Swap the Easter eggs for salty hair and bright yellow swim caps this April long weekend. The Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic is back, and while the big swims might be about speed, the 400m splash is all about heart. The annual Daffodil Dip is a gentle ocean dip where every yellow cap in the water represents hope, support, and funds for local people affected by cancer. It’s simple, meaningful, and open to everyone – including kids – making it perfect for families and groups of friends.
Best of all, the $35 entry is 100% donated to Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast, so your quick dip in the ocean makes a real difference close to home.
It's happening Saturday 4th April 2026. Register below or scroll down for more details.
The Daffodil Dip at Terrigal Beach – small distance, big impact
This is the swim for absolutely everyone. Whether you freestyle the full 400m loop, dog-paddle with the kids, or just wade in for a symbolic dip, the Daffodil Dip is all about community, colour, and doing something good together.
Participants pop on a bright yellow daffodil cap and head into the water as one big, cheerful group. The result? A floating “ocean of hope” just off Terrigal Beach – a simple but powerful show of support for local people affected by cancer.
Since launching in 2023, more than 1,000 people have taken part, raising close to $100,000 for vital cancer support services on the Central Coast. Every registration goes straight to Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast, and participants can fundraise if they’d like to make an even bigger impact.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer. You don’t need to train for weeks. You just need to show up, slip on your yellow cap, and dip in.
If you’re looking for a simple, joyful way to do something good this Easter, this is it. Grab your family, rally a few friends, and join the sea of yellow caps for a dip that really makes a difference.
Event details
Date: Saturday 4 April 2026
Location: Terrigal Beach
Daffodil Dip
– 400m community ocean dip
– $35 entry (100% donated to Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast)
– Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult in the water
– You will receive a fundraising page as part of your Daffodil Dip registration. You can fundraise if you wish to, but it is not compulsory. Just by participating, your $35 registration fee is donated to Cancer Council NSW – so you’re doing something great!
The Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic
Alongside the Daffodil Dip, the day also includes the much-loved Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic, with two traditional distances for confident swimmers:
1km Ocean Swim (10+ years)
A friendly, achievable course that’s perfect for juniors or first-time ocean swimmers.
2km Ocean Swim (10+ years)
A longer loop for those keen to stretch their arms and settle in.
With Terrigal’s protected bay, strong water safety, and plenty of beachside buzz, it’s a brilliant morning out whether you’re swimming or just cheering from the sand.
Learn more about the Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic and register here
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
