About This Event
Dive into Canberra’s iconic Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims at Yarralumla Beach. Choose 500 m, 2.5 km or 5 km open‑water courses, enjoy a friendly, supportive vibe and a post‑race pancake breakfast. Perfect for both recreational swimmers and seasoned athletes.
Events & entry fees
Save the ones you’re doing to My races. Free with a MyRaceHub account.
Sunday 14 February
-
5k8am$40
-
2.5k8:05am$30
-
500m8:10am$15
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, 14 February 2027
- Terrain
- Beach
- Location
- Yarralumla swimming beach, Canberra
- Entry Fee
- 500 m $15, 2.5 km $30, 5 km $40 (early‑bird rates)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start Time
- 5 km – 08:00, 2.5 km – 08:05, 500 m – 08:10
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – short 500 m sprint is ideal for newcomers, and the water is calm and well‑marked.
Free training
Training for Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims?
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 14 Feb, 15 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 swims take place on the calm waters of Lake Burley Griffin at Yarralumla swimming beach. The 5 km race follows four laps of a 1.25 km triangular loop, the 2.5 km covers two laps and the 500 m is an out‑and‑back sprint. Courses are well‑marked, flat and free of currents, with scenic views of the lake, the National Library and the surrounding hills. No wetsuits are required for awards, though they are permitted. The water is typically clear and around 22 °C in February, offering a comfortable environment for all skill levels.
Getting There
The event is held at Yarralumla swimming beach in the suburb of Yarralumla, Canberra. Parking and public‑transport options are provided on‑site, but details vary each year. Please check the official race website for the latest information on parking locations, costs and bus or train routes.
Weather & What to Pack
February in the ACT is summer, with typical daytime highs around 28 °C and overnight lows near 14 °C. Expect low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Swimmers should wear a light‑weight wetsuit or swimskin if they tend to get cold, use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and stay well‑hydrated before and after the swim.
Race details last updated 26 Oct 2026
Ready to run Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims?
Register NowFrequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are allowed, but swimmers wearing them are not eligible for awards. All finishers are listed on the results page, with wetsuit users noted separately.
What should I bring on race day?
Bring a swim cap, goggles, a towel, and a change of clothes. If you choose a wetsuit, remember it disqualifies you from award categories. Arrive early to collect your bib and check the water conditions.
Are there age categories for the 500 m race?
Yes – junior categories exist for the 500 m swim: Boys and Girls Under 13 and Under 17, each with 1st‑3rd place awards.
What happens after the swim?
All finishers receive a post‑race pancake breakfast. Awards are presented for age‑group placings in the 5 km and 2.5 km swims, and junior placings in the 500 m.
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 · 1.3 km away · Yarralumla
- Mount Ainslie parkrun Sat 8:00am · 5.1 km away · Campbell
- Woden Town parkrun Sat 8:00am · 5.3 km away · Woden
More Races in ACT
Is this your event?
Claim Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims to keep its details up to date — dates, distances, entry fees and course information. Free, and it takes a minute.
- Correct your race's details yourself, any time
- Runners see accurate info when they're deciding what to enter
- Optionally feature your event in search results