In its 29th year, the Cole Classic is Australia's largest ocean swim, with more than 4,500 people gathering in Manly to take part annually.

Both the 1km and 2km swims will start from Shelly Beach and finish at Manly Beach (subject to conditions) with all finishers receiving a commemorative medal, while category winners and place getters are awarded the famous Cole plates.

This year Fairfax Events will reintroduce an open water swim, known as the Cole Classic Journey Swim, which will begin at Dee Why with a distance of approximately nine kilometres, finishing up on Manly Beach.