Page 542 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

540  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Fishing
Australia has around four
million fishing enthusiasts and,
given the country’s natural
advantages, it’s not difficult to
see why. Vast oceans, a 12,000-
km (7,500-mile) shoreline and
a large inland river system, all
combined with a terrific climate,
make Australia a haven for local
and visiting anglers alike.
Fishing for barramundi in the
remote inland waters of the
Northern Territory and game
fishing off Australia’s tropical
coastline for species such as
black marlin and yellowfin tuna
are among the world’s best
fishing experiences. You will Canoeing on the Roper River in the Northern Territory (see pp272–3)
need to join a charter as these
activities require a great deal of Australia’s enormous natural and the beautiful World Heritage
local expertise. bounty, it is hardly surprising that Area of Lord Howe Island off
The inland waters of Tasmania the market is now flooded with the coast of New South Wales.
are famed for their excellent operators offering an astonishing Canoeing in Australia can
trout fishing prospects. The range of nature-based activities. mean a quiet paddle in a hire-
estuaries and beaches in the These encompass wildlife boat on a city lake, or an exciting
southern states, such as watching (including whales, adventure in a kayak on the high
the Fleurieu Peninsula in South birds and dolphins), nature seas. It is a reasonably priced
Australia (see pp354–5), are full of walks, and trekking and rafting sport and is widely available
species such as expeditions to remote throughout the country. Popular
bream, salmon wilderness areas. spots include the Murray River
and flathead. Visitors can also (see p359), Sydney Harbour
Small boats are stay at resorts (see pp148–9) and the rivers
readily available for that are operated of national parks nationwide.
hire and fishing along strictly Whitewater rafting is another
tackle can be Fishing for yellowfin tuna is “green” guide- favourite sport in this land of
bought and occa- a popular pursuit lines. These are outdoor enthusiasts and there
sionally hired at eco-friendly and are many opportunities for
most popular fishing destina- are usually located within some people of all abilities to have
tions. Each state has a govern- of the most environmentally a go. The inexperienced can
ment department with a valuable and vulnerable regions try a day with an instructor on
fisheries section. Staff provide in the country. The Ecotourism an easy run; the confident can
excellent information on loca- Association of Australia can tackle a two-week tour on the
tions, restrictions, safety issues provide information on tour rafter’s mecca, the Franklin-
and obtaining licences. Check operators and publications. Gordon River system in
the weather forecast and heed Tasmania (see p472).
warnings about danger areas,
particularly rock platforms.
Several people die each year rock Water Sports
fishing in dangerous conditions. Australia is one of the world’s
great diving destinations, and
the Great Barrier Reef is the
centre of most of the diving
Ecotourism
activity (see pp216–21). Visitors
This tourism concept has its can combine a holiday on the
roots in activities as old as bird reef with a few days of diving
watching and wildflower instruction from one of the many
identification. It incorporates excellent schools in the area.
many of the activities mentioned There are opportunities for
in this section, but is generally diving all around Australia,
distinguished by its emphasis however, and other popular
on issues concerning the locations include Rottnest Island
appreciation and conservation (see pp312–13) and Esperance Sailing in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park,
of natural heritage. Given (see p323) in Western Australia Eastern Victoria (see p448)