Australia is the largest country in continental Oceania. Although it is almost the size of the United States, the population is around that of California as the majority of people live on or near the coast lines. Owing to its vast size and scale, Australia is home to rainforests, deserts and stunning coastlines. The east coast makes up the bulk of settlements in Australia in the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria (listed north to south). The country steadily regained its independence from Britain in the early 1900s. This is evident in Australian culture which is heavily influenced by British and European traditions. Although the aboriginal people have been there for millennia, the first foreign settlement was that of prisoners being sent from Ireland and Britain. Sports play a large part in Australian life. Australian rules football, Cricket, Surfing and Rugby are all heavily participated in by youth and adults alike with the respective national teams performing at a consistently high level. Although the Australian summer (December to February) is notoriously warm, 26-35°C (80-95°F), the rest of the year is pleasant especially with a breeze on the coast line.

There are endless opportunities for sailing in Australia. Given the tradition of sailing in the country and the steady breeze, you will never be stuck for somewhere to visit. Below, we have outlined a potential route starting north and heading south via the Great Barrier Reef. Gladstone in Queensland is an excellent starting point. The port marks the end of the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race and is well provisioned with city amenities. From here, Cato Reef marks the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is, by far, the largest in the world with 2,300km of reef extending down the east coast of the country. Although it has experienced some decay in recent years, it makes for essential sailing. Given Azizam’s small draw, the boat is able to sail across the reef farm more accessible than single-hulled boats. It truly is one of the most spectacular sights in the world today. After exploring the reef, your next port of call might be the Gold Coast on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Surfers Paradise is found here with several world class surfing sites and plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Moving south is Sydney, a city that needs little introduction. Although not the capital, Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and is known for its architecture and engineering throughout. A harbor cruise is an essential activity. From Sydney, the next stop on the journey is Melbourne. Tucked away in the state of Victoria on the south coast, Melbourne is an increasingly developing city. The cultural world and enormous bay make for the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.