WatersportsThe geographic proximity to the
Great Barrier Reef and the long stretches of golden beach in Queensland mean leisure pursuits are associated predominantly with the sea – from surfing off the beaches in the south or scuba diving and snorkeling on the corals of the Reef to deep-sea fishing for black marlin and sailing round the islands. Many of the most exotic dive sites are within 20 to 35km (12 to 22 miles) north and south of Cairns. Some of the most popular are
Thretford Reef; the
Ribbon Reefs (comprising a string of 10 coral ramparts covering a
huge area, including the
Cod Hole,
Pixie Pinnacle and
Dynamite Pass);
Magnetic Island; the
Pompey Complex; the
Swain Reefs (near Gladstone);
Great Keppel Island;
Heron Island (reputed to support a record diversity of tropical fish); and
Lady Elliot Island. For further information, contact the Queensland Dive Association (tel: (7) 4051 1510; e-mail:
info@great-barrier-reef.net.au). Canoeing and sea-kayaking around the Great Barrier Reef are also popular. The best surfing can be found at
Surfers’ Paradise, the
Sunshine Coast,
Bribie,
Moreton and the
Stradbroke Islands.
BushwalkingGiven the high humidity encountered during the summer in the northern regions, the cooler southern parts tend to be more popular for walking.
Lamington National Park has a well maintained, graded track system in the
McPherson Range (on the border with New South Wales), which features tall rainforests, waterfalls and gorges. A 3-day circuit is possible around
Fraser Island, which has rainforest, huge sand dunes and beautiful lakes. A series of fairly demanding trails lead to the summit of the state’s highest mountain,
Mount Bartle Frere. Popular day walks are available on the islands of Dunk, Green and Hinchinbrook. For further details, contact the QLD Environmental Protection Agency, PO Box 15155, Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 (tel: (7) 3227 7111; e-mail:
nqic@epa.qld.gov.au; website:
www.epa.qld.gov.au).
GolfMany of Queensland’s courses, especially those on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, tend to be part of luxury resorts. There are, however, also several good public courses, including the
Palm Meadows Golf Club (on the Gold Coast); the
Paradise Springs Golf Course (in tropical northern Queensland); the
Palms Sanctuary Cove; and the
Brisbane City Public Golf Course.
Adventure sportsQueensland is Australia’s center for paragliding and parasailing, which can be practiced all along the coast. Abseiling is possible in the
Lamington and
Carnarvon national parks. The
Sunshine Coast and
Mount Tamborine are the main destinations for hang gliding. The
Tully and
Barron rivers in the north are suitable for whitewater rafting. Speed boating trips can be arranged in Cairns.
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