Awesome Triathlon Races in Australia For Your Bucket List
Summer is on the way, and triathlon race season is fast approaching. If you haven’t planned your races, then consider adding these events to your calendar.
The races listed below are grass roots events. Hosted by smaller race organisers, it is these types of events that rely on community support and help grow triathlon in Australia.
It is by no means an extensive list of races. As you will see, these races are in Eastern Australia. I’m looking forward to heading over to Western Australia and South Australia to compete and spectate some of the great events on offer.
In no way am I endorsed by any race organisers. I enjoy writing about triathlon, and hopefully inspire you to choose an event to work towards.
Held in Goondiwindi in February each year, this one is not for the faint hearted. On the NSW/QLD border, 400km inland, conditions are tough! It’s hot and it’s windy.
Starting your 2km swim at first light, visibility in the river is limited. With only the light of the lead kayak and the feet of the swimmer in front of you, it’s easy to feel disorientated. It’s only temporary however, and after turning around after 1km, the light improves. Watch out for sticks and logs in the river!
Out on the bike on the Barwon highway. It’s a flat 40km out, 40km back. It can be windy, and you may get the occasional road train passing you. Riding past entrances to big properties and seeing cattle either side, you really do feel that you are in the heart of the Australian Outback.
The 20km run is where it really gets tough. By now it’s starting to heat up. The run is 3 laps along the river path. Whether you’re on the same lap as another competitor, a lap in front or behind, you will always have company. Plenty of aid stations are available for hydration.
What makes this race special is the community spirit. Goondiwindi has been hosting Hell of the West for 30 years. Whilst only having a population of 6,000, the town comes alive for the event. The is a fantastic atmosphere over the entire weekend.
If you are willing to test your limits at the height of the Australian summer, then this one is for you! It’s my personal favorite, and I highly recommend the road trip.
Held at the base of the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Nepean Triathlon is Australia’s oldest triathlon. It attracts a star-studded line up of elite athletes which makes for great viewing. However, Nepean Triathlon is must do event for triathletes of all levels. It is a unique ‘club distance’ event; 1km swim, 30km cycle, 10km run. If you fancy yourself as a handy runner, then Nepean Triathlon is for you! Held in October, Nepean Triathlon is a great event to blow the cobwebs out, and get your season off to a flying start.
Western Sydney has a strong triathlon culture. Local triathlon clubs boast strong member numbers and the support of the community is evident. From when you jump in the water, through to the finish, crowds will be cheering.
Swimming in the Sydney International Regatta Centre in a unique experience. A man-made lake primarily used for rowing; buoys are positioned every 10 meters, making navigation a breeze. The bike course is fast and flat. 2 x 15km laps with short sections of left and right turns and a u-turn to keep you switched on. Finish by running 2 laps of the Regatta Centre and cross the line in the grandstand area.
Location, location, location. Anyone who has visited Byron Bay knows what a world class destination it is. Held in May each year towards end of the race season, you’ll be racing in an ideal temperate climate. Sprint and Olympic Distances are available. With a relaxed lunch time start, you will feel the holiday vibe. Don’t switch off too much, there is plenty of racing to be done!
Commencing with a surf swim in a protected bay, negotiate a couple of small breakers before heading parallel to the beach out and back. Catch a breaker back into the beach and leave your competitors in your wake.
Jump on the bike for the out and back course along Broken Head Road. Flat and fast for the first section, negotiate gentle rolling hills towards the turnaround.
The run is completed over a lap course around town. Mainly flat, there are a variety of surfaces, giving it a cross country feel. Starting and finishing the runs laps at the race centre, you will feel a boost from the supporters lining the course.
Head over the one of the many local pubs and kick back for some post-race drinks and live music.
A short drive from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, Newcastle is one of the most underrated triathlon race locations.
The Sparke Helmore Triathlon races around the picture-perfect foreshore area and Newcastle Beach. If offers both sprint distance and Olympic distance events in February each year.
Swimming in Newcastle Harbour, conditions are generally favourable for wetsuits. The extra buoyancy is much needed, because out on the bike it’s multiple laps up and down King Edward Park. A mix of steep and flatter sections make this climb tough to find a rhythm and zaps the legs of energy. The beach views from the top make the climbing worthwhile. But don’t take your eyes off the road too much; concentration is required as you negotiate the descent. Most of the road surface is great quality bitumen, so you can gain speed on the flatter sections.
Hopefully you haven’t hurt the legs too much on the bike, and have saved some energy for the run. Running laps of the flat and scenic foreshore area, there are plenty of supporters on course to keep the morale high.
Newcastle has great bars, cafes and restaurants. Whether is a double espresso or a cold schooner, there are no shortage of post-race food and refreshment options. This race is perfect for a triathlon weekend getaway.