News

You’re invited! The 2026 Port to Pub After-Party

Friday, 27th March | 3:00 – 6:00pm Location: Gage Roads Brew Co, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle We want to celebrate with you at our first-ever Port to Pub After-Party! In collaboration with Gage Roads and K&L Gates, we invite you to celebrate 10 incredible years with an afternoon of connection, reflection, and well-earned cheers alongside fellow Port to Pub […]

2026 Port to Pub Congratulations and Thank You

What an unbelievable day! From the start line at Leighton Beach to the shores of Wadjemup, we couldn’t have asked for a more glorious day or a more memorable event. The day unfolded beautifully across the Rottnest Channel, with swimmers and their support crews carving their way through near-perfect conditions. While the weather certainly played […]

2026 Port to Pub Top Finishers

Congratulations to these award winners in their event categories! Mader 25km Ultramarathon Male 1 – 5:54:16 Hayden Ferguson 2 – 6:00:52 Richard Kerr 3 – 6:06:47 Andrew Donaldson Female 1 – 6:24:43 Christine Murray 2 – 6:34:35 Rebekah Weller 3 – 6:48:54 Indi Bueddemann Hotel Rottnest 19.7km Solo Male 1 – 4:57:33 Christopher Dombrowsky 2 – 4:59:52 Lucas Doig 3 – 5:07:43 Bob Tarr Female 1 […]

Debuting our new 25km Ultramarathon finish line bell

Port to Pub extends a huge thank you to VEEM Marine, who cast a new bell that officially debuted at the 2026 Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest. Rung by 25km ultramarathon swimmers as they cross the line on the shores of Wadjemup, the bell marks a powerful and emotional moment — a true celebration of an […]

Event Day Weather Forecast

Photo: The view from the start line on Friday, 20th March looking incredible! The weather is shaping up nicely for the start of the 2026 Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest — it’s looking like it could be a cracking day out there! In addition to the information below, you can look at websites including seabreeze.com.au, windy.com, and bom.gov.au. The […]

Finish Line, Awards, Celebrations & Swim Fest

You made it all the way to the pub — now it’s time to celebrate! Swim Fest kicks off from 10:00am at Hotel Rottnest and rolls on throughout the day and into the night with Gemini Live and DJs bringing the energy. Set up on site and cheer on swimmers as they arrive onto the beach — the finish line […]

An event day morning brew that supports PCHF

Do good while fuelling swimmers, crews, and supporters alike! The Good Grocer will be setting up a coffee cart in front of Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, right where swimmers will be checking in. Not only will you get your much-needed caffeine hit, but all proceeds will go directly to Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation — a true win-win! Please note that, to […]

Port to Pub Artwork by Reif Myers available for purchase

The original 2026 Port to Pub featured artwork by Reif Myers will be auctioned on Friday, 26th March at the first-ever Mader Port to Pub After-Party. Potential bidders are invited to attend in person or arrange for someone to bid on their behalf. All proceeds from the sale of the original artwork will go to Perth Children’s Hospital Founation. About the artwork, […]

Results live from the finish line

Results will be uploaded in real time throughout event day; however, note there may be occasional delays due to limited reception on the island. A big thank you to blueChip Timing for capturing finishing times and reporting results. 2026 PORT TO PUB RESULTS Direct results links to: Mader 25km Ultramarathon Hotel Rottnest 19.7km Solo Rottnest Express Duo Blue […]

2026 K&L Gates Corporate Cup competitors

Duos and teams representing a company or organisation are eligible to compete in the K&L Gates Corporate Cup. The winning team will take home a prestigious office trophy, cash prize, and framed photo to commemorate the achievement. K&L Gates is a full-service international law firm with a committed and active sports law practice, fielding a strong and well-rounded team. The firm collaborates […]

International, Interstate & Regional Competitors Briefing

20 March 2026 | 10:00am Location: Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club 20 Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle WA Description This competitor briefing session is to present event information and safety regulations for those who were unable to attend the Main Event Briefing. The briefing will include time for questions and conclude with race pack collection. Port to […]

Swimmer Spotlight: Joe O’Shannessy

Sixteen-year-old Joe O’Shannessy is taking on the 25km UItramarathon in 2026 after successfully finishing the 19.7km Solo at the 2024 Port to Pub. Joe talks about swimming, support, and the possibility of becoming the youngest-ever swimmer to complete the event. Port to Pub: Why did you choose to do the 25km Ultramarathon this year? Joe: […]

Download and set up the Port to Pub app

The Port to Pub app is a useful tool that provides real-time tracking of swimmers on event day. All support boats are required to have a mobile phone on board with the app activated during the event. Skippers should ensure their skipper and boat details are entered in the app. It can also be used […]

10 Days to Race Day Checklist

It’s time to finalise anything still on the “to do” list! Here are some helpful tips as race day approaches: Make a detailed race day plan Include everything from your wake-up time to getting to the start line and what you’ll need at the finish. Who is packing food and drink supplies? Where is your […]

Swimmer Spotlight: CBC Channel Chasers

Rhiley Olbromski and Hayley Nankivell are the CBC Channel Chasers, a teacher and student duo taking on the 2026 Port to Pub For Rhiley, Port to Pub represents both a triumphant return and a challenge. At 17-years-old, he hasn’t trained consistently for nearly two years. When his mentor and teacher, Hayley Nankivell, approached him with […]

Skippers Briefing on 16th March

16 March 2026 | 5:30 and 6:45pm sessions Location: The View Clubhouse at Blue HQ, 7-10 Mews Road, Fremantle Note about getting to the Skippers Briefing: As Fremantle Bridge is closed, please allow for additional driving time in case of heavy traffic. When you arrive, enter through the pedestrian gate next to the dark grey […]

Join us for the Main Event Briefing on 5th March

Thursday, 5 March 2025 | Doors open at 5:00pm Location: Centenary Pavilion, Claremont Showground Free Parking: Enter through GATE 1 off Graylands Rd; attendants inside the Showground will direct you. Free parking is also available outside the Showground and close to Centenary Pavilion on the other side of Ashton Ave (opposite GATE 9) – see map below. Schedule 5:00pm […]

Time to finalise your registration details

Every swimmer should check that their registration information is complete and up-to-date by logging into their Race Roster account and checking their details. Team captains should also confirm that every team member has completed a registration form – this must be done by noon on Friday for their names to appear in the 2026 Port to Pub Event Handbook. The […]

Why Grainne Moss is swimming in Port to Pub

First-time Port to Pub swimmer Grainne Moss is traveling from her home in Wellington, New Zealand, to take on the 25km Ultramarathon. Having already completed the New Zealand and Irish Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming, she is now tackling her first of three events in the Australian Triple Crown. Why the Port to Pub 25km Ultramarathon? […]

Why Katy O’Shea is swimming in Port to Pub

We love seeing your registration form responses to the question, “Why are you swimming in Port to Pub?” as we get responses from the mundane to the hilarious to the truly heartfelt. Katy O’Shea had one of those heartfelt answers, so we reached out to her with more questions about her participation in the 2026 […]

Helpful tips for Event Day preparation

Here are some things to keep your preparations as streamlined as possible as we get closer to event day: Registration completed! As mentioned, make sure your registration form is complete with boat and skipper details and other documentation as needed. Accommodation booked: Continue checking Rottnest Island accommodation as cancellations will occur and create new availability. […]

Information on swimmer tow floats

Port to Pub swimmers have the option to use an official Port to Pub swimmer tow float in place of a paddler that accompanies them. Tow floats can be purchased through the registration form or in-person at the briefing events. Tow floats must be obtained through Port to Pub as they must be uniform and easily identifiable. Duos and teams should have more than […]

Book your Rottnest ferry tickets

In addition to completing your registration details, we recommend that 2026 Port to Pub participants secure ferry tickets now for travel between Rottnest Island and the mainland. Remind your teammates and supporters to book as well! You can book travel though the following services: Rottnest Express | Sealink | Rottnest Fast Ferries Skippers, paddlers, support crew, and spectators must pay an admission fee to […]

Registration reminders: Get your info submitted

A quick reminder that while the deadline to confirm your registration details is 27th February, it is helpful to submit your final details sooner rather than later. This is what we need: Team captains: Boat and skipper information; make sure that all your team members have registered Solo swimmers: Qualifying 10K swim info Under 18 swimmers: Submit your Parent/Guardian consent form K&L Gates […]

Nutrition Tips: Practical fuelling guidance

by Sophy Foreman, APD, Accredited Sports Dietitian; Play On Nutrition Nutrition is a key part of race day performance. The goal is to start the swim well-fuelled, well-hydrated, and confident, using strategies you have already practised in training. Before Race Day Use long training swims to practise your nutrition plan, including the night-before meal, event morning […]

Join Port to Pub as a volunteer

Want to give back to the community through volunteering? Or participate in an event that promotes health and wellness? Looking to meet new people in a fun new way? Volunteering for the 2026 Port to Pub may be just what you’re looking for! We have a range of opportunities for individuals willing to volunteer their time before and/or on event day. No […]

9 Tips for 9 Weeks to Race Day

Distance swimming events like Port to Pub can be immensely enjoyable and rewarding, but there is a lot that goes into training and preparation to ensure your best day out. At nine weeks to race day, we’re sharing nine tips to help swimmers in the lead-up to 21st March: 1. Take stock. Pause to ask yourself, “How’s it going?” Is […]

Registration reminders and important dates

Register for the 2026 Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest now! Don’t miss these 2026 dates: Tue, 20 Jan: Rego deadline for your name to be included on the organic lifestyle swimmer tee Sun, 15 Feb: Standard registration closes at 11:59pm AWST Fri, 27 Feb: Late registration closes* at 12:00pm / noon AWST Mon, 2 Mar: All registration info, including skipper and boat […]

Port to Pub’s Annual Santa Sack

Our Santa Sack is our chance to share some of our favourite products while highlighting the sponsors and partners who support Port to Pub every year. As such, this gift guide is made up of things we think would be meaningful and much loved to those like-minded people in your life. We know you will […]

Meet our 2026 Port to Pub Race Director Julian Mills

PORT TO PUB: When was your first Port to Pub and how many have you done? JULIAN: Having competed in channel swims for many years since the early 2000s I first entered Port to Pub as a duo with my son Oliver in 2017, but he had a nasty bike accident so had to cancel […]

Early bird registration is open!

GRAB YOUR EARLY BIRD ENTRY for the 2026 Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest! Saturday, 21st March 2026 marks Port to Pub’s tenth year and is set to be our biggest and best event yet. With a cap of 1,700 swimmers and 600 boats (not to mention exciting new team categories and celebrations to […]

2026 Port to Pub merchandise pre-orders now open

Just LOOK at the incredible merch that we have for this commemorative year! The 2026 range includes over 15 NEW products, many with featured artwork by Reif Myers and commemorating our 10th year. From bathers, shirts, and thongs to trucker caps to gift your paddlers and skippers, there is something for everyone! See the black hooded long-sleeve […]

Swimmer tow floats available through registration

In 2026 we are bringing back swimmer tow floats that can be purchased through registration or at any of the event briefings ahead of event day. The tow float goes around the swimmer’s waist and is pulled on the surface of the water behind the swimmer; it does not interrupt the swimmer’s stroke. The tow float helps with swimmer visibility. A tow float can […]

Artwork and an After-Party!

As we near the opening of Early Bird registration for the Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest, we are thrilled to finally reveal the 2026 Featured Artwork by West Australian contemporary artist Reif Myers. Reif says, “I lived on Marine Parade for 10 years and looked at Rottnest every day… the event of people swimming to […]

Teams of 3 are officially “in” for 2026

You asked for it… you got it! Our Teams of 3 category was created after seeing considerable interest in something that would “bridge the gap” between swimming as a duo and as a member of a larger team. Essentially, you’ll get more swim time than as a member of a larger team, but you’ll also get […]

Celebrating 10 years with Teams of 10

In recognition of reaching our 10-year milestone, we are also putting out a Teams of 10 category. This category will be limited to 5 teams only, and it’s a big unknown as to who may fill these spots. Will it be a super fast team? An intergenerational family team spanning 12- to 80-year-olds? A team of over […]

Welcoming Mader as our new Naming Rights Sponsor

The cogs have been turning behind the scenes, and we are ecstatic to officially announce Mader Group as Port to Pub’s new Naming Rights Sponsor in 2026! Our fresh new name Mader Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest comes just in time to celebrate our first ten years and to kick off our next decade. With a three-year […]

Australian Triple Crown updates

The Australian Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming is achieved through the successful completion of three established marathon swims – the Port to Pub 25km Ultramarathon in WA, Palm Beach to Shelly Beach (24km) in NSW, and Derwent River Big Swim (34km) in TAS. An impressive 19 new swimmers have achieved this feat in 2025. In total, only 55 people in the world have completed the […]

2025 Port to Pub Wrap-Up

The bell has rung on the 2025 Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest — we’re shaking out the sand and wrapping up the final pieces of this year’s unforgettable event. We hope that you have used much of this last week to relax and reminisce on your 2025 Port to Pub experience. And not just […]

2025 Port to Pub Top Finishers

Coming off a record-breaking win in the same event in 2024, Josie Page was the 2025 overall winner of the Euroz Hartleys 25km Ultramarathon in a time of 6:10:21, just nine minutes off her record of 6:01:03 despite the challenging conditions. Sofie Frichot placed as female runner-up for the second year in a row and third overall in a time of […]

Swimmer Spotlight: Emma Heggaton

In her hometown of Kojonup, WA, young Emma Heggaton swam often at her local pool but stopped after primary school. Nearly 20 years later, after resuming swimming as an adult, she completed the 2024 Port to Pub with friends as a member of six-person team Awkward Turtles. Emma says they had such a fun day, absolutely […]

2025 Port to Pub registration sold out

Registration for the 2025 Port to Pub has sold out. We look forward to seeing this year’s Port to Pub swimmers, skippers, paddlers, and supporters on Saturday, 15th March starting at 6.00am from Leighton Beach, Fremantle. For those unable to attend the event in person, swimmers can be tracked using the Port to Pub app. The […]

Swimmer Spotlight: Jolyn and Kobe Shephard

2024 was a tough year for our family. In August, my 9-year-old son, Kobe, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. After months of unexplained illness, Kobe’s diagnosis came as a shock. I thought we’d get some insulin and go home the same day. I had no idea how life-changing it would be. Instead, we spent a […]

Supporting Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) is our proud Charity Partner for the third year in a row. As the official fundraiser of Perth Children’s Hospital, PCHF helps to ensure sick children have access to world-class care through the most advanced equipment and technology, research, expertise, education and training, and positive patient experiences. Since 2023, Port to Pub […]

2025 Port to Pub Featured Artwork La Nageuse Dorée

Composed with acrylic, oil and gold leaf, this year’s fabulous Port to Pub Featured Artwork titled ‘La Nageuse Dorée’ (‘The Golden Swimmer’) is a little bit different from usual, and that’s exactly what the artist Georges Hombert wanted to achieve. “I see my customers lining up for coffee wearing their Rottnest swimming shirts and caps, it’s […]

Port to Pub wins Bronze for Event of the Year!

We could not be more excited to share that Port to Pub has won Bronze for “Event of the Year” in the 2024 World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Awards! Each year WOWSA celebrates achievements and contributions to the open water swimming community in six categories: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Performance of […]

Swimmer Spotlight: Søren Stiller Markussen

In 2015, Søren Stiller Markussen could barely swim 25 metres without stopping. He struggled with freestyle, not being able to get into a rhythm or synchronise his breathing. Every attempt left him frustrated, especially when others seemed to glide through the water calmly and effortlessly. One day in his coffeehouse, a customer noticed Søren’s interest […]

Leeuwin’s bells to ring for the 2025 Port to Pub

In a moment which will bring two WA icons together, the ship’s bells from the STS Leeuwin II will ring out on March 15 to herald the start and end of the Port to Pub. It will be the first time the bells of the tall ship have rung since the Leeuwin was severely damaged […]

25km Ultramarathon and 19.7km Solo Qualifying Information

In order to enter the Port to Pub 25km Ultramarathon or 19.7km Solo, swimmers must achieve a qualifying time in a 10km open water swim within a one-year time frame prior to event day or have completed a solo Rottnest Channel crossing (Port to Pub or Rottnest Channel Swim) in the previous two years. Swimmers can register for Port to Pub […]

Royal Life Saving WA honours Port to Pub Officials

Port to Pub were delighted to recently attend the Royal Lifesaving Bravery Awards, where David Hobbs, Taryn De Lestang, and Simon De Lestang were nominated for their amazing bravery and quick action in rescuing a solo swimmer during the 2023 Port to Pub. Their courage and actions saved the swimmer’s life, and they were awarded […]

Bears of Brine crossing the English & Bristol Channels

Eleven Port to Pub swimmers, along with Port to Pub organiser and coach Ceinwen Roberts, will be travelling to England this July — nine to swim across the English Channel and two to cross the Bristol Channel. Some of the swimmers have been waiting years to attempt this feat as Covid thwarted their previous attempts. The […]

Good luck to Port to Pub Olympians in France!

We are wishing all the best to our Port to Pub finishers who are representing Australia as Olympians competing in Paris this August. We are so proud of you and will be watching every stroke! Kyle Lee, Marathon swimming Chelsea Gubecka, Marathon swimming Bianca Crisp, 5km Bronte Campbell, Pool 50m and relays Go, go, go! […]

2024 Results & New Record Holders!

2024 RESULTS HERE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW RECORD HOLDERS: Euroz Hartleys 25km Ultramarathon – Female Josie Page (2024) Time: 6:01:03 KC Australia Duo – Female Team Seal the Deal Bianca Petite & Jaimee Traeger (2024) Time: 4:56:40 HIF Team of 4 – Female Subi Sports Sista’s Chelsea Gubecka, Bianca Monaco, Chantal Liew & Rebecca […]

PCHF ambassadors enjoy coaching session with Olympians Chelsea Gubecka and Chantal Liew

Yesterday, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation ambassadors Noah Hamilton (9) and Charlotte Potts (8) were thrilled to meet open water swimming Olympians Chelsea Gubecka and Chantal Liew for a special coaching session at Leighton Beach. After flying in from Queensland earlier this week, Chelsea and Chantal are set to compete in the 2024 Euroz Hartleys Port […]

Meet Kerry-Lee Gockel, aka ‘The Wingless Warrior’

They say doing the channel crossing from the mainland to Rottnest Island as a ‘Solo’ is never solo. It’s a team effort with your training buddies, skipper, paddler, and crew on the day. But what if you’re a swimmer who, to even enter an ocean swim, requires assistance and a companion swimmer? This year, the […]

Swimmer Spotlight: Ultramarathon Swimmer Peter Stewart

In an inspiring comeback, Peter Stewart, 68, from Frankston, Victoria and an eminent open water swimmer known for his channel crossings and age group records. Stewart has announced his participation in the Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest on March 16, after an unpredicted setback in the previous year’s race, where he was […]

Perth is OK! features “beautiful new Port to Pub painting set for auction”

Perth is OK! is featuring Sarah Lodge’s ‘You Never Regret a Swim’ painting on its independent digital news site today. Visit the Perth is OK! website to read about Lodge’s piece, which is being auctioned to benefit Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation. Additional information can be found on the Port to Pub website. Published 18 […]

2024 Port to Pub Featured Artist Sarah Lodge

Featured artist Sarah Lodge’s 2024 Port to Pub piece, titled You Never Regret a Swim, is “a whimsical snapshot of Port to Pub.” The 1.6 metre squared canvas is embellished with realistic race details and iconic Rottnest Island and Perth imagery. You Never Regret a Swim will be auctioned at the Port to Pub VIP Evening on Wednesday, […]

2023 Port to Pub: Starting Line Bell Ringer Tom Brown

This year’s starting line bell ringer is Tom Brown, a long-time open water swimmer and one of the first people to swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island.

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