Australia Sport and Activities
With over 7.5 million sq km of sparsely populated territory, you can chew up the km with a 4WD, or explore smaller regions by foot, horseback or even on the back of a camel. You can also find some fine touring country for cycling. Surprisingly Australia also offers some excellent skiing and snow-boarding. There are countless surfing beaches along the Australian coast, and diving spots are also countless. White-water rafting and/or canoeing are possible on the country’s mighty rivers.
Bushwalking
Australia’s wilderness areas, national parks and vast tracts of sparsely populated countryside make bushwalking one of the country’s most popular pastimes. Fires are a threat during summer, and walkers must respect fire ban warnings. Each State and Territory has its own independent parks authority.
Diving
With 36,735km (22,826 miles) of coastline, Australia provides outstanding opportunities for water-sports, particularly diving and snorkelling. The tropical waters along the 2500km (1500 miles) of the Great Barrier Reef and its multitude of tiny islands form one of the world’s best known diving locations. Requirements for dive courses vary from state to state, but generally, beginners must be at least 12 years of age and have a medical certificate of fitness in accordance with Australian standards.
Fishing
The seas off the east coast are reputed to be one of the world’s best game-fishing areas, and the waters off north Western Australia are also particularly abundant. The area north of Queensland is well-known for marlin fishing while the streams in the high country in New South Wales and Victoria are very good for trout. Fishing license requirements vary from state to state.
For information: Australian Recreational and Sporting Fishing Confederation
Surfing
There are surfing schools all over the country, offering instruction for beginners or advanced surfers.
For details: Surfing Australia
Golf
Facilities are excellent and the settings often spectacular. For further details and a copy of the Australian Golfers Handbook.
Contact the Australian Golf Union
Skiing
Possible from May to mid-October in the mountainous areas of the southeast. The best skiing slopes are located on the eastern mountain ranges on the state borders of New South Wales and Victoria.
For further information: Skiing Australia
Special interest holidays: A huge range of these are available - farming, flying and gliding, ballooning, cycling, rafting, pony trekking, gemstone fossicking, bungee jumping, camel treks, whale watching etc.
