Hint: you’re going to want to get yourself a boat.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘Holidays? What is this, 2019?’. But let me assure you, despite the unexpected turn our lives took last year, taking a well earned vacation is not just a thing of the past! With COVID cases continuing to decrease around the country and state borders slowly opening, Australians are starting the exciting journey of planning holidays at home.
With the warm summer weather making our waterfronts increasingly enticing, the next step is obvious – Australian holidays spent on the water. And more specifically: boating holidays. When it comes to a boating holiday, your mode of transportation is the holiday itself and you can journey from place to place while also enjoying time relaxing on the water and aquatic sports and activities.
Looking to make this dream a reality? Check out the boats available on Grays. Then, once you’ve got yourself a boat you can continue to plan an epic Australian boating holiday with these great tips.
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Where Are You Going? Australian Boating Destinations
Check out just a few of our favourite boating destinations in Australia below. With a good Australia Driving Guide, you can plan a dream domestic getaway to one of these fantastic coastal locations from which to explore on water!
NSW
Pittwater Basin
The legendary shooting location for the equally legendary soap, Home and Away, this little stretch of paradise has become a celebrity in its own right. With relaxed linen-clad locals and otherworldly beauty, this coastal inlet not far from the bustling CBD should be the first stop on your Sydney boating bucket list. With gorgeous headlands, the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and the alluring Patonga, Scotland Island, and Lion Island, there’s so much to explore in Sydney’s northern beaches.
If you’re not a fan of Pittwater or you’re looking to explore shores a little further from home, check out this list of the prettiest beach towns in NSW for plenty of inspiration as to where to drop your anchor.
Victoria
Mornington Peninsula
Located just an hour away from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula combines the best of laid-back Aussie coastal living with European charm and history. The most prevalent image that comes to mind when thinking of the Mornington Peninsula is the iconic colourful beach boxes that line the foreshore. Sail around Port Phillip Bay and enjoy the pristine coastal vistas. Head here to learn more about the Mornington Peninsula.
Queensland
Whitsunday Islands
Once you’ve laid eyes on the Whitsundays you’ll be left scratching your head, wondering why you ever holidayed outside Australia. The Whitsundays boast an epic scattering of islands, with over 150 uninhabited isles at last count, as well as immaculate national parks and high-end resorts.
Sailing around the gorgeous Whitsundays has long been one of the top travel experiences in Australia. It normally attracts many international tourists and backpackers, so this is the perfect time to make the most of this national treasure while visits from abroad are on hold. Hamilton Island is a must-see but don’t forget to check out Whitehaven Beach, a seven-kilometre stretch of beach with pure white sand and uninterrupted vistas (if you like that sort of thing!).
What Will You Do?
More like what won’t you do! When you commit to a boating holiday, the world is your oyster (pun intended). Here are just a few of the activities you can enjoy on a boating holiday.
Fishing
What does fishing mean to you? Does it conjure up images of world-worn men, sitting silently in the middle of a calm but all-engulfing lake, the world around them still and quiet? Do you see it as a fun hobby? Perhaps it brings up images of hunters and gatherers, brandishing spears, fishing for survival? Or maybe in your mind fishing is just the pesky prerequisite to a delicious meal.
Regardless of your preconceived notions of the sport, fishing is a fantastic way to spend a holiday at the seaside. If you’re new to it, check out our guide to fishing for beginners to learn the basics, and get casting!
Read also: Top 12 Best Travel Fishing Rod 2024 Review
Explore With Kayaks and Paddleboards
One of the best ways to get your holiday buzz on is to get the endorphins pumping by engaging in fun and healthy outdoor activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are both great water activities to do with friends and family on your next boating holiday. By being literally at sea level, you’ll get a great new perspective on the sea life and your natural environment. Whether you’re paddling off the back of a boat or you’re launching yourself from the shore, you’ll have a boatload of fun. Plus. you’ll benefit from a cheeky accidental workout (just one hour of paddleboarding can burn up over 400 calories)!
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Go Extreme
The past few years and months have been extreme to say the least but getting your heart racing for a good reason is still exhilarating. So, come your next boating holiday, embrace your inner thrillseeker with various extreme aqua sports like donutting, water skiing, kite surfing, or maybe even aqua jetpack flying. We highly recommend these adrenaline pumping activities if you’re holidaying with teenagers, they are all guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of even the most sullen teenagers.
Psssst – don’t forget that Australia has some of the best dive sites on the planet! Your boating holiday is also the perfect opportunity to explore the incredible reefs and marine life along the country’s shores. Whether you’re already an experienced scuba diver, or you’ve always wanted a chance to discover the underwater world and get your diving licence, you may want to add some diving stops on your itinerary.
What Are You Waiting For?
No really. What are you waiting for? Get to it. The water is warm and crystal clear. Get yourself on board for the best holiday of your life.
