Holidays for travellers who like messing around in boats…
Ever since the First Fleet arrived, Australians have had a curious attachment to boats. It’s doubtful that any other country in the world would get so worked up about winning the America’s Cup, for example.
Yup, wherever there’s water in this fine country, you’ll probably find someone in some form of vessel messing around on it. And luckily, for those who like the sailor’s life, there are plenty of excellent holiday options that involve getting ship-shape, from river cruises and paddle boats to live-aboard yachts and sailing lessons.
Live aboard yachts
Where? The Whitsundays, Queensland.
There’s a fundamental difference in the joys gained from spending a day out on a boat trip and doing a three day, two night adventure. The day trip is fun, but you return back to reality by bedtime. But stay on board overnight and you start to enter a whole new world and vibe. There’s no better place to do this than the Whitsundays, and despite the popularity of these Queensland reef islands, it’s still perfectly possible for a yacht to pull up at one of them and have the beaches all to itself.
The real joy of cruising around the Whitsundays, however, isn’t discovering the islands. They’re fantastic, but the memories you end up treasuring are helping out on the boat, or sprawling on the deck, watching the vessel cut and bob through the water in the sunshine.
The live aboard yachts in the Whitsundays are often aimed at the overseas backpacker market, but that’s no reason to stop Australians savouring the experience. There are varying degrees of luxury on board – some of the more party-orientated boats can be very basic indeed (not that you care after chugging through can after can of VB at sunset). It’s best to research a series of boats to see which one fits your needs and preferences.
Learn to sail
Where? Pittwater, Sydney, NSW
It’s all very well mooching around on a yacht, cracking open the occasional beer whilst someone else does the hard work. But surely it’s a little more satisfying to (literally) learn the ropes yourself, and feel in charge? Well that’s where sailing lessons come in, and the Club Sail Sailing School offers novices the chance to get their sea legs in the rather lovable environment of Sydney’s Pittwater.
Over the course of a weekend, there are 18 hours of on board tuition and three hours of theory. This includes the basics of tying knots, steering a vessel and using the wind and sails to manoeuvre a yacht.
It also includes important knowledge on what constitutes suitable clothing on board, preparing a yacht so that it’s ready to sail and using safety equipment. Oh yes, and rather vital things such as knowing who gets right of way when two expensive boats are ploughing headlong towards each other.
Numbers are limited to five students per yacht, so the friendly crew can pay sufficient attention to each wannabe sailor.
The overnight course, leaving from Newport, costs $465 ($440 each if more than one person).
Paddle boating
Where? Gippsland Lakes, Victoria
While not really comparing to their counterparts in North America, the Gippsland Lakes are a fabulous place in which to get out on the water and explorer. There are a series of cruises available, one of which goes to the Wyanga Winery, while it’s also possible to hire out a boat or charter one with a skipper.
However, for those wanting something a little simpler (or greener), then paddle boats are the way forward. You put foot to pedal and power your own way round the big, blue waterways. At Lakes Entrance, there are a range of self-propelled crafts available, ranging from aquabikes and family-sized contraptions to the truly ridiculous barracuda. The latter looks like a combination of a rocket, banana and exercise bike.
Paddle steamer cruise
Where? The Murray River, South Australia
There are cruise boats, and there are cruise boats. To get that proper relaxed, old time glow it’s hard to beat a paddle wheeler. There may not be any industrial use for these former river giants any more, but a few have been put to use, catering for tourists.
Amongst them is the PS Murray Princess, which is operated by Captain Cook Cruises and plies its way between Mannum and Swan Reach every week. The four day Outback Heritage tour is arguably the pick of the bunch. In between making leisurely progress up the Murray, visitors get the chance to go on nature and eco-walks, explore ancient remains at the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park and tour vineyards. It costs from $899 per person.
Fishing charter
Where: Darwin, Northern Territory.
OK boys, this one’s for you… While there are probably some females out there who like the idea of spending a day or two hauling in barramundi, most fishing trips tend to be male bonding experiences. A few beers, tackle, line and bait, and it’s not just the fish that are hooked – it’s the blokes wanting to get in touch with their inner hunter.
It’s possible to go on a fishing charter just about anywhere in the country where water is present, but the real outdoor adventures come in the tropics, reeling in the big brutes.
There are plenty of options in the Northern Territory, whether in the sea, or down rivers and billabongs, and operators target different fish depending on the season. It’d be unAustralian not to bag a barra though…
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.
Copyright David Whitley.
