Australia’s climate and geography provide the perfect playground for relaxation and enjoyment for the entire family. Almost every leisure pursuit known to man can be found within the Australian boundaries. From snowy mountains to the deep blue sea, this is the ultimate environment to satisfy your sporting and leisure requirements all year round.

BOATING

The large expanse of water surrounding Australia, the ideal weather, the plentiful and secure anchorages and the abundant inland waterway systems are more than enough to entice the majority of Australia’s population to spend at lot of their time around, in and on the water. Australia has been renowned as a nation of ‘boaties’ and ‘yachties’ for years and boat ownership is very popular, with facilities for all classes ranging from dinghies to multimillion-dollar yachts and cruisers. Registration of all boats that are capable of doing 10 knots or more is compulsory and the drivers are required to hold a general boating licence and have a thorough knowledge of local rules and conditions. The Boating Industry Association is represented in most states; they are there to offer advice and assistance in the purchase and ownership of all types of boats.

GOLF

Australia has over 1,000 golf courses around the country and a large number are world class, designed to test both the casual and more serious players. The ranges are often situated in beautiful locations. The Cypress Lakes and Country Club is located in the Hunter Valley 130kms north of Sydney – this is not only a demanding course but has the added advantage of being situated right in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine district. This golf range, like many others, provides a pleasant backdrop to both social and business activities. Some courses are incorporated in resorts and accept casual players only, while others are more established members-only clubs, which do not accept any new members, although there are also a number of newer clubs with top courses which are actively pursuing new membership.

MOTORING

Australia is one of the most motorised countries in the world. Because of the distances between work, home and social events, people rely on their cars to get them around. Many people take advantage of the good quality roads and highways and get out into the wide open space that is so much part of Australia. Many clubs have been set up and information on these will be at your local community council or information office.

FISHING

Fishing is the most popular leisure activity in Australia, which is not surprising given the country’s vast coastline and inland waterways. Some of the best sea fishing does not even require a boat – you can fish off the beaches and rocks in your local area and still find a wide range of fish. The ultimate ocean fish is the black marlin, which can grow beyond 700kg and is renowned in the fishing world as a great fighting fish. Trout fishing is generally restricted to the Snowy Mountain region in New South Wales, with popular brown, brook and rainbow trout found in these rivers. The Murray River cod is any freshwater fisherman’s dream; specimens as large as 1.8 metres long, weighing over 100kg have been caught.

HORSE RACING

Racing is very much part of the Australian psyche, and there is a great range of opportunities to be involved in this sport, from being an owner of a thoroughbred horse, to having a punt at the local race course. The once-a-year, nation stopping Melbourne Cup has become increasingly popular and now draws horses from as far away as Ireland. This event is held in November and has become a folk festival as much as it is a fiercely competitive horse race. Australians are amongst the greatest gamblers on earth with the turnover climbing to well over A$7 billion a year from the TAB. A percentage of this money is now being returned to race clubs as prize money or to improve facilities for both the public going to the races and the horses.

OTHER SPORTS

Australia is a sporting nation. Not only do Australians play sport, but they watch sport, bet on sport and talk sport probably more than anything else. The climate, natural opportunities and adequate leisure time all provide the perfect framework for any sporting activities. There are only a few countries in the world where you can take part in such a variety of sports and with such ease over the entire year. There is a large number of sporting clubs and teams available, from community based projects, business social teams, club sports through to professionals. If sport is your thing then you will be able to find something that fits into your schedule in the sport that you like.

Popular sports include soccer, rugby, Aussie rules football, golf, tennis, bowls, basketball, netball and athletics, just to name a few. The mountains of New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria offer horse treks in the summer and skiing in the winter. The beaches all around Australia offer surfing, windsurfing, swimming, scuba diving, and the rivers and harbours join in with more places to sail and waterski. Jogging and walking are national pastimes, all the major cities have beautiful gardens for you to experience and there are great tracks and walkways through the mountainous and coastal areas as well.

ARTS

Australia has drawn its population from more than 120 countries from around the world, and its culture and arts reflect this vast resource. Australia’s cultural life is rich and diverse. It looks into the past and works its magic into the present.

There are museums all over the country that focus on Australia’s maritime, technology, culture and natural history. These museums offer experiences that take you from the beginning of time to the local area. Capital cities all boast an abundance of art galleries, holding some of the finest Australian and overseas paintings and sculptures. The Australian Ballet and Theatre Companies are famous not only within the country but on an international scale. They tour regularly to other major world cities and festivals. Australia has also produced a number of outstanding opera and pop singers, as well as rock and mainstream bands.