The super clash carries $5000 in the prize pool and the chance for the fierce rivlas to claim bragging rights.

Warm-up is from 8am in the lead-up to the first race on an action-packed program at 9am.

Points will be awarded for placings in the 50m and 100m duels in all four swim disciplines - backstroke, breast-stroke, butterfly and freestyle.

There will also be some 200m showdowns.

The carnival has drawn more than 300 entries and both teams boast many of the goldfields top-line swimmers.

A strong Bendigo squad includes Zoe Deed, Angus Verbeek, Callum Moloney, Millie Beaton, Tyson Jelbart and more.

The eight-lane pool in Barnard Street will be split down the middle - half Bendigo, half Ballarat.

Head coach at Bendigo Hawks Swimming Club, Ash Wain said the rivalry in many other sporting codes would be on show in the water.

“This event will grow over the next three years and raise the profile of swimming in central Victoria," Wain said.

Ballarat Gold head coach Anthony Hoffman said the city was keen on winning this duel.

Hawks' vice-president Danny Verbeek said the carnival would have a great atmosphere.

STAR FM’s Alex Deruge will be on the microphone cracking jokes and making announcements.

A sausage sizzle will be set up and there is free entry for the public.

The day is forecast for a balmy 28 degrees. The heat will be rising in the water.