LIFESTYLE IN AUSTRALIA

Australia's climate and geography provide the perfect playground for relaxation and enjoyment for the whole family.

Australia is known as the sporting nation. Australians play sport, watch sport, bet on sport and talk sport more than anything else.

The excellent climate, outstanding natural opportunities, adequate leisure time and a healthy population provide the perfect opportunity for sporting activity.

There are few countries in the world where you can take part in such a variety of sports, at almost any time of the year. Golf courses are everywhere and are very affordable. Many people also play tennis and bowls. Other popular sports include soccer, all types of football, baseball, basketball, hockey, netball, swimming, surfing and of course cricket.

One result with Australia's preoccupation with sport is the large number of world championships and record holders the country can claim.

Practically every leisure pursuit known to man can be found within Australia's boundaries. From snow skiing to scuba diving and everything in between. Here are just a few of the wonderful activities that are enjoyed in Australia.

GAMING

Australia has a well-merited reputation as a nation of gamblers. Rumour has it that large amounts of money have been wagered on two flies crawling up a wall.

Today, gaming has become much more sophisticated. Licensed clubs and hotels are permitted to operate poker machines. Profits are distributed throughout the community providing sports facilities, social support, cultural activities and sports sponsorship.

GOLF

Australia boasts over 1,400 courses with a large number being world class designed to test the best of golfers. Some courses are incorporated in resorts and have limited memberships whilst a number of newer clubs actively pursue new memberships.

FISHING

More people engage in fishing than any other single leisure activity in Australia - which is hardly surprising given the extent of Australia's coastline and inland waterways.

Some of the best sea fishing does not even need a boat. Fishing from the beach, or from rocks, can produce catches of a wide range of fish. Most are edible, and some rate among the best eating fish in the sea. However, care should be taken, as some poisonous fish exist in our waters.

A word of caution though when fishing from rocks. It is advisable to go first with an experienced fisherman. Many lives have been lost while fishing from rocks without knowing of the dangers.

BOATING

Australia is a nation of yachties and boaties. The ideal weather, large expanses of safe coastal water, plentiful secure anchorages and many inland waterways entice Australians to spend a lot of their leisure time on the water.

Ownership of boats is very popular. Facilities abound for all classes ranging from dinghies to multi-million dollar cruiser and yachts.

On days like 1988 Bi-Centenary celebrations and the start of the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race, Sydney Harbour is wall to wall boats of all descriptions. A sight to behold even if you are not out there on the water.

The Boating Industry Association is represented in most states and is able to offer advice and assistance in the purchas and ownership of all boat types.

HORSE RACING

The sport of kings in many countries is accessible to all people in Australia. For many Australians in all states have enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing on all levels. This includes owning, breeding, syndication, watching and of course betting on most of the big races around the nation.

The Great Outdoors

Perhaps the most frequent activity outdoors is that great Aussie institution the barbeque, or, in its abbreviated form, barbie. Practically everyone owns or has access to a barbeque simply a chargrill, hot plate, or both, fuelled by gas, coal or wood. Many of them are portable.

For some unknown reason (lost in the mists of tradition) the male of the household is expected to cook the barbeque.

To the surprise of many and most wives the variety and quality of food cooked on barbeques can be remarkably good. For these great social occasions everyone gathers around the hardworking head chef and his helpers. These are usually mates whose only support is verbal.

Combined with some fine Australian wines and beer, the barbeque becomes a great focal point for conversation and enjoyment. When you are invited to Come around and chuck a prawn on the Barbie you know you have found your first Aussie Mate.

Holidays

Australians spend a lot their holidays within Australia simply because of the huge range of holiday styles and destinations available.

With a choice of resorts, hotels, motels, caravan, camping grounds, and privately owned holiday homes, there is a destination to suit any budget.

With the exception of Christmas and New Year, there is no particular time of year for holidays, Australia's wide range of geographical conditions means that the best weather is available in different times of the year in different places. For instance a boating holiday in Northern Queensland is best between April and October, while a fishing holiday on the south coast of New South Wales is more suited to mid to late summer.

Food

The world is discovering the freshness and quality of Australian foods and wines. Restaurants around the world carry a menu of Australian Wines, meats and seafood. Sophisticated Australian food products, fresh or processed, are very good export business. Imagine how good they taste at their source. From Margaret Rivers superb wines to the creamy cheeses of King Island and the world famous Sydney Rock Oysters, Australia has it all.

Eating out for pleasure and health

The combination of a clean environment and growing sophistication in cooking and presentation has given Australia great food, presented superbly. Every Australian city has haute cuisine restaurants which rival the world's best and number of unique Australian cuisines have emerged.

Australians and visitors can largely thank the successive waves of immigrants for this quality and choice. First came Chinese restaurants, brought by the gold miners and soon established in every town and city of Australia. Now the heartiness of Mediterranean cuisine, the delicacy of Japanese presentation and the intense flavours of Thai cooking as well as many others.

Australia's food products are not only healthy and fresh, grown far from pollution and free of pesticides and herbicides. Best of all, fruit and vegetables as well as meat and fish are relatively cheap in Australia.