Australian Open Water Championships and Ocean Swim Festival Return to Bunbury 2027

Bunbury Secures Open Water Return Following Economic Boost

The Australian Open Water Championships and Ocean Swim Festival will return to Bunbury’s Koombana Bay from 21 to 24 January 2027, maintaining the event in WA’s South West region for a fifth year according to Swimming Australia. This placement follows the 2026 event, which drew more than 1,000 swimmers, including over 900 athletes from outside the South West region. Data from Swimming Australia indicates that the 2026 event generated more than $2.8 million in local economic impact.

“Bunbury is thrilled to once again welcome the nation’s best open water swimmers to Koombana Bay in 2027,” said City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel in a statement published by Swimming Australia. Mayor Miguel noted that the sheltered waters and local hospitality make the venue an ideal stage for the competition, adding that resident dolphins may return to join the participants.

The event receives backing from the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia, alongside local coordination from the City of Bunbury. Emily Randall, CEO of Swimming WA, emphasized the regional advantage for domestic competitors. “WA is the perfect place to host the Australian Open Water Championships and Ocean Festival and bring open water athletes from across the country together to swim in the beautiful waters in the South West region of WA,” Randall stated.

Perth Hosts First National Pool Event Since 2012

Later in the competitive calendar, the Perth High Performance Centre (Perth HPC) in Mount Claremont will host the 2027 Australian Short Course Championships from 29 September to 1 October. According to Swimming Australia, this three-day meet marks Western Australia’s first national pool event since 2012, with approximately 500 swimmers expected to compete across multiple sessions of heats and finals.

The timing places the short course showcase one year out from the LA 2028 Olympic cycle. Emily Randall pointed out the strategic value of the scheduling, noting that WA athletes will have the opportunity to compete against the nation’s best on home turf without the usual requirement to travel interstate.

Rob Woodhouse, CEO of Swimming Australia, highlighted the historic significance of the venue shift. “We are delighted to bring a national pool event back to Perth for the first time in more than a decade,” Woodhouse said. Perth HPC will manage the operational delivery alongside Venues West and Swimming WA. Furthermore, the event will feature broadcast coverage via 9Now through Swimming Australia’s partnership with the Nine Network, alongside community engagement initiatives like Junior Excellence clinics for local participants.

Government Strategy and Economic Diversification

The acquisition of both championships forms a core component of the Cook Labor Government’s broader economic diversification strategy, which aims to build a year-round calendar of mass participation events that support local jobs and tourism.

The Hon. Samantha Rowe MLC, Western Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment, outlined the statewide impact. “These events not only bring elite competition to Western Australia, but also attract thousands of visitors, spectators and support staff which deliver huge economic benefits to our tourism and hospitality sectors,” Rowe stated.

Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti echoed those sentiments, underscoring the developmental pathway for homegrown talent. “From elite competition through to mass participation, these events will showcase the important role sport plays in bringing communities together and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles,” Saffioti said.

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