For the fourth consecutive year, Cadigal is honoured to be a major partner of the Cole Classic – a celebrated tradition and the world’s biggest ocean swim.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Manly Beach, the 2026 event will take place on Sunday, February 1, offering swimmers the choice of 1km, 2km, or 5km distances. This iconic event welcomes participants of all abilities, from casual ocean lovers to seasoned athletes, united by a shared passion for the water.
Since its inception in 1983, the event has become a cornerstone of Sydney’s summer calendar, bringing together thousands of participants and spectators each year. Beyond the physical challenge, the Cole Classic provides a platform for meaningful impact, with swimmers raising vital funds for charities close to their hearts.
In 2026, Team Cadigal is proud to once again swim in support of Aussie Ark, an organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving Australia’s unique and threatened wildlife. Aussie Ark is New South Wales’s largest independent conservation charity, celebrating 15 years of protecting Australia’s unique wildlife. Originally founded in 2010 as Devil Ark to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction, it has grown into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most ambitious and successful wildlife recovery programs.
With over 36 active conservation projects, Aussie Ark safeguards more than 17 threatened species across thousands of hectares of protected sanctuaries, restoring diverse ecosystems such as high-altitude wilderness, temperate woodlands, and riparian systems. Anchored by facilities in the Barrington Tops and the Australian Reptile Park, the organisation delivers measurable outcomes for species recovery and habitat security.
Their work is a testament to the power of conservation and the importance of safeguarding Australia’s biodiversity for generations to come.
We are aiming to raise $5,000 to help Aussie Ark. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so via our dedicated fundraising page. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The 2026 Cole Classic kicks off at Manly Beach on Sunday February 1, 2026 from 7am.
Register here for the 1km, 2km or 5km swim.