SYDNEY, June 21 (Xinhua) -- To mark the shortest day of the year and the midway point of the chilly winter season, it's a long-held tradition among Australian Antarctic expeditioners to take a dip in the icy waters of the frozen continent.

While the bizarre midwinter ritual might not be everyone's idea of a good time, Davis Research Station Leader Simon Goninon said on Friday that the expeditioners actually look forward to the annual event.

"When it's below minus 23 degrees centigrade on the ice, and about minus 1.5 degrees centigrade in the water, and you strip down to your budgie smugglers (underwear), believe me you know you're alive," he said.

"It's one of those things, you know it might sting a bit but it's an occasion you'll remember forever," he said.

With the astronomical winter solstice set to occur on Saturday (June 22) at 1:54 a.m. local time, it is the furthest the South Pole will be from the sun all year.

According to Goninon, it also marks a significant milestone for Aussie researchers and expeditioners who are posted to the continent for 12-18 month stints.

"This is a turning point for our team and it also means the sun will soon return to the continent after weeks of living in twilight, when the sun has just been skimming below the horizon," he said.

"The midwinter celebrations will also include a magnificent feast, exchange of handmade gifts, home-grown entertainment and messages from home," he said.

There are currently 74 expeditioners at Australian research facilities in Antarctica.