Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Surfing Lessons
If you're new to the beach, the best way to find your feet is with a few lessons, and there
are dozens of surf schools in southeast Queensland. Two of the best spots to learn -
mostly because the waves are kind to beginners - are Surfers Paradise and Noosa. Two-
hour group lessons typically cost around $60, with five-day courses for the super-keen
costing around $250.
White-Water Rafting
The mighty cascades of the Tully, North Johnstone and Russell Rivers between Towns-
ville and Cairns are renowned white-water-rafting locations, benefiting from extraordinar-
ily high rainfall in the area (the town of Tully received 7.9m of rain in 1950!). The Tully is
the most popular of the three with moderate Grade III to IV rapids, which means the rap-
ids are moderate but rafts require continuous manipulation to stay upright. The Tully also
receives regular hydro-electric dam water releases, with rafting trips timed to coincide
with the increased flow.
Most of the guides who operate tours here have internationally recognised qualifica-
tions and safety is high on their list of priorities. This said, you don't need any experience
to take part, just a need for speed. You also need to be older than 13 on the Tully (or age
10 on the Russell). Rafting day-trips cost around $200, including transfers.
KAYAKING & CANOEING
Kayaking and canoeing are brilliant in Queensland. Numerous outfits along the coast offer paddling expeditions along
calm waterways and lakes, or out through the protected Barrier Reef waters - sometimes from the mainland to offshore
islands.
SITE
OPERATOR
WHAT YOU'LL SEE
Blue Water Kayak Tours
Caloundra
Tours out to Bribie Island
Great Sandy
National Park
Elanda Point (
www.elanda.com.au
)
High-backed dunes, wildflowers, mangroves, rainforests
Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks
Magnetic Island
Photogenic bays, island coastline
Coral Sea Kayaking
Day paddles to Dunk Island; multiday trips to Hinchin-
brook Island
Mission Beach
Redlands Kayak Tours
Moreton Bay
Mangroves, sealife, creeks, islands
