Picture this: It’s Easter Saturday at Terrigal Beach, and the shoreline buzzing. The countdown starts, and suddenly hundreds of people in bright yellow swim caps are sprinting towards the ocean!
Welcome to the Terrigal Daffodil Dip, returning on Saturday 4 April. Joyful, slightly chaotic (in the best possible way), and easily one of the most uplifting Central Coast community events of the year.
Of course, the most iconic part is the caps – they’re impossible to miss. Bright and cheerful, the vintage daffodil caps turn Terrigal into a sea of yellow.
With the daffodil long being used by Cancer Council as a symbol of hope, every cap represents someone choosing to show up for a cause that touches nearly every family on the Central Coast.
When those yellow caps head into the water together, it’s hard not to smile. And by jumping in yourself, you’re helping bring that same moment of hope to people currently facing cancer.
What is the Terrigal Daffodil Dip?
The Daffodil Dip is a 400-metre community ocean dip at Terrigal Beach, held as part of the Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic.
Hosted by Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, the event takes place on Easter Saturday 4 April 2026, bringing hundreds of Central Coast locals together for a short ocean dip that raises funds for Cancer Council NSW.
Since launching in 2023, more than 1,000 locals have taken part, raising close to $100,000 for cancer support services right here on the Central Coast.
Some people swim in celebration of surviving cancer. Others honour someone they’ve lost. Many simply want to do something meaningful with friends or family. All of it matters.
Anyone can join the Daffodil Dip
You don’t need to be an ocean swimmer to join in.
Participants can swim, paddle, wade – whatever feels comfortable – making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The distance is short enough to feel achievable, and surf lifesavers are on hand to keep things safe.
Families, mates, work crews and plenty of first-timers all jump in together.
It’s not about speed. It’s about showing up.
Central Coast Charity Event for Cancer Council NSW
Entry to the Daffodil Dip is separate from the Terrigal Ocean Swim. 100% of proceeds go directly to Cancer Council NSW – Central Coast – which is significant given that in NSW alone, more than 36,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed each year.
Each participant will get their own online fundraising page, making it easy to gather support in the lead-up to the event.
Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic Schedule
- 9.00am – 1km Terrigal Ocean Swim
- 9.45am – 2km Terrigal Ocean Swim
- 10.45am – Marshalling for the Daffodil Dip
- 11.00am – Daffodil Dip Wave 1
- 11.15am – Daffodil Dip Wave 2
Even if you’re not tackling the longer swims, it’s worth arriving early to grab a coffee from one of Terrigal’s cafes and soak up the atmosphere.
What to bring on the day
The dress code is simple: your favourite swimmers. And the iconic yellow daffodil swim cap is provided.
Feeling creative? There’s a Best Outfit prize up for grabs.
Don’t forget sun protection, a towel (or two) and whatever helps you feel comfortable in the water.
A quick safety note: inflatables and boards aren’t permitted, but pool noodles are available if needed. If you need flotation support, organisers recommend a life jacket or swim vest.
Register for the Terrigal Daffodil Dip 2026
If you’ve been looking for a reason to get in the ocean this autumn, this might be it.
Registrations are open now, and participants are encouraged to start fundraising ahead of the day.
You can find all the details and sign up here:
https://www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/terrigal-daffodil-dip/home
Terrigal Beach. Easter Saturday. We’ll see you in the water.
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