World champion Gwen Jorgensen put on another masterclass to secure a hat-trick of wins in the women's Australia Day Aquathon on Monday.

The 28-year-old American rarely looked troubled when she raced to victory in a time of 39 minutes 13 seconds, adding to her wins in 2012 and 2013.

Canadian duo Ellen Pennock (39:43) and Amelie Kretz (39:44) fought out the minor placings, with Pennock just edging her compatriot in the final straight.

They were no match for Jorgensen though, who finished half a minute clear of her nearest rivals.

She said it was an ideal way to start the new season.

"We have been training together for a month now up in Falls Creek and it is great to come back to Wollongong. I call this my second home and it is fun to come here and race," Jorgensen said. "It is great competition with all the Wizards. It is an international field, which is really hard, so great to come out and have a good hit out.

"I was really surprised. I had a good swim and then I just tried to hold it together on the run."

Jorgensen's convincing win ensures she continues in the form from her career-best season, which saw her dominate the ITU World Triathlon Series.

She secured five event wins on the way to claiming her first world title in 2014.

Her next goal will be to chase an Olympic gold medal in 2016.

"The big goal for the year is to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

"We have a qualifying event this year in August so that will be the target," Jorgensen said.

Like many of the international athletes in Monday's field, Jorgensen is a member of the Wollongong Wizards triathlon club, as were the day's other placegetters Pennock and Kretz.

Pennock's runner-up finish was an improvement on her third placing in the same event last year.

"I was really happy with how I ran," Pennock said.

"Me and Amelie Kretz from Canada are teammates and we ran the whole way together.

"It was good to have that companionship."

Charlotte McShane (40:51) was the first Australian to finish when she came home in fourth, with Natalie Van Coevorden (41:20) rounding out the top-five.