Enjoying Australia

Australia's climate and geography provide the perfect playground for relaxation and enjoyment for all the family.

Practically every leisure pursuit known to man can be found within Australia's boundaries. From snow skiing to scuba diving and everything in between.

Space does not permit a description of all activities. However, most sports and recreation activities have formal associations in each state who will be happy to provide advice and assistance.

Gaming
Australia has a well-merited reputation as a nation of gamblers. Rumour has it that large amounts of money have been wagered on two flies crawling up a wall.

Today's gaming is rather more sophisticated. Since the introduction of legalised gaming in Tasmania at Wrest Point Casino in 1973 all states and territories now have at least one casino, generally in the state capital.

In Queensland, New South Wales, ACT and Victoria, licensed clubs and hotels are permitted to operate poker machines. The profits from clubs are generally spent within the local community, providing sports facilities, social support, cultural activities and sports sponsorship.

Betting is available on horse racing, trotting (pacing), greyhound racing and selected sporting events via a TAB system or through licensed bookmakers.

TAB stands for Totalizator Agency Board. Each TAB has offices throughout its area but accepts bets on races in all states, either through stand-alone branches, outlets in hotels called PubTAB's, direct betting over the telephone (by voice or keypad) or over the internet.

Lotteries are also a very popular form of gaming. Both 'pick your own numbers' and systems based on ticket numbers offer choices to gamblers.

'Lotto' is popular in Australia as in other parts of the world, in fact there is a Televised 'Lotto' draw nearly every night of the week, these draws are run by the variuos State lotteries commissions.

Scratch and win instant lotteries are also played in most states, with prizes ranging from cars, boats and holidays to cash ranging from $2.00 to $100,000.

All forms of gambling are taxed and generate considerable funds for each state and territory government.

Golf
Sometimes jokingly called a good walk ruined, golf involves more than just hitting the ball in the hole. Nearly 1,000 courses around the country provide a pleasant backdrop to both business and social activities.

Australia has a large number of world class courses, designed to test the best of golfers. Some courses are incorporated in resorts and accept casual or 'green fees' players only. And some long established membership-based clubs do not accept new members.

However, there are a number of newer clubs with high quality courses which actively pursue new membership. One leading club is the Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club in Sydney. Play commenced in 1994 but Terrey Hills is already hosting its own PGA tournament.

A little further away, 130kms north of Sydney, is Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club in the Hunter Valley. It is a demanding course with the added benefit of being in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine district.

Fishing
More people engage in fishing than any other single leisure activity in Australia - which is hardly surprising given the extent of Australia's coastline and inland waterways.

The dream of most freshwater fishermen is to catch the legendary Murray River Cod. This fish is restricted to the Murray River system and tributaries, which forms a large part of the boundary between Victoria and New South Wales.

Specimens as large as 1.8 metres long, weighing over 100kg have been caught in the past.

For those who prefer sea fishing, the ultimate is the Black Marlin. This fish can grow beyond 700kg and is renowned as a great fighting fish. Today, catch and release is actively promoted to maintain fish stocks.

Some of the best sea fishing does not even need a boat. Fishing from the beach, or from rocks, can produce catches of a wide range of fish. Most are edible, and some rate among the best eating fish in the sea. However, care should be taken, as some poisonous fish exist in our waters.

When fishing from rocks it is advisable to go first with an experienced fisherman. Many lives have been lost while fishing from rocks without knowing of the dangers.

Trout fishing is generally restricted to Tasmania and to the Snowy Mountain region in New South Wales (there are also trout farms in the Alpine Region of Victoria). Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout can be caught, and if a legal size, taken. Re-stocking of some waters is undertaken by the Fisheries Department to ensure a healthy and viable population.

Coarse fishing is another option, but most Australians regard carp and pike as pests - they are rarely served as a meal.

          

Boating
Australia is a nation of yachties and boaties. The ideal weather, large expanses of safe coastal water, plentiful secure anchorages and many inland waterways entice Australians to spend a lot of their leisure time on the water.

Ownership of boats is very popular. Facilities abound for all classes ranging from dinghies to multi-million dollar cruisers and yachts.

All boats capable of travelling faster than 10 knots are required to be registered and the drivers are required to hold a general boating license and are expected to have a thorough knowledge of local rules and conditions.

On days like the 1988 Bi-Centenary celebrations and the start of the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race, Sydney Harbour is wall to wall boats of all descriptions. A sight to behold even if you are not out there on the water.

The Boating Industry Association is represented in most states and is able to offer advice and assistance in the purchase and ownership of all boat types.