LateRooms.com - Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race "thrilling" day out in Sydney

LateRooms.com can announce that the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race leaves Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day each year and attracts thousands of people to watch it get underway.

With vantage points around the city where visitors can see the flotilla of boats take to the ocean, it's a great way to spend December 26th and is free.

Spectators can get a clear view of the harbour from the hills up to Point Piper and Vaucluse, or can opt to experience the start-line close up from one of the many ferries that depart from Circular Quay or the suburb of Manly.

Whatsonwhen.com describes it as "one of the most stunning scenes you're likely to witness".

Anyone staying in hotels in Sydney over the festive period may want to add this event to their diary. With the race getting underway at 13:00 local time, you won't need to get out of bed too early either.

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has been running every year since 1945. The course takes contestants from Sydney Harbour, across the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River into the Tasmanian capital of Hobart.

Covering a total of 628 nautical miles, the course has been described as "the most gruelling long ocean race in the world".

For those traveling to Australia and are in search of Sydney hotels there are some great deals to be had.