Sports and leisure activities Australia

Budget & Tips

Most outdoor activities are accessible both practically and economically. Although Australia remains a high-end destination with prices above the French average, it is possible as a tourist to enjoy a variety of activities for less. To explore the trails of the national parks, to walk along the coast or to appreciate the diversity of the landscapes, you will not need to spend much to enjoy a great breath of fresh air. Vanlife enthusiasts will be delighted: traveling at your own pace, you'll take time to enjoy the off-the-beaten-path areas, and all on your own!

As for the activities and sports proposed by the agencies and other certified guides, you should know that most of the activities cannot be improvised: Australia is obliged, the dangers come from the environment and sometimes impose themselves on you. And any tourist who has visited Australia will be able to confirm it: nature can be rebellious and hostile! The deeper you go into the heart of the continent, the more you will have to be alert... and therefore count on a guide to ensure you a maximum of safety. For reasons of access, equipment and safety, activities such as desert hiking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, sailing and diving are only accessible with a guide. Each tour agency offers its own advantages and exclusivities: family tours, intimate atmosphere, backpacker tours , bilingual guides, ethical, environmental... you will have to study your desires and your conditions, no doubt you will find your happiness.

Finally, for a surfing lesson, you can tame the Australian wave by launching yourself in the ocean. If you don't have a surfboard, you can easily rent one from the various surf schools and other rental stores that are always present on the seashore. For a lesson, you can opt for an individual or group lesson.

What's very local

Some states, such as New South Wales and Sydney, don't suffer from the cold winters of Melbourne or the monsoons of the far north. Good news for surfers who throw themselves into the sea all year round! But wherever you are, you'll certainly have the opportunity to try your hand at this essential part of your Australian immersion! And when it comes to surfing and swimming, Surf Life Saving is an Australian singularity. As early as 1907, on Bondi beach, the first Surf Life Saving club was set up. Since then, hundreds of clubs have sprung up across the country. Dressed in their red shorts and yellow t-shirts, they ensure the safety of swimmers (more than 10,000 rescues a year) and spot dangerous currents. A symbol and pride of Australia, the lifeguards at sea represent the spirit of mutual aid among the country's inhabitants. If you're staying for the medium or long term, you might consider joining them!

On a different note, tourism with stockmen, the cowboys of theOutback, is becoming increasingly popular and will give you an immersive experience on a farm. In recent years, many women have taken up the challenge of jillaroo, or female cowboy apprentice. There are a growing number of jackaroo and jillaroo schools, including some where tourists can spend a few weeks.

Your documents please

Most activities are accessible without any prior requirements. However, some activities, such as skydiving, diving or hot air ballooning, require a certificate issued by a doctor declaring you fit to practice. In short, find out about the requirements beforehand.

To be booked

Good luck if you want to improvise your excursion between December and February! Don't forget to book during the high season, as you could miss out on some wonderful opportunities for discovery and end up feeling terribly frustrated! From the Blue Mountains to the Great Barrier Reef, kayaking with dolphins and sailing in the Whitsundays, places are at a premium! Queensland and New South Wales are overcrowded with tourists every year: make sure you book 15 days in advance for peace of mind. Finally, in this immense country, there are few options for winter sports! It's in the Snowy Mountains, in New South Wales, or in the north-east of Victoria, that you'll find ski slopes. Be aware, however, that the slopes are not as varied as in the European Alps, rising to around 1,300 meters. It's best to book a good week in advance.

Main events

Every year, the Australian calendar is packed with sporting events, both amateur and professional. The country is known the world over for hosting the Australian Open (tennis), the Melbourne Cup (horse racing) and the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, the AFL Grand Final (the final of the Australian soccer championship) and the Sydney-Hobart race, one of the toughest regattas in the world! Every December 26, this legendary sailing race brings together sailors determined to cross the Bass Strait, renowned for its dangerous and particularly violent currents. More atypical but less accessible, the Camel Cup, which takes place every July in Alice Springs, is a crazy camel race in the heart of the Australian desert. Infused by the world of sport, Australian culture vibrates to the rhythm of these various events, which are held in every corner of the country. If you're in Melbourne around Christmas, take in the cricket test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground - a change of scenery guaranteed. Held in early autumn, the Adelaide race is one of Australia's biggest motor racing championships, alongside the Gold Coast 600, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. In Queensland, the annual Noosa Triathlon is the biggest multi-sport festival in the southern hemisphere. All this in anticipation of the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.