Overview

• The annual sunrise plunge drew about 3,000 participants to Long Beach in Sandy Bay, where air temperatures hovered around 10 °C.
• Swimmers reported feeling energised and alive after the icy dip, highlighting the event’s communal atmosphere.
• University of Queensland research found participants pursued pleasure over pain and experienced a marked boost in social connection.
• What began with a few hundred swimmers in 2013 has expanded into a signature finale of the Dark Mofo winter arts festival.
• Dark Mofo’s 2025 season marked a strong rebound from its scaled-back 2024 program by generating A$4.6 million at the box office.