Page 543 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

SPECIALIST HOLID A Y S AND A C TIVITIES  541

Long stretches of unspoilt DIRECTORY
coastline, remote bays and
harbours, tropical reefs Clubs and Associations
and uninhabited islands make Australian Golf Union
Australia an excellent destination Level 2, 111 Coventry St, South
for sailing enthusiasts. Skippered Melbourne, VIC 3205. Tel (03)
cruises are the most usual kind 9626 5050. ∑ golf.org.au
of holiday, but some visitors will
want to hire a vessel and set off Australian Parachute
for themselves – a practice Federation
known as bareboating. To do Unit 3, 2994 Logan Road,
this you will need to prove to Underwood, QLD 4119. Tel (07)
the operator that you are an 3457 0100. ∑ apf.asn.au
experienced sailor. It is difficult Australian Yachting
to beat the tropical splendours Federation
of the Whitsunday Islands in Skiing Eagle Ridge on Mount Hotham 22 Atchison St, St Leonards,
Queensland (see p250) as a in the Victoria Alps NSW 2065. Tel (02) 8424 7400.
location. Other popular sailing ∑ yachting.org.au
areas include Pittwater in New skiers will be treated to glimpses
South Wales and Queensland’s of Australia’s rare alpine flora Bicycle New South Wales
Gold Coast (see pp242–3). and fauna, and spectacular 1st Floor, Heritage Building A,
Australia is also world- sweeping scenery. 1 Herb Elliott Ave, Sydney
renowned for its abundance Olympic Park, Homebush Bay,
of outstanding surfing beaches. Spectator Sports NSW 2127. Tel (02) 9704 0800.
For more information about ∑ bicyclensw.org.au
the country’s best places to Most sports enthusiasts will Ecotourism Association
surf, see pages 42–3. enjoy taking in a fixture during of Australia
their trip, while a few visitors Tel (07) 3252 1530.
come to Australia especially for ∑ ecotourism.org.au
Skiing
a sporting event, such as yacht
The Ski season in Australia races, cricket or tennis events. Gliding Federation
of Australia
extends from June to September. Early booking is advisable as C4/1–13 The Gateway,
Downhill skiing is restricted to competition for tickets can be Broadmeadows, VIC, 3047. Tel (03)
the Victorian Alps (see p450–53), fierce. Regular highlights 9359 1613. ∑ gfa.org.au
the New South Wales mountains include the Australian Tennis
and two small resorts in Open, Melbourne Cup and New South Wales Snow
Tasmania (see p473). The ski the Formula 1 Grand Prix, all Sports Association
villages have excellent facilities, Melbourne events, and inter- PO Box 934, Jindabyne,
but the fields can get crowded national Test cricket and the NSW 2627. Tel 0408 006 415.
during school holidays and long Australian Open golf that moves ∑ nswsnowsports.com.au
weekends, and prices for ski-lifts each year (see pp44–7). Rugby Skiing Australia
and equipment hire can be high. League and Australian Rules 1 Cobden St, South Melbourne,
Upland areas around these football are the most popular VIC 3205. Tel (04) 2863 6516.
resorts are superb for cross- spectator sports. The finals are ∑ ski.com.au
country skiing. Traversing gentle the main event, but excitement
slopes and rounded peaks, is high at almost any match. Tour Operators
Adventure Associates
Level 8, 309 Pitt St, Sydney.
Tel (02) 6355 2022.
∑ adventureassociates.com
Croydon Travel
34 Main St, Croydon,
VIC 3136. Tel (03) 9725 8555.
∑ croydontravel.com.au
STA Travel
Tel 134 782.
∑ statravel.com.au
World Expeditions
Level 5, 71 York St, Sydney, NSW
2000. Tel 1300 720 000.
∑ worldexpeditions.com.au
An AFL Australian Rules football match in full swing