SurfingWith no shortage of waves, the warmer waters, consistency and reputation of the east coast make this region the hub of
Australia's surfing scene and the place to hunt for waves. The only downside is actually catching a wave here, as these waters tend to be overcrowded. Victoria is a surfer's dream come true with world-renowned Bell's Beach, the point break of which, called the Bowl, is a must and works best in north-west or westerly winds. Other popular breaks include Southside, Centerside, Rincon, Boobs and the popular location of Winki Pop, known to work better under more diverse
conditions than other nearby waves. Superbank stretches from Snapper Rocks Point on the border of
Queensland and
New South Wales, through Rainbow Beach, the old Greenmount Headland, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra, for around 3.2 miles (2km) and is a recognized and well-frequented break. Curl Curl, colloquially known as Curly, is renowned for some of the best surfing in New South Wales, together with the popular and overcrowded
Bondi Beach and Avalon Beach.
Western Australia offers
Margaret River, the place where four times world champion
Mark Richards experienced his first junior win in 1973, and close by is the notorious exposed right-hand reef break, The Box. Heavy, but amazing, this is the most consistent break on the west coast and works best on easterly offshore winds with south-west swell. At Gnaraloo, Tombstones is a heavy barrelling left-hander that is best surfed from August through February and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The south west coast has some excellent offerings with fewer surfers to contend with, although the waves are heavy and the water cold and sharky, while Shipsterns and Clifton Beach just off the coast of
Tasmania boast some gnarly waves too. Dedicated surfers should take a road trip to discover the many secret spots found along this vast stretch of coastline while beginners can enjoy an unforgettable surf experience at the Mojo Surf Camp at
Coffs Harbour just south of
Brisbane, one of many on offer.
Wedding and HoneymoonA wedding and honeymoon in Australia is a great option for couples. This vast destination offers unique venues, from luxury hotels and resorts to beaches or the 'outback'; weddings and honeymoons are popular in spots such as Bondi Beach or
Ayers Rock. Due to the sheer size of this country, wedding and honeymoon couples will find a good selection of locations offering beautiful scenery, as well as weather to suit all tastes, year-round. Wedding and Honeymoon things to see and doWedding and honeymoon couples in Australia won't be short of things to see and do. The Cairns Esplanade has a lovely swimming lagoon, as well as a promenade lined with restaurants, bars and cafés. The Tjapukai Aboriginals, who live near Cairns, are always welcoming to couples interested in learning more about their culture. The
Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, is world-famous for its size and marine life, while a trip to
Adelaide's
Barossa Valley winelands is a tasteful experience for wedding and honeymoon couples. Visitors to Monkey Mia can interact with wild dolphins and enjoy the unusual shell placement at Shell Beach. The
Sydney Opera House is another famous site worth visiting, and the Snowy Mountains are near enough for couples who want to do some skiing. The
Gold Coast's
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, another great attraction for wedding and honeymoon couples who like the outdoors.Australia Wedding FormalitiesMarriages in Australia do not have to be held in a church, town hall or register office. Two witnesses and a wedding celebrant are required for a civil wedding, and couples will need proof of identity and single status. They will also need to file a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form to an authorized marriage celebrant; the celebrant will advise couples of any additional documents needed before the wedding. Birth certificates and 10-year passports (with at least 6 months validity) are required and all documents must be original. For more information, visit the
Australian Government site or Weddings Abroad.
