A stripping celebrity swimming in croc infested waters kicked off an eventful opening to Carnivale 2012.

While wet weather greeted Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Longest Lunch goers on Friday but that didn't stop the festivities which were highlighted by VIPs Cameron Williams, Jesinta Campbell, and Rahni Sadler raising $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

The money was put up by the major sponsor Lexus of Cairns, who, in return, wanted the trio to conquer their fears.

Williams, the popular personality from Channel 9, stripped down to his undies and took a dip in the Mirage Country Club lake (some say bravely while others say stupidly) known to be inhabited by a resident crocodile.

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He returned unscathed and a collective sigh of relief could be heard from event organisers.

Sadler sang 'Unchain my heart' to overcome her phobia of singing, while Miss Universe Jesinta Campbell danced with Nicholas Slatcher who had a grin on his face "like a split watermelon" throughout their slow waltz before Federal MP Warren Entsch cut in unexpectedly and claimed the rest of the dance with her.

The Leukaemia Foundation will receive a total of $10,000 thanks to the generosity of attendees.