The great outdoors

Perhaps the most frequent activity outdoors is that great Aussie institution the barbeque, or, in its abreviated form, 'barbie'. Practically everyone owns or has access to a barbeque - simply a chargrill, hot plate, or both, fuelled by gas, coal or wood. Many of them are portable.

For some unknown reason (lost in the mists of tradition) the male of the household is expected to cook the barbeque.

To the surprise of many - and most wives - the variety and quality of food cooked on barbeques can be remarkably good. For these great social occasions everyone gathers around the hardworking head chef and his 'helpers'. These are usually 'mates' whose only support is verbal.

Combined with some fine Australian wines and beer, the barbeque becomes a great focal point for conversation and enjoyment. When you are invited to 'Come around and chuck a prawn on the barbie' you know you have found your first 'Aussie mate'.

Holidays
Most Australians take their holidays within Australia simply because of the huge range of holiday styles and destinations available.

With a choice of resorts, hotels, motels, caravan and camping grounds, and privately owned holiday homes, there is a destination to suit any budget.

At developments like Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, it is possible to combine ownership of a holiday home with the facilities and services of a first class resort - the best of both worlds.

With the exception of Christmas and New Year, there is no particular favourite time of year for holidays. Australia's wide range of geographical conditions means that the best weather is available at different times of the year in different places. For instance, a boating holiday in Northern Queensland is best between April and October, while a fishing holiday on the South Coast of New South Wales is more suited to mid to late summer.

Gardening
Almost everyone in Australia has a garden of one type or another at home. They can range from planter boxes hanging from a window to large expanses of garden.

The degree of care and maintenance that people apply to their gardens can range as widely as the garden types. Today, with the support of highly skilled nursery men located at nurseries throughout Australia, practically anyone can produce a colourful garden to enjoy.

Television shows like 'Better Homes and Gardens' also provide an excellent information source for those wishing to tackle the more complicated varieties of plants, or to construct a formal garden environment. And 'Better Homes and Gardens' is one of the highest rating shows on TV, attesting to the wide popularity of this pastime.