What are the Sports and outdoor activities in Australia?
Hey there, I noticed you might be new around here so let me explain how the Aussies spend time outdoors a little. What is special about this place is that the weather and the whole nature here do not let you stay indoors, they call you to go out. We have beaches, deserts, mountains, forests and virtually all geographical landscapes possible out here therefore Kenya is indeed a true geographical wonder. It was like exercising, playing outdoor sports and going for adventures built in Australia.
Beach Life
First things first: the beach. It would be incorrect not to mention the beach when discussing outdoor activities in Australia since… Surfing is almost a sacrament in this place. This is the reason you will find staking regardless of the weather and this is staking. If you never ventured on the strengthening waves as a surfer before, there is nothing to be worried about. Surf schools are easy to find along the coast, especially if you visit Bondi Beach in Sydney or the Gold Coast in Queensland. They can begin with a longboard which is more suitable for novices as they progress then change to a shortboard.
But if surfing sounds too extreme, then maybe go for bodyboarding or just plain old paddle boarding. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit less intensive, there is always beach volleyball for fans of the sport. They want it relaxed and playful, and they can start a game nearly anywhere along the coast.
Then there comes swimming and of course, snorkeling and diving. Frankly, there is no better name for such a phenomenon as the Great Barrier Reef. A snorkel is recommended no matter how well-experienced you are in diving, and the experience of just looking down at the sea gardens is fascinating. You can do this all along the reef, particularly in the Cairns and Port Douglas area.
Water Sports Beyond the Ocean
You certainly aren’t limited to the ocean–though an ocean can make for the most fascinating journey. The rivers, lakes and waterways of Australia offer excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and even white-water rafting. If you are in Tasmania I would recommend Franklin River, you have your wild, remote and you will have excellent white water. In the middle of the country, you have destinations like the Murray River which means you can either ride in a shallow boat through the river and get waters that are nowhere near as powerful, as fast as those of a Mecca of say Bali, it’s ideal for a slow ride.
Why not choose sailing or maybe if you are more of an explorer, Kiteboarding? You will easily meet many enthusiasts by the coastline such as Lake Macquarie or Jervis Bay. There is a little more exclusion, but my God, the breeze hauling one through the water is one of the most exciting feelings ever.
Hiking and Bushwalking
As much as people owe to the beautiful coastal scenery, there is so much more that Australia has to offer. Perhaps, one of the most effective methods of getting a feel of this country is by putting on your walking shoes and going for a bush walk. We have some stunning trails, everywhere I look I seem to find one. I bet you have heard of the Blue Mountains just outside Sydney, have you? Some trails will lead to a lookout that provides a breathtaking view where at times one gains an impression that he/she is so small in comparison to the world. And then there’s Uluru—you can walk around the biggest sandstone formation in the middle of the desert which is also of great spiritual importance. Most of them are not just of the physical kind but rather a sort of spiritual kind.
To the south, you get terrific golf land, and Tasmania is probably one of the least spoiled areas anywhere in the world. There is this extraordinary track known as the Overland Track; expect this one to last for six days and cover mountains, valleys and rainforests. You don’t need to do all of it, anyway, if you’re a fan of the outdoors, then do the whole thing because this one is good.
This can be traced to some incredibly great day hikes including Sydney’s Royal National Park and The Yarra Ranges in Melbourne. Australian cities are, as a rule, designed with green zones in mind, so, as you are feeling like a wild bird, you don’t need to travel several miles.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
If you like cycling then here is good news. If you’re more of a road cyclist or you fancy downhill mountain biking, Australia also can offer. The most famous road ride is the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Who wouldn’t want to cycle through roads that twist and turn like the road that lies between the Pacific coastline and cliffs? It is stunning and amazing god it’s like there are no words for It.
To go mountain biking you can go to places such as You Yang near Melbourne or Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra. These areas have tracks that can be practised on for persons at different stages of practice, starting from newbies who wish to practice to those who are advanced. Also, Australians like cycling so much that you will be able to attend many community rides and events if you want to find friends or compete with them.
Camping and Off-Roading
Ok, let me tell you about camping and off-road vehicles. If you want to try overlanding or spend the weekend away from the city, then you should go to Australia. There is just so much tradition around putting lunch in a cooler, putting up the tin roof of the 4WD, and going and bush busting. It is often done there, for instance on Fraser Island – the biggest sand island on the planet and driving around this place is like a big playground. There is also great camping in national parks around the country like at Kakadu in Northern Territory or Karijini in Western Australia.
If you do not like camping but need the experience of exploring the wilderness here is glamping. It’s like living in a trailer, but in a tent, so you’re camped out in the wilderness, but not roughing it completely. The glamping locations are available near beaches, mountains, and deserts. There is one famous glamping site that is close to Uluru, so tourists can wake up to Uluru.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
If you fancy heights, Australia’s got a good rock climbing and bouldering thing going on. The Grampians in Victoria and Arapiles are like climbing centres throughout the world that climbers flock to. The rock formations there are difficult but stunning and, no worries, if you consider yourself a beginner, there are always softer courses or trainers to assist you. Indoor climbers are not left out as there are virtually many climbing gyms in the cities to enable climbers to shape up before facing the real cliffs.
Team Sports – Cricket, AFL, Rugby
Now, I can’t talk about sports in Australia without mentioning the big ones: cricket, AFL, and rugby. These following sports are a huge part of Australians’ life. If you happen to be here in summer, then it’s not surprising to see someone playing cricket in any park or an open space. It is informal, and everybody can participate, and people of all ages swim in it. This is not to say that you need to know all the rules to play, you don’t. That aside, if you get into it, the best way to experience this sport is to watch it live at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). As anyone will know, there is nothing quite like the thrill and buzz associated with watching a grand cricket game.
Next up, there is AFL (Australian Football), which could be described as soccer, rugby, and frenzy all rolled into one. Youth are particularly expressed about it because it is fast growing, especially in Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia. People go nuts for it. There is nothing like watching a live sporting event and if you find yourself in Melbourne during AFL season, do yourself a Favor and go watch a game. You will equally learn why Australians are so enthusiastic about it as the energy in the stadium will get you moving.
If you are a fan of rugby that is also big, particularly in the states known as Queensland and New South Wales. There are two types that most people can’t tell the difference between rugby league and rugby union of which I must admit that if you do not know which is which yet then it is perfectly alright. That’s it, take a glass of fresh juice and sing along with those people around you.
Running and Marathons
Whether you’re a jogger or an athlete, Australia has some fantastic places to tie your shoelaces. Whether you choose a city marathon through such locations as Sydney’s Bondi to Coogee Walk or Melbourne’s Tan Track or go for a country walk at a place such as Kosciuszko National Park, one is assured of the experience. People all around the world, including Australians, have a great liking for fun runs as well as marathons. There is the City2Surf in Sydney or the Gold Coast Marathon, and individuals from different parts of the world are always willing to compete in these events. Naturally, out of many races you can make these welcoming even if you are not keen on running you can walk these at your own pace.
Fishing
If the latter seems a bit too serious for you, then there is always room for the more relaxed fishing which is also popular among outdoor lovers. No matter whether is it freshwater fishing or sea fishing, Australia has some of the most enviable locations. Holiday destinations like Port Stephens or Exmouth are well-known for ‘game fishing’—the sort of thing you read about as a kid where you’re catching marlin or tuna. However, even when you start fishing from the pier of a small coastal city, fishing in Australia is incredibly calming.
Golf
Finally, if you have an interest in playing golf, there are a few great pieces of golfing real estate that take full advantage of the landscape of Australia. Have you heard of Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania? This is regarded as one of the best universities in the world. It also has Royal Melbourne which is a course that I consider as one of the best since it holds international competitions. Even though people can hardly call themselves photographers here, the views and the quietness of the place, however, make a visit good.
