Saltwater Therapy: Sunrise Swimmers

Ever wanted to be the type of person that gets in an ocean swim before breakfast? Or even a gentle dip at dawn, no matter the weather? FYI: Port Macquarie’s ‘Sunrise Swimmers’ meet at Town Beach at day break every morning.

Spend a few minutes on their delightful Instagram page, and you’ll fall in love with this welcoming and diverse community of swimmers. If their smiles are anything to go by, there must be something to the theory of ‘salt water therapy’, as these enthusiasts turn up all year round for their fix of feel-good endorphins.

They’re a friendly bunch and anyone’s welcome to turn up for a dip. There’s no judgement, no expectations, just the pure joy of salt water swimming as the sun rises over the ocean. And it’s not uncommon to be joined by pods of dolphins.

Just as important as the swim itself is the hot cuppa and chat at Salty Crew Kiosk afterwards, where you’ll find sandy-footed and towel-wrapped locals who seem waaaay too happy for that time of the morning!

Local Sue Jogever and her daughter Olivia have been sunrise swimming at ‘Towns’ for 5 years now. When first hitting in the water, I take a moment for stillness, to absorb the sea & first dawn. This helps clear my head & refocus for the day ahead. I’m a big believer that enjoying this activity everyday is the best natural tablet for good health & wellness.

The whole community down here are positive people with a great outlook on life and enjoy the beautiful environment we live in.

Local Swimmer and Group organiser Julie has been a sunrise swimmer for nearly 40 years, and says that swimmers ages have ranged in age from 14 to 99 years! Lifelong friendships have been formed over that time, and in recent years, the joyfulness of the group has been captured so beautifully by local photographer Ruth Goodwin.