LateRooms.com - 'Dive in' for one swimming event in Sydney

LateRooms.com can announce that diving into the sea and going for a swim at the beginning of February may not be many people's idea of fun in the UK.

However, if they have booked hotels in Sydney, they will have far warmer waters to frolic around in and could even take part in one annual swimming event.

The Cole Classic starts at Shelly Beach and concludes at Manly Bay and is the most popular rough water swim in Australia.

If people do not fancy participating, they can head down to the sea and cheer on the thousands of competitors who don their swimming costumes and plunge into the ocean for the two-kilometre race.

Taking place on February 7th, 2010 this will be the 27th time the event has been staged and the action begins between 09:00 and 10:00 local time, depending on the category.

Whether they come home in first place or trail in last position, all competitors will receive a commemorative medal to remind them of their achievement.

Anyone who wants to swim is advised to apply online in advance, as entrants will not be accepted on the day.

As well as a sun-soaked beach, Manly also boasts a harbour and people can jump on a ferry which takes them past the famous Sydney Opera House to reach the area.