5 Must Do Australian Aquatic Experiences

With more than 50,000 kilometres (31,000 miles) of coastline, Australia has countless beach and seaside destinations to explore. But Australians love of the water extends beyond the coast and inland where rivers, lakes and waterfalls reveal more about why Australia is not just a place you see, but a place you feel.

If you're not sure where to start, follow this guide of six must-do aquatic experiences in Australia.

Drive the coastline on a beautiful road trip

Australia offers incredible road trips that thrill at every turn with secluded beaches, mountaintop views, towering forests and unique wildlife viewing. If you only have a few days available, try the Great Ocean Road. The famous cliff-hugging curves, endless sea views, pretty coastal towns and dramatic rock formations combine to make Victoria’s Great Ocean Road one of the world’s best.

At the other end of the spectrum is Western Australia's Coral Coast, where a 7- 10 day drive is just the start of the adventure particularly well-known for its wildlife experiences. 

Drop into Jurien Bay Marine Park, a unique eco system and breeding ground for Australian sea lions and spend time at Ningaloo Reef, where you don’t even need a boat to see whale sharks close to shore.
 

Conquer the southern hemisphere's highest sea cliffs

The southern hemisphere's highest sea cliffs, made of sheer rock walls, worn and weathered over millions of years by waves and wind may sound daunting, but these cliffs are easily accessible due to the Three Capes Track in Tasmania. The 46 kilometre (29 mile) track makes it easy to experience this unique and rugged natural landscape regardless of how experienced you might be when it comes to hiking or walking. 

Along the way you may see spotted-tailed quolls, Tasmanian devils, wombats and eagles and be greeted by seals, dolphins and turtles in the ocean below. If you visit from May to November, passing pilot, humpback and southern right whales might also feature amongst the stark landscape.

Discover secluded Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach, on the northern New South Wales coast, is uniquely placed next to the popular holiday town of Byron Bay. Take the seaside walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, early morning being the perfect time for this as you could be the first person in Australia to greet the sun. Stay close enough to the beach that you can hear the waves crashing as you float away to sleep at the end of the day.

Travel the length of the Murray River

The Murray River is Australia's largest and it starts as a tiny stream in the Australian Alps before winding more than 2500 kilometres (1500 miles) through five distinct landscapes in three different states to empty into the Southern Ocean off South Australia. The sheer size of this river means that there are countless experiences along its length.

If you're a fan of fishing, point yourself towards the prime fishing spots of Mungabareena and Heywood’s Bridge in Albury-Wodonga, Yarrawonga, Kings Billabong near Mildura, and Paringa and Katarapko in South Australia. If you're looking for an active way to travel the river, hop into a kayak or canoe. Horse-riding is another classic Murray River experience.

Close encounters with Australian marine life

Australia’s wide range of marine environments play host to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. On the NSW South Coast, swim, snorkel and dive with the playful fur seals living around Montague Island with Island Charters Narooma.

Watch the parade of little penguins returning home at sunset on Phillip Island, a 90-minute drive south-east of Melbourne.

Adrenalin junkies can look a crocodile right in the eye at Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove. Hop into the Cage of Death to meet a saltwater crocodile measuring more than five metres (16 feet) long.

And, of course, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do with its 1625 fish species, 450-plus types of coral and other marine animals. At Green Island near Cairns, Seawalker helmet-diving involves walking along the sea floor close to a coral reef.