Beat the winter chill and hit coastal Australia

Beat the winter chill and hit coastal Australia

More than 10,700 beaches stretching over 50,000 kilometres, Australia’s coastline offers a sandy beach for around every five kilometres. With temperatures plunging, the balmy waters in Tropical North Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia offer the perfect getaway to escape the New Zealand winter. Experience the delights of a distinctive culture – one where you can discover natural wonders, meet friendly people and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.

“With a myriad of activities on offer and a unique coastal lifestyle to experience, it is not surprising that over 59% of Kiwis chose to visit a coastal destination during their Australian holiday in 2006. Average temperatures ranged from 21C to 25C in the western and northern states in June, and only promise to get better in the months ahead. These temperatures offer excellent conditions for many on water activities which are very popular with the Kiwis,” says Vito Anzelmi, Regional Manager, Tourism Australia, New Zealand.

Culinary delights to tickle your tastebuds, some of the best surfing spots to opportunities for interaction with the array of marine life, a holiday in one of Australia’s coastal destinations promises to be a magical experience. Tourism Australia suggests a few holiday options for you to consider:

Diving and Snorkelling in Western Australia
With an endless coastline, hundreds of nearby islands, abundant and varied marine life, a mix of tropical and temperate climates and numerous shipwrecks just offshore, the diving and snorkelling in Western Australia is a supreme experience. Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay, the shipwreck trail on the Rottenest Island, Broome with its magical ‘Staircase to Heaven’ are some options to consider while planning your holiday. http://www.westernaustralia.com

Fishing in Northern Territory Northern Territory offers enthusiasts diverse fishing habitats, including lush billabongs, big tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries, a scattering of islands and hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt coastline. You can hire a boat or bring your own, take a fully-guided fishing safari, or stay at a remote fishing lodge and indulge in estuary fishing or reef fishing. You could also test your skills with sport fishing, aiming for the most aggressive predators and gusty fighters in the sea. Fish are prolific in Territory waters throughout the year, but we suggest you plan ahead and seek local advice before setting off. http://www.travelnt.com.au

Explore the biodiversity of Tropical North Queensland Whether you are seeking an indulgent break or a life changing adventure, Tropical North Queensland, where the rainforest meets the reef, offers stunning views and a magical experience. Visit the Daintree and Cape Tribulation area, where two World Heritage Listed sites come together, offering you a slice of history, topped with natural beauty and gorgeous water views. Explore the region’s diversity that ranges form the dazzling underwater coral and sea life at the Great Barrier Reef to estuarine crocodiles at the Daintree Rainforest and isolated towns in the northern frontier. http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Windsurfing in Western Australia For idyllic windsurfing conditions, head to the clean and pristine waters of Indian Ocean. There is over 12,000 kilometres of unspoilt, uncommercial and uncrowded coastline in Western Australia, offering everything from flat water, to bump and jump, to mighty waves. Powered by the Fremantle Doctor, a commanding sea breeze, this region is as good as it gets on the global windsurfing stage. The towns of Lancelin and Geraldton, only a short drive from Perth, offer extremely favourable conditions for jumping, waveriding and windsurfing. http://www.westernaustralia.com.au

Indulge at the New Tweed Coast, New South Wales If you like your beaches served with spas, glamorous resorts, metro-style cafes and guaranteed warm weather, the New Tweed Coast is just the place to visit. Situated between Kingscliff in the north and Cabarita in the south, the beaches here are a series of long, golden sweeps cradled between headlands with world-class surf breaks and a reef break on the southern edge of Kingscliff. Golden Door Spa, one of the largest day spas in Australia, sublime seafood and sophisticated accommodation promise to make this trip a true indulgence. http://www.visitnsw.com.au

Cruising in Northern Territory A relaxed outdoor lifestyle and warm weather throughout the year, Darwin’s vibrancy is apparent around its harbours as people indulge in outdoor cinema, sailing and picnics on the beach. For a distinctive view of the city, we suggest you take one of the harbour cruises in Darwin. You could also cruise along Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast and experience the breathtaking natural splendours of this area formed over one billion years ago. http://www.travelnt.com.au

Diving in Queensland South of Cairns, coastal Townsville and beautiful Magnetic Island offer fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities. One of the best-known diving sites is the wreck of the SS Yongala, which lay undisturbed for nearly 50 years before being discovered. Dive the Fish Bowl, the Corridor, the Zoo, Magic Passage, the Cabbage Patch or Atlantis. Winter water temperatures are around 20C, ensuring comfortable diving and snorkelling. http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Visit your nearest Aussie Specialist Premier travel agent to help make your trip truly memorable. Contact details of these travel agents are listed on http://www.australia.com.

ENDS

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