Sail, Dive & Surf
Sailing the beautiful Whitsundays
When it comes to sailing in Australia one name stands out above all others - The Whitsundays. The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands located off the Queensland coast, 150km North of Mackay and 300km South of Townsville in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. White beaches surrounded by deep blue seas - an unforgettable sailing experience in a unique Australian paradise.
Total relaxation - the way a cruise should be
As the Great Barrier outer rim protects you from the ocean's swells, your days sailing between the Whitsundays are tranquil and perfectly relaxing. Sleep in, read a book accompanied by a fine Australian wine or snorkel the pristine (and protected) reef waters and catch your dinner from specially designated fishing zones.
Seven resorts are scattered through the islands. They welcome visiting yachts, so pop in for evening entertainment, a sumptuous lunch or dinner, or book a beautiful room for a night or two! Cruising time between anchorages is typically less than two hours - the perfect way to sail. Slow and steady as it should be in Australia's Whitsundays.
Diving with the world's largest Shark!
Diving in Australia is synonymous with the Great Barrier Reef and as well it should be. This World Heritage Site visible from space (also the world's largest living organism) is a mighty marvel of evolution and we discuss it at length on our Great Barrier Reef page and in our Port Douglas and Cairns pages.
But for a massive thrill and we do mean 'massive' there's a diving spot in Australia where you can swim with the world's largest fish - the whale shark! This harmless plankton eater grows up to 18 metres. They can be found at Ningaloo Reef located between Coral Bay and Exmouth in Western Australia - an aquatic wonderland with 200 different species of coral and 500 different species of fish and other marine animals ranging from humpback whales, dugongs and manta rays to green and loggerhead turtles.
Whale sharks are quite placid and easy-going. Among the best places to find them are off the Tantabiddi and Mangrove Bay areas. The area also offers diving schools, glass bottom boats and mini submarine rides and there are plenty of accommodation facilities in Coral Bay or Exmouth including: motels, hostels, caravan parks and campgrounds.
How to get to Ningaloo Reef
By plane, take the daily flights to Carnarvon, with shuttle buses to Coral Bay or Exmouth.
When driving, take the Brand Highway from Perth to Geraldton. Then take the West Coastal Highway to the Shark Bay region. Turnoff at Minilya, past Carnarvon, to Coral Bay and Exmouth. It's 1,113 kilometres from Perth to Coral Bay, 1,260 kilometres to Exmouth. Sounds long? It is. So take your time getting there - especially with one driver. Alternatively, check with Greyhound bus lines for coach trips from Perth.
The best time to swim with sharks
There's really no 'bad time of year' to visit Ningaloo Reef, but if you'd like to swim with whale sharks, autumn and early winter (March through June) are the best times.
Surf's up Australia - the lucky country for surfing
Australia is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to surfing beaches, with its huge coastline and excellent variety of breaks. Kirra, Bells and Margaret River are among the best spots in the world.
Surfing Queensland's world famous Kirra and Burleigh Heads
If we discount everything above Brisbane for fear of the dangerous Irunkandji and Box Jellyfish, Queensland offers surfers spectacular surfing for novices and professionals alike. Stradbroke Island near Brisbane offers good surfing off its fine sand beaches. Southwards from 'Bris-Vegas' all the way to New South Wales serious surfers will find Kirra and Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast - world class sports especially during the cyclone season. Further South at Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast offers less experienced surfers consistent point breaks in the summer season.
New South Wales surfing - exceptional value up and down the coast
Similar to Queensland's surfing conditions, New South Wales breaks are at their best in the Summer and Autumn. The entire NSW coastline gets good surf at one time or another and there are a number of great beach and point breaks.
The North Coast of NSW has some classic breaks like Lennox and Angourie and Byron Bay's surrounding beaches are usually good value as well. Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and the Central Coast also serve up good beach breaks when the weather cooperates.
Sydney's surrounding beaches from Palm Beach and Narrabeen to Dee Why, Freshwater and Manly in the north to world famous Bondi beach, Bronte, Maroubra, Tamarama and Cronulla in the south offer surfers of all classes some challenges to enjoy.
Victoria - cold surf anyone?
If you are thinking of surfing in Victoria bring a wetsuit. For surfers seeking crowd free waves the Victoria coastline from the tip of NSW all the way to the Melbourne Lakes entrance is largely untouched with many secret breaks.
Phillip Island near Melbourne has great beach breaks and some point breaks. Southwest of Melbourne at the northern end of the Great Ocean Road is where you'll find Bells Beach, arguably Australia's most famous surfing spot and host to a surf pro tour event. The South Australian Coast is known for big waves so be sure to find a local to help you explore the area.
South Australia - big surf and big fish
Similar to Victoria's southern coastline, South Australia's coastline experiences huge swells on occasion. A lot of the coast is largely inaccessible and access is reserved to 4wd vehicle owners. We should also mention that the cold waters host colonies of seals which attract White Pointers (otherwise known as Great White Sharks...). Something else to think about perhaps...
Western Australia surfing - good times!
WA offers excellent surfing conditions - not the least of which is the comfortable water temperature. The area between Esperance and Albany has superb waves and miles of uncrowded surf although it can be difficult to access. The coast near Margaret River also tends to offer good surf. Again local knowledge is necessary.
Tasmania surf - pack a wetsuit!
The East Coast of TAS has quality, cold surf as it is open to the ocean - so be sure to pack a wetsuit. The Port Arthur area also offers good surfing opportunities.
