New Town Toyota Round 6: City to Scarbs

The morning sun hits City Beach with a distinct rhythm, as volunteers from Swimming WA begin marking the course that connects this stretch of sand to Scarborough. For the local community, this event is more than a competition; it is a seasonal ritual rooted in the area's history, tracing back to the legacy of the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, which transformed the nearby Perry Lakes Reserve into a hub for sporting activity. Swimmers often gather early, trading stories of previous seasons before taking to the water for the 500m, 1.25km, 2.5km, or 5km distances.

The coastal landscape

As you push off from the shore, the topography of the land becomes your primary navigation aid. Looking inland, the hilly silhouette of Bold Park rises against the skyline, with the prominent peak of Reabold Hill serving as a constant marker. It is a reminder of the area’s rugged natural history, much like the limestone quarry established by Henry Trigg in 1834, which remains a landmark for those familiar with the local terrain. While you focus on your stroke, keep in mind that the seabed holds its own infrastructure, including submerged cables running between Floreat Beach and City Beach, hidden beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean. If you swim the longer routes, you might notice the formation of the Floreat Beach sand-bar near the groyne, a natural feature that dictates the local wave breaks and adds a shifting challenge to the coastal path. Those seeking to build their season’s schedule might consider that this race falls roughly midway between the Fremantle Ports Swim Thru in December and the endurance-focused Port to Pub in March.

Race day dynamics

With the 5km swim acting as the ultimate coastal test, the event draws on a mix of local enthusiasts and those training for longer series. The race atmosphere is defined by the proximity of the spectators and the support of water safety teams who monitor the currents along this exposed stretch of the Western Australian coast. The 2026 edition continues the tradition of utilizing the natural amphitheater of the shoreline, where the sight of the water meeting the urban landscape—including the high-ground profile of the Mount Kenneth Reservoir—offers a unique vantage point only available to those in the water.