With a coastline from Lat. 10ºS to 40ºS the East Coast of Australia has some of the best sailing areas of the world, where sailing is practicable for twelve months of the year. From the Coral Sea in the north to the Tasman Sea in the south, there is a sailing area to suit all sailors. Imagine, if you will, mile after mile of tropical beaches, emerald seas sprinkled with coral cays and islands, all protected by the Great Barrier Reef, stretching for over a thousand miles, and here you have the Queensland Coast. Here golden sands and swaying palms are not a dream but reality.

Further down the Queensland coast is Morton Bay. For the dinghy sailor, who is reluctant to go outside, I recommend the trip from Sandgate through the Pummicestone Passage to Caloundra, a trip of forty miles. The passage is between Briby Island and the mainland and is sheltered most of the way. The bay itself can chop up in the south wind; as long as one keeps one eye on the weather a safe passage should be achieved. At this stage, I feel I should warn that this coast has some undesirable characteristics. It is inadvisable to walk around the coral bare-footed, for here is the home of the dreaded stonefish, whose sting results in violent illness, muscular spasms, and all too frequently, death. The mosquitoes, literally as big as night fighters, are a source of annoyance.

Further south we come to the New South Wales coast, six hundred miles long, and laced with navigable waterways, ranging from small lakes a few miles wide to the mighty Hawksbury River, with its two hundred miles of reaches all equally accessible to the dinghy sailor. Boat ramps are provided in most areas by the local councils. The Hawksbury area is the birthplace of farming in Australia. Many of the old homesteads are still to be seen huddled along the banks of the river. At Ebenezer is the oldest church still holding regular services. In the churchyard are the graves of some of the first fleeters.

Still on the Hawksbury, near Wisemans Ferry, is an old and quaint pub, which serves a most delicious brew. The second largest port on the N.S.W. coast is Port Stevens, a yachtsman's delight. It is renowned for its delightful beaches, splendid fishing, and the tranquility of its estuaries. Although it is in close proximity to Newcastle, it is still largely unspoiled. Eleven miles long by three miles wide, Port Stevens provides a climate only a few degrees below that of the Gold Coast.

Although Sydney Harbour is one of the world's loveliest of natural harbours, it is fast becoming very crowded with yacht racing, dinghy and motorboats, all organised by the many sail and motor boat clubs established there. South of Sydney we have Port Kemle, Lake Illswarra, Jervis Bay, St. Georges Basin and Two Fold Bay, all well known and well frequented waterways with fuel and stores readily available.

Now we cross the border into Victoria and here we have the finest of inland waterways on the continent. Known locally as the Mediterranean of the South, the Gippsland Lake, although only fifty miles long by ten miles wide, has something for every personality, fishing to delight any angler, uninhabited islands to explore, barbecues ashore are fun for the whole family where you can charcoal grill your chops or just toss a fish straight off the line. Fire places are provided close to the waters edge.

Native animals and wild flowers abound in the national parks that surround the lakes. Point your dinghy towards secluded bays, inlets, and rivers; rediscover happiness, swim, surf, or just sunbake; here you can soak up the peace of an unspoiled environment.

I have just touched lightly on these places; if any member would like to know more about these or other places in Australia, please feel free to write.