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.

16/09/2026
Sponsor of the week 🐳 HASTIES MEATS // John Hastie. Hasties Meats are the Illawarra'...
14/09/2026

Sponsor of the week 🐳
HASTIES MEATS // John Hastie.
Hasties Meats are the Illawarra's Premier Butcher’s having been around since 1977. This family owned and operated butcher has won more prestigious awards than any other. Simply put, if you want the best meat on the South Coast then go to Hasties, located @ 89/91 Auburn Street Wollongong. Whales support the businesses that support us!
You can call John to place orders on 4229 1344

Sunday 13th September The Presidents Trophy and the Moby Dick was held down at the continental pool. The Presidents tro...
13/09/2026

Sunday 13th September The Presidents Trophy and the Moby Dick was held down at the continental pool. The Presidents trophy was 1st with the format of the trophy being 1v1 knock out, with the winner of each race swimming on until only one man is left.
Congratulations to this year's winner Greg Daly
Next was the Moby Dick with 14 100 percenters competing for the illustrious Yellow Jacket. In a final of 8 we had 6 disqualified leaving Club Captain Shayne Howle to take out the treasured jacket.
What a great way to finish oft the 2026 season. Don’t forget presso next Sunday at 12:30pm at the Harp Hotel 👍🏆🐳🐳🐳🐳

Sponsor of the week 🐳 TRAVEL ON CROWN // Jon HickmanJon is a mutli award winning travel agent specialising in all forms ...
08/09/2026

Sponsor of the week 🐳
TRAVEL ON CROWN // Jon Hickman
Jon is a mutli award winning travel agent specialising in all forms of travel. If you’re looking to book a holiday then let Jon and his team take care of you. Whales support the businesses that support us!
Contact Jon on 02 4229 9411

Great to see the Conts back open with over 80 Whales in attendance celebrating Father’s Day.Congratualtions to all the w...
06/09/2026

Great to see the Conts back open with over 80 Whales in attendance celebrating Father’s Day.
Congratualtions to all the winners in both the club champs and father son relay swim.
Reminder next Sunday the 13th is our last swim for the year so make sure if you are a current or past member to get down to the Conts from 9am for what I have been told will be a special day for the club !

Sponsor of the week 🐳 CROWN WEST CELLARSAn independently owned local business located in Wollongong, Crown West Cellars ...
31/08/2026

Sponsor of the week 🐳
CROWN WEST CELLARS
An independently owned local business located in Wollongong, Crown West Cellars specialises in the finest selection of wines, craft beers, and exotic spirits available in the area. Be sure to visit a great local establishment that offers great flavours while supporting our club.
Whales support the businesses that support us!
Visit Crown West Cellars at 428 Crown Street, West Wollongong

Was a perfect morning for a swim with the Daffodil Bunch who are supporting The Cancer Council and Daffodil Day - Fiona ...
23/08/2026

Was a perfect morning for a swim with the Daffodil Bunch who are supporting The Cancer Council and Daffodil Day - Fiona and her team have raised over $11,000 and it was great that the Whales could donate todays swim fees to such a great cause.

Address

Wollongong, NSW

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

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