New Norfolk to Bruny (River Derwent)

The 58km New Norfolk to Bruny swim combines the iconic 34km Derwent River Big Swim from New Norfolk to the Tasman Bridge and then continues south past the spectacular Alum Cliffs and on across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Bruny Island.

DISTANCE

57.8km

WATER TYPE

River / Estuary

EXPERIENCE

Advanced

LOCATION

Hobart

REGION

Hobart & South

Swim Stats

First completed: February 2025 (Anton Ilchenko, Australia)

Successful swims: 2

Fastest male: 15:23:20 (Anton Ilchenko, February 2025)

Fastest female: 17:08:01 (Miu Tanaka, February 2026)

See the Honour Roll below

Overview

The New Norfolk to Bruny Island swim combines the iconic 34km Derwent River Big Swim from New Norfolk to the Tasman Bridge and the 23km Tasman to Bruny Island swim.

Along with the New Norfolk to Iron Pot swim, this is one of the ultimate swimming challenges in Australia, where the swimmer will encounter both fresh water and salt water, have the advantage of an outgoing tide but will also, at some point, have to swim against an incoming tide. The winds may pick up against you and the waters will cool as you approach Storm Bay.

The final 1.5km across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel can provide a challenging last stretch of the swim. The reward is completing this epic swim ashore one of Bruny's beautiful sandy beaches.

Route Description

The route follows the Derwent River Big Swim and then the Tasman to Bruny swim.

Click here for more information on the Derwent River Big Swim and then click here for more for more information on the Tasman to Bruny route.

See map below or click here to view in Maps.

What you should know

The water temperature will get colder as you move further down the estuary and there may be wind and tide against you in the later stages of the swim so this is one for the very experienced marathon swimmer.
The plan will likely to be to have the incoming tide against you towards the end of the swim when the river is at its widest and should have the least effect but some pilots may prefer you to have an outgoing tide with you in the later stage of the swim. Be sure to discuss this with your pilot in advance so you know what to expect.

Before you go

Pilots must notify MAST of the planned swim route at least 48 hours in advance due to restrictions on swimming at the Tasman Bridge.
Your pilot will meet you at the pontoon in front of the Rowing Club on the Esplanade in New Norfolk.
Make sure you have clarified with your pilot where you will be dropped off after the swim and that you have organised how you/your crew are coordinating cars to/from the start and finish. It is not the pilot's responsibility to take you back to your car.

Honour Roll

Swim #	Name	Date	Time	Country	Route	Category	Type	Notes	Ratified By
1	Anton Ilchenko	05/02/2025	15:23:20	Australia	New Norfolk-Bruny	Unassisted	Solo	First recorded swim	ALDSF
2	Miu Tanaka	13/03/2026	17:08:01	Australia	New Norfolk-Bruny	Unassisted	Solo	First female	ALDSF