2025/26 Key Dates

Find below the key dates for the 2026 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim! Please note, key dates leading up to the Event including briefings and registrations are still being confirmed and may change.

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• Who: Solo swimmers who haven’t completed a Rottnest Channel Swim in the previous two years
• When: Wednesday, 1 May 2025 – Monday, 26 January 2026
• Where: Any eligible open-water swim (find more information on the Qualifying Swim page)

• Who: Solos, Tandem Solos and Lavan Charity Challenge Teams
• When: 8:30am Monday, 20 October 2025 – 10:00am Monday, 27 October 2025
• Where: Online

Please note, we endeavour to offer guaranteed entry to all soloists who register during this period. However, for 2026 spots may be limited. 

LCC team registrations close once sold-out as spots are highly limited! Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any registration updates towards the registration period. 

• Who: 9News Duos
• When: 8:30am Tuesday, 28 October 2025 (you will need to join the queue from 8:00am)
• Where: Online. The registration link will be provided on the website homepage and social media at 8:00am on the date of registrations. 

• Who: Teams
• When: 8:30am Wednesday, 29 October 2025 (you will need to join the queue from 8:00am)
• Where: Online. The registration link will be provided on the website homepage and social media at 8:00am on the date of registrations

Learn about what to expect, vital nutrition, injury prevention, training and preparation tips to prepare for the upcoming Out of Event Crossing season and South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.

• Who: All swimmers, coaches and squads
• When: Thursday, 27 November 2025
• Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
• Where: (Due to limited spots being available, the location will be emailed directly to those that have registered)

• Who: Compulsory for all skippers to register or risk their swimmers being disqualified
• When: Monday, 12 January 2026
• Time: 12.00pm
• Where: Online

• Who: Compulsory for all volunteers
• When: Saturday, 17 January 2026
• Time: 10am
• Where: Lecture Theatre, Perth High Performance Centre (HPC)

All solo swimmers must complete their 10km qualifying swim and submit their results by 11.59pm Monday, 26 January 2026. This deadline applies to all swimmers, including those completing their qualification interstate or overseas. No qualifying results will be accepted after this date.

• Who: Invitation only for Lavan Charity Challenge participants
• When: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
• Time: 6pm arrival – 6.30pm start
• Where:  Perth CBD – Venue to be sent directly to LCC teams

• Who: Compulsory for all solos, and at least one member of each duo/team. It’s also strongly recommended that support boat skippers attend
• When: Tuesday 10th February
• Time: Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6.30pm start
• Where: Optus Stadium

• Who: Recommended for all skippers, paddlers and support crew members
• When: After the Metro Safety Briefing
• Where: Optus Stadium, Burswood

• Who: Invitation only for international, interstate and regional competitors
• When: Friday, 20 February 2026
• Time: 10am
• Where: Attendee’s will be contacted directly with the location of this event.

• Who: All participants and volunteers on the day
• When: Saturday, 21 February 2026
• Where: Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)

• Who: Those who aren’t attending the actual Event but still wish to complete the swim
• When: Saturday, 21 February 2026
• Where: Your local registered swimming pool/club