Coasting Along Australia

15 March 2007
MEDIA RELEASE

Coasting Along Australia

Australian beaches are continuing to attract New Zealanders to their pristine waters and golden sands. In 2006, 59 per cent of New Zealanders visiting Australia experienced Australia’s coastal lifestyle.

Australia is the world’s only island continent with the Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans all surrounding the shores. In addition, all parts of Australia are within 1,000 kilometres of the ocean and the beach, giving visitors an abundance of coastal experiences to choose from.

Tourism Australia’s Regional Manager, New Zealand, Vito Anzelmi believes Australia’s coastal experiences are amongst the most unique in the world.

“Australia has over 10,700 beaches which stretch for over 50,000 kilometres. More than 80 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast. It is home to Hyam’s Beach, which was voted the whitest sand in the world by Guiness Book of Records, and Wineglass Bay in Tasmania which is rated in the world’s top ten beaches by two separate US publications. Australia’s huge marine environment contains over 4,000 fish species, 500 coral species and 50 types of marine mammal.

“Visitors are encouraged to discover not only the pure white sand and crystal clear waters of Australia, but also the many activities, lifestyle options and holiday experiences that make up Australia’s famous coastal lifestyle,” says Anzelmi.

There are many on-water activities in which visitors are able to enjoy Australia’s coastal wonders. From fishing at spectacular 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island to scuba diving shipwrecks and colourful corals of Mornington Peninsula or even learning to hang ten on Manly or Bondi beaches, there is something for all.

Surfing some of the best waves in the world is also proving popular with almost 22,000 Kiwis taking to the waves in Australia in 2006. This figure is an increase of 31 per cent from 2005, as New Zealanders continue to discover Australia’s surf spots. It is no surprise that almost 150,000 New Zealanders went on a ferry, cruise or charter boat while in Australia, taking advantage of Australia’s unique coastal life.

The variety of Australian coastal life means that after visitors have tried their hand at surfing, kayaking or windsurfing there is always the option of a luxury seaside spa to focus on mind, body and spirit. There are many special lifestyle retreats along the Australian coastline which offer a range of natural and holistic therapies and the opportunity to experience unique Aboriginal herbs and lotions. For a complete escape, stay at one of the luxury spa resorts on many of the Australian island destinations, where you’ll be surrounded by blue waters for the ultimate holiday relaxation.

Mr Anzelmi believes al fresco dining is the Australian way, with warm balmy evenings perfect for outdoor dining, he encourages Kiwis to take advantage of the Australian climate to escape the New Zealand winter.

“With more than 15,000 cafes and restaurants in Australia, there is a variety of choice which will cater to all visitors’ tastes. It is a unique experience to be able to enjoy modern Australian cuisine while sitting on a terrace within inches of the ocean’s seaspray,” says Anzelmi.

Such a range of cuisines available in Australia means there is something to suit all budgets. Fish and chips on Bondi Beach is a favourite with both locals and visitors while at the other end of the spectrum is the exquisite Louis XVI setting of Hayman Island’s La Fontaine restaurant. For a truly unique Australian dining experience visitors can dine with lifesavers at the many Surf Lifesaving Clubs across the country. With gourmet standard food at inexpensive prices and spectacular sea views, this is a coastal experience not to be missed!

Australia is also home to more than 325,000 caravans, motor homes and camper trailers and has over 2,700 caravan parks, providing around 200,000 holiday sites, enabling visitors to enjoy a relaxing and affordable way to see Australia’s beautiful coast.

With some of the most beautiful and pristine coastlines in the world, travelling Australia in a caravan or luxury motor home is an ideal way to enjoy the freedom and enables visitors to set their own pace and itinerary. Some beaches around Australia, such as Whitehaven beach in Queensland, allow camping on the pure white sands, making falling asleep to the lapping ocean a reality.

2007 marks the 100th anniversary of surf lifesaving in Australia and has been named as the Year of the Surf Lifesaver. Australian Surf Lifesaving now has over 300 patrols in operation, and saves over 500,000 lives a year. This year is the perfect opportunity to jump over the Tasman and enjoy Australia’s amazing coastal lifestyle first-hand and take advantage of all that Australia’s beaches and coasts have to offer.

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