsuit’ category, but every solo finisher receives a medal regardless of wetsuit use.
What are the cut‑off times for each leg and the overall finish?
Based on the 06:30 am start, cut‑offs are: Leg 1 – 07:35, Leg 2 – 08:45, Leg 3 – 10:00, Finish – 10:50. Solo swimmers missing a cut‑off are withdrawn; relay teams may continue but become ineligible for awards.
What is the refund policy if I need to withdraw?
Refunds (minus a $10 administration fee) are available if a signed withdrawal notice is received in writing by 5 pm on the last Monday before race day.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races, or an easy shakeout the day before this one.
- Burley Griffin parkrun Sat 8:00am · 1.1 km away · Yarralumla
- Coombs parkrun Sat 8:00am · 4.2 km away · Weston Creek
- Woden Town parkrun Sat 8:00am · 5.1 km away · Woden
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