With nearly 26,000 kilometres (more than 16,000 miles) of coastline, this continent unto itself, surrounded by three of the world's great oceans: the Pacific, the Indian, and the Southern Ocean. It´s most famous for the surfing culture along its eastern coast but also offers an incredible array of aquatic adventures, from adrenaline pumpers to simply bathing off gorgeous beaches in crystal-clear seas. And here we focus on a quintet of places that all marine mavens should have on their bucket lists:
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Unsurprisingly at the top of the list, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's biggest coral reef system, strecthing than 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) out from the coast of Queensland state. Its more than 900 islands and nearly 3,000 sub-reefs still offer an underwater utopia of colourful coral gardens and a riotous variety of aquatic creatures. You´ll will be in awe of nature's magnificence when snorkelling or scuba diving here, and there are plenty of other compelling aquatic activities, as well, including boating/sailing/yachting, kayaking/canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, Jetskiing, and myriad other water spors.
Top destinations here include Fitzroy Island, Green Island, Lizard Island, Magnetic Island, and Orpheus Island. Special mention goes to the Whitsunday Islands in northern region of the GBR, with 74 lovely islands (part of six national parks) to explore. Out here you´ll find turquoise seas, teeming reefs, and palm-lined beaches such as Whitehaven Beach on Whitesunday Island, renowned for its spotless silica sand and crystal-clear waters. Youcan visit via cruise or sailing excursion, or stay at a range of resorts, campsites, and eco lodges.
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Perhaps Australia´s single most iconic beach, a 20-minute train ride or ten-minute drive south of downtown Sydney, is famously a surfer's paradise whose reliable waves are a magnet for both the seasoned and newbies (who can learn the fundamentals at several surf schools). After an intense day of riding the waves, unwind on the sand take a dip in one of the ocean pools; and enjoy the town´s many shops, bars, cafés, and restaurants. You can also take a stroll along the spectacular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which provides stunning views of the coastline.
New South Wales´ South Coast
The coastline from Jervis Bay to Eden, 2⅓-hours´ drive down from Sydney, also boasts gorgeous strands, along with quiet coves, clear rivers, and a much more laid back vibe than farther north. Jervis Bay Marine Park's crystaline waters (above) are great for kayaking and snorkeling (above) - and who knows, you may find yourself kayaking with resident dolphins and migrating whales! You can also kayak as well as go stand-up paddleboarding on calm Merimbula Lake or Batemans Bay, and book fishing charters in Narooma, a charming little town that has a lot to offer anglers, whether reef or big-game fishing.
Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Up on the northeastern coast, just over two hours from Tassie´s second city Launceston and more like five from capital Hobart, this pristine, 50-kilometer (TK-mile) stretch from the town of Binalong Bay up to Eddystone Point is packed with gorgeous beaches as well as lagoons and rocky cliffs; one of its most distinctive features at the waterline are granite boulders encrusted by orange lichen (above). The most prominent of those beaches is on Binnalong Bay, fabulous not just for swimming but also surfing and diving/snorkeling the offshore reef. It was once named the world´s second most beautiful beach by Condé Nast Traveler and the world´s hottest travel destination by Lonely Planet - and we can sure understand why.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
In contrast to the Great Barrier Reef, this one is easily reachable from the so-called Coral Coast - a two-hour flight from Perth - making it perfect for snorkelling and diving excursions. Go snorkelling amidst elegant manta rays, colourful tropical fish, and from March through August, the world's largest fish, the magnificent whale shark. Enjoy gorgeous beaches, exciting surf breaks, and a panoply of other water sports, plus between March and July experience breathtaking viewa of humpback whales moving along the shoreline. The adventures promised by Ningaloo both under and on the water will be spectacular!
Comments
I´ve been surfing at Bondi and diving in the Great Barrier Reef - tremendous! And these other places look like an excellent bet for when I go back to Oz.