Hit the water Down Under

Over half a million Brits jump on cheap flights to Australia each year. And it's no surprise given the wealth of activities on offer. The clear waters around the coastline, stuffed with colourful coral and sea life or curling with perfect breaks for surfing, are one of the country's major attractions. Here are some of our favourite ways to hit the water in OZ.

Dive on in

The Great Barrier reef is the world's largest coral system. Flights to Australia often pass right over it and if the weather's fine you can clearly see it even from 10,670m (35,000ft)! But you can get a little closer by jumping on a boat at several spots on the North Queensland coast and heading out into the pristine Coral Sea. Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach are three popular starting off points. The reef is fantastically colourful and there's all manner of bright, sparkly fish wafting around you. There are diving options for all levels too. In some areas the reef is only a couple of metres below the surface so it's ideal for beginners. And if you're not into diving you can see plenty just bobbing along with a snorkel and facemask. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to see turtles, rays and even basking sharks. (Don't worry they're totally harmless!)

Sail of the century

Within the protective arm of the Great Barrier Reef south of Cairns lie the idyllic Whitsunday Islands. There are 74 of them in all, but only eight are inhabited. They are the stuff of paradise with waving palms, sugar-sand beaches and clear coral-filled sea. They also offer perfect sailing conditions and there's a whole host of excursions available from day trips to week-long liveaboards. Many of the yachts are full-sized, high-performance racing yachts and carving across the seas with the sails at full mast is a totally exhilarating experience. They're fully crewed so you don't have to do any heaving on ropes, but a helping hand is often appreciated. Mooring up for the night in a deserted cove and drifting off to sleep with the sound of the waves lapping against the side of the boat is a truly unforgettable experience.

Surf's up

Surfing isn't just a pastime in Oz: it's a way of  life for many Australians. And there are countless places to hit the waves - whether you're a diehard boarder or you've never stood up on one before. Towns along the East Coast like Bryon Bay and Noosa are always popular, but if you want to try somewhere a little different head for the quieter beaches over in Western Australia. There are plenty of beaches around Perth where you can practice your board skills and for the more advanced Margaret River, Gracetown and Kalbarri are just a few favourite surf spots.

Paddle do nicely

Of course it's not just the sea that offers waterborne adventure in Australia - there are plenty of rivers too. The Franklin River in Tasmania is the one raft fans rave about. If you've rafted a bit before and are looking for some serious exhilaration, this is the place to head for. Five, seven and even 10-day descents of the rapids and whirlpools can be attempted under the supervision of fully qualified guides. The Murray River in the beautiful snowy mountains in New South Wales offers rafting of all levels and if you just fancy trying your hand at paddling, you can just do a day trip too.

Wallow in the water

With thousands of kilometres of coastline, most people do their swimming in the sea around Australia. The awesome scenery of the Great Ocean Road in South Australia makes a fitting backdrop for a splash in the waves and the busy urban beaches around Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast are perfect for a bit of tanning and people-watching. But how about wallowing in a cool jungle pool with a rainforest cascading down right next to you? Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory is a perfect spot. But avoid the pools in nearby Kakadu National Park - they may look inviting, but crocodiles often lurk just beneath their surface!

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23 February 2009