Things to do - Active Sports
Get your Feet Wet!
Diving In
As a nation of beach lovers, diving and swimming are very popular in Australia and most Australians can swim at a very young age. Visitors to Australia in summer months should take advantage of the beaches, and get in the water!
A word of warning, however: if you are not a strong swimmer or you’re not used to swimming at a surf beach, be extremely cautious. Always swim between the flags, and when in doubt, stay close to the shoreline.
Surfing
Those who have always wanted to surf, or those who already can and now want to do nothing else, will be in seventh heaven in Australia. Not only do we have some of the best surf breaks in the world, novice surfers will find plenty of beginner-level breaks to practice their skills on. Complete beginners should take advantage of the learn-to-surf workshops that are run frequently at major surf beaches.
Underwater Hockey
A relatively new sport to Australia, underwater hockey is just like regular hockey – underwater. It’s usually played by about 12 people (two teams of six each) at the bottom of a swimming pool, with snorkels, masks, headgear etc.
Get your motor running
Rally of the Year
The FIA World Rally Championships, held in Perth (Western Australia) are a must-see for any racing enthusiast. They’ve won the vote for Rally of the Year several times and with the picturesque backdrop of the Swan River and the enthusiastic support of volunteers to help the event run smoothly, it’s no surprise.
Formula One
This four-day motor-sport spectacular at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit includes international and Australian support races. Its climax is the running of the Formula One Grand Prix World Championship usually held in March.
Indy 300
The Indy 300, usually held in October on the Gold Coast in Queensland, is a major event on the sporting calendar. It’s no longer just about the cars, either, with street carnivals, music and entertainment continuing long after the roar of the engines has died down.
Clipsal 500
This three day super-car race usually held in March in Adelaide (South Australia) is the cause for much celebration. While the cars complete their 78 laps of the city circuit, rock bands and aerobatics entertain those spectators with slightly shorter attention spans.
Melbourne’s Motorcycle Grand Prix
Held in October on the beautiful Phillip Island, the Motorcycle Grand Prix is a significant event on the international motorcycle event calendar. The Grand Prix has three different types of race: the 125cc world championship, the 250cc world championship and the 500cc world championship. It’s not just the races that make this event so popular. There’s also the chance for motorcycle fanatics to see their favourite riders up close during the Riders’ Parade; all night parties and concerts to entertain the fans, and televised interviews with motorcycling legends.
Staying Fit and Healthy in Australia
Work it Out
With such a popular beach culture, it’s no surprise that many Australians want to stay looking their best. There are heaps of gyms, outdoor exercise classes and places to run, climb, walk or cycle. Most gyms allow casual visits so there’s no need to get locked into a contract. Not only gyms but also indoor climbing walls are a fun way to stay fit. There are climbing walls in most of Australia’s major cities.
Splash and Swim
Not only our beaches but our swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the water. Many public beaches have public tidal swimming pools. Get there early and you might even have the sunrise as well as the pool to yourself. There are also plenty of public swimming pools in suburban areas.
Fun Running
There are many ways to explore Australia’s cities and beaches, but fun runs have got to be one of the most exhilarating. There are plenty of runs on throughout the year ranging in difficulty. One of the most challenging, the Sydney City to Surf, covers some pretty full-on hills, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.
Teeing Off
Australia has thousands of golf courses, nearly all of which are open to the public for a small fee. Many clubs offer (for additional fees) tuition, workshops, equipment hire, shower facilities, etc, but golfing doesn’t have to be an expensive day out, with some green fees for public courses starting from just $15!
Racquet and Court
Amazing Australian Open
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year started in 1905 and is now held every January at Melbourne Park. At present it is the only Grand Slam tournament that can feature indoor play. Tennis has a huge following in Australia, and even though most of us can’t make it to Melbourne to watch it live, come summer most Australians will be glued to their TV screens watching the game.
Smashing Squash
Squash, while not as popular as tennis, is still played widely throughout Australia and there are plenty of courts around the country accessible to the public.
Basketball & Netball
Basketball is one of the most popular games in the world. As a nation of sports lovers, it’s unsurprising that our basketball teams are some of the best in the world. Standout teams include the Australian national men’s team the Boomers, and the national women’s team the Opals.
Netball is the most popular sport among women in Australia and is played and watched all over the country.
Go Fish
Trout in Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the best locations for trout fishing in Australia, with fish living in clean, pristine waters. In fact, the location is so beautiful that failing to catch anything just means more time to admire the scenery.
Waiting for Whiting
Whiting are very common around the shoreline in most Australian harbours, wharves and bays. They’re great to eat and easy to catch.
Beautiful Barramundi
Barramundi are fun to catch and even better to eat. Grilling a few on the barbecue after a long day of fishing with a cold beer in hand is one of the better ways to spend an evening in Queensland, where they are commonly found.
Fabulous Beach Fishing
Australia has plenty of beaches just ripe for fishing. Using small bait like worms tends to be the best bet, but even if you don’t catch anything you’ll enjoy yourself trying. Fishing from the sand is always safer than trying to keep your balance on rocks further out, due to the unpredictability of waves.
Horse and Animal Racing
Horse Racing
Horse racing is a very popular spectator sport in Australia. There are a number of racing carnivals held annually, such as the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival which is held in October and November. The highlight of this carnival is the Melbourne Cup, a race held on the first Tuesday of November. Another popular racing event is the Magic Millions, which is a ten-day international event held on Queensland’s Gold Coast each year by the Gold Coast Turf Club. The event is renowned not only for its thoroughbred horse sales and race meetings, but also for the track-side social events that draw huge crowds each year. Another crowd-pleaser is the highlight of Western Australia’s racing calendar, the BMW Perth Cup. It’s held each January in scorching heat, making it one of the most challenging horse races in Australia.
Camel Racing
Horses aren’t the only ones racing towards the finish line in Australia, with camel racing also a winner. Held each year in the Northern Territory, the Alice Springs Camel Cup boasts twelve races, activities for spectators, bars, a band and heaps of food stalls.