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Australia provides the ultimate thrill for the great outdoor lover. Blessed with immense natural beauty and surrounded by the clearest and bluest of seas, from Ayers Rock and the Outback to the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is the outdoor enthusiast dream come true with an abundance of outdoor activities to indulge in. It just doesn’t get better!
Bushwalking/Hiking:
This is an activity that can be done all year round. Though one can hike and bushwalk in any of the 550 national parks spread all over this country, it would not be possible to list all the areas, so we will list the best three areas:
Cradle Mountains in Tasmania where the Overland Track lies is one of Australia’s greatest bushwalks. Covering over 50 miles of fabulous landscape that run the gamut from green rain forests, alpine moors and valleys filled with gushing waterfalls, the track is good with a few dips through thigh-deep mud. The best time to visit is during February and March when the weather is pleasant. During December and January that track tends to get crowded as for the Aussies the weekends mean getting out in the open. The Track usually followed is in the north to south direction, which is easier as it is more downhill than uphill. You will have to register yourself and buy a park pass before you can undertake this bushwalk.
Blue Mountains thus named because of the blue haze that envelope this mountain range, are filled with stunningly beautiful scenery, steep craggy cliffs and deep gorges. The area has some exciting bushwalk trails with most areas being so precipitous that only experienced bushwalkers are allowed, are some of the high points of this area. The Grand Canyon trail is one of the best paths as it covers deep ravines and gorges. But you need to be very physically fit to attempt this one.
Depending on the path you decide to take, walks and hikes can be of one day or many days duration. Go to the NPWS visitor’s centre and make sure you go with someone or get good instructions. Many a solo bushwalker has got lost in the rugged terrain.
MacDonnell Ranges flank the famed Alice Springs - Gorges cut deep into the ranges and while you walk around you can stumble upon a small pool sheltered away from the naked eye, and flowers and wildlife that you won't see anywhere else. Filled with amazing hiking trails that are easily accessible from the town of Alice Springs this is a favourite bushwalking site with Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Serpentine Gorge are in the western range while the Trephina Gorge is the most spectacular one in the eastern side.
Beaches and surfing:
Australia has some of the best beaches and waves this side of the world. Except for the northern coastline of Australia which is infested with stingers or jellyfish, the rest of the coastline is filled with paradise beaches and fabulous waves that carry the surfer with them. The popular areas for surfing are Queensland, New South Wales with Noosa and beaches of the Sunshine Coast, Kirra Beach being amongst the best. In Tasmania, Eaglehawk Neck has some good breaks and on the west coast the surrounding areas around Perth like the Margaret River and Rottnest islands have the best waves.
Diving:
35,000 kms of fabulous coastline provides ample opportunity for diving and exploring beautiful coral reefs and the magnificent marine life these waters have to offer. From Byron Bay in New South Wales to the brilliant waters off Tasmania, Australia is a scuba diver’s delight.
The Great Barrier Reef is replete with brilliantly coloured coral reefs and unique marine life and is a nature lovers and a scuba divers paradise with 2900 separate reefs. The Reef is closest to Cairns which makes this area the scuba diving capital and in the west of Australia Rottnest has the best breaks.
Canoeing and Kayaking:
There is plenty of scope to go canoeing and kayaking in the coves and inlets that abound in this vast country. Calm waterways and swift rapids provide ample opportunity fro the adventure lover. Go river rafting in the fast waters of the Franklin River in Tasmania or paddle your way through with an Aborigine guide through the calm waters of Murray River in Southern Australia. You can even sea kayak in Jervis Bay south of Sydney. Whatever your comfort level – tranquil, meandering rivers or gushing white water rapids, Australia has it all – so take your pick.
Skiing:
The alpine slopes in Victoria are comparable to the best in the world and provide some dream runs for the ski enthusiast. Some of these ski resorts are just three hour drive away or the most a day’s trip away from Melbourne. Mt Donna Buang and Mt Baw Baw are popular as are Mt Buller’s powdery slopes. The Alpine National Park sits just a 4 hour drive away from Melbourne and within the park is Falls Creek which has some great cross country runs and gentler slopes for tobogganing and snowboarding. The snowfields of Victoria as they are called will take your breath away!
Camping and Caravaning:
Camping is amongst the most popular activities in Australia. Most places have caravan parks and space is not a problem, except during peak seasons when you may have to book in advance. Camping is very affordable and perfect for those who want to travel across Australia on a low budget. Most parks are well maintained and almost all have hot water, clean toilets and laundry facilities. You can opt for a caravan parked there permanently or hire a tent. Even cabins are available at some places. So take your pick. Camping on your own in the bush or just rolling out a blanket and lying under the stars can be a wild experience and worth doing at least once.
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