Wollongong Whales

Wollongong Whales Welcome to the Wollongong Whales Winter Swimming Club! Established in 1959, we invite all swimmers to embrace winter swimming along Wollongong's coast.

We meet on Sundays in winter with the simple format of handicapped races over 50 metres. 🐳 About the Wollongong Whales
The Wollongong Whales were the first winter swimming club in the Illawarra thanks to the vision of John Prentice. Moving to the Illawarra to manage a tailor’s shop, Prentice had swum for one of the five Sydney clubs—the Maroubra Dolphins and was struck by the absence of a club in

the Illawarra. So, he organized a meeting of the North Wollongong and Wollongong surf lifesaving clubs. Prentice never lived to see the success of the venture, dying the following year after a car accident in Fairy Meadow. Michael “Mick” Westbury is one of only two men still alive from that foundation meeting, the other being Geoff Swainson who moved to the Gold Coast 30 years ago. The format of any Sunday is simple and unchanging. Handicapped races are held over 50m in the ocean pool, newcomers undertake a time trial. Those whose race is run or yet to swim stand along the railings looking into the ocean or having a yarn. The Sunday’s events run smoothly thanks to all the members who assist, from taking of the fees, to the race allocations and handicapping, the starters, timekeepers and judges (who stand out in all conditions), then to the soup makers, nibbles preparers and to the BBQers. And who could forget the refreshment distributors.

Congratulations John Robert Campbell on taking out the Chris ‘Oils’ Joils Trophy today. Special day for the Joils family...
31/05/2026

Congratulations John Robert Campbell on taking out the Chris ‘Oils’ Joils Trophy today. Special day for the Joils family, Chris’ son Adam presenting the trophy!

Congratulations Angus Chaddy. 2026 Brian Tobin trophy winner 🥇
17/05/2026

Congratulations Angus Chaddy. 2026 Brian Tobin trophy winner 🥇

Huge Congratulations to the 2026 ANZAC Trophy winner Paul Schroeder, Big thank you to Nathan Webb for presenting the tro...
04/05/2026

Huge Congratulations to the 2026 ANZAC Trophy winner
Paul Schroeder, Big thank you to Nathan Webb for presenting the trophy
🐳

G’day Whales The Wollongong Winter Whales Swim Club officially kicked off on Sunday, and what a start it was! Beautiful ...
14/04/2026

G’day Whales

The Wollongong Winter Whales Swim Club officially kicked off on Sunday, and what a start it was! Beautiful weather, crystal clear water, and an unreal turnout to match.

A massive thank you to all our members and a big welcome to the new faces who’ve signed up — great to have you onboard!

Here’s to a big season ! 🍻 🐳

G’day Whales, The Whales 2026 Whales Retro Bags have just arrived priced at just $50. These are by ORDER ONLY; Whales lo...
14/04/2026

G’day Whales,
The Whales 2026 Whales Retro Bags have just arrived priced at just $50. These are by ORDER ONLY; Whales logo is fully embroidery with your initials to identify your bag. Orders can be placed with Tim Robbo either this coming Sunday the 19th of April or Sunday 26th April. Full payment must be made at time of ordering by either cash or cart. No rainchecks on these WE WILL NOT BE PLACING ANY ORDERS AFTER THE 26TH APRIL. Thanks

Sponsor of the week ELLEM&CO REAL ESTATE A highly experienced Boutique Agency that believes in buildinglong term relati...
14/04/2026

Sponsor of the week
ELLEM&CO REAL ESTATE
A highly experienced Boutique Agency that believes in building
long term relationships and getting the results that their clients need. Specialising in Residential & Commercial Sales & Rental Properties throughout the entire Illawarra Region. Conveniently located in Windang which is in between Shellharbour and Wollongong.
Whales support the businesses that support us!
If you or a friend are looking to sell your property or get it valued then call Shayne at Ellem&Co on 0492 203333

08/04/2026

G'day Whales,
Well, it's on again starting this Sunday ( April 12th). 🏊‍♂️ 🍻
Opening day of the season is upon us and I am sure like you, cannot wait.

Fees for opening day is $30 (cash or card) this is your annual registration fee, and your swim fee for the day. You will receive a free opening day Whales t-shirt after payment has been made.

Registration is from 9am on pool deck.
Look forward to seeing you there.

Whales Boys on tour Whales new beach bar, Tassie style GD, TD, W***y
01/03/2026

Whales Boys on tour

Whales new beach bar, Tassie style
GD, TD, W***y

See you this Sunday 🐳 🍻
02/12/2025

See you this Sunday
🐳 🍻

Whales 🐳 !

🚨 Wollongong Whales Christmas PARTY 🚨
Come down and enjoy some festive cold ones 🍻. If you are lucky you will be able to share a drink with Brian Mannix
📅 Sunday, December 7th
🕛 12pm
📍 PEPE’S on the Beach – Wollongong

On Sunday we were lucky enough to celebrate with the great man Brian Mannix for his 90th Birthday 🍻 🐳 One of the backbon...
25/11/2025

On Sunday we were lucky enough to celebrate with the great man Brian Mannix for his 90th Birthday 🍻 🐳
One of the backbones of the club and an absolute gentlemen. Happy 90th Brian

Address

Wollongong, NSW

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

Website

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