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Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands.

You can ride the rails on mono-hulled Maxi Racers such as the Matador, British Defender, or Spank Me. Matador is a 26m (85-ft.) high-tech racer that was undefeated in more than 50 races. The British Defender is a 25m (83-ft.) high-tech yacht raced by the British Armed Services in an Around the World Race. Spank Me won the 1990 Sidney to Hobart Race in 1990. For those that prefer a boat that doesn’t heal over, the 20m (67-ft.) trimaran, Avatar, is a screamer that rides flat.

For those excited and anxious to get hands-on sailing experience, most of these charters provide instruction and the opportunity to raise, lower, and trim the sails, take the helm, or just relax, enjoy the ride, and search for local dolphins or whales. Depending upon the charter you choose, you can snorkel or dive from the yacht, or arrange a rendezvous with a dive boat and dive the Great Barrier Reef. When you contact an operator make certain that you specify the type of trip you want, ask what you should bring aboard. Many of the boats provide drinking water, but soft drinks and alcohol are BYO. Food is provided. Also check out the sleeping and bathroom accommodations. Don’t expect a private cabin or bath. For those who don’t want to overnight, day trips are available with several operators.

For those that wish another sailing experience, century old, wood-deck tall ships such as the Solway Lass are available for charter. Get up in the rigging and reef the sails. For experienced sailors there are numerous bareboat (sail it yourself) charters. Most of the boats are in the 9 to 12m (30–40-ft.) range, with numerous Catalinas and Bavarias available. Crews can be arranged for some of the larger boats.

The Whitsunday Islands are the closest point between Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Diving and snorkeling opportunities are abundant in the area and trips to the Reef for diving can be arranged. Big game fishing, ATV trips, and golf are also available. —LF

Whitsunday Tourism ( 1300-717-407;www.whitsundaytourism.com).

Tours: Blue Paradise Sailing (www.blueparadisesailing.com.au). Southern Cross Sailing Adventures ( 61/7/4946 4999;www.soxsail.com.au).

When to Go: Apr–Nov; best whale-watching is July–Sept.

Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine, and Hamilton Island Airport.

$$ Long Island Resort, Whitsunday Passage ( 61/7/3391-2890; www.longislandresort.com.au). $–$$ Summit Apartments Airlie Beach, 15 Flame Tree Court ( 61/7/4946- 3400;www.summitairliebeach.com.au).

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Jet Boating on Swan River

A Wet & Wild Ride

Perth, Australia

Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world. Set on the westernmost coast of Australia, it’s more than 3,220km (2,000 miles) from any other major city in the world and separated from Sydney by a vast continental desert. But its setting makes it one of Australia’s best cities for outdoor enthusiasts—and water lovers in particular. A Mediterranean climate, an abundance of parkland, and a vast public waterfront along Swan River and the Indian Ocean create a natural oasis in an urban environment. Scuba diving and surfing are popular pursuits on the sea. Sailing, water-skiing, and boating are constant activities on the river.

Of the many ways to get wet when you visit Perth, the most exhilarating is a jet boat ride. As you speed through Swan River for 25 minutes, with an upbeat soundtrack blasting from the speakers, you’ll experience a mixture of 360-degree spins, wild fish tails, and amazing power brake stops. At full power, a 9m (30-ft.) vessel that seats 14 passengers can reach nearly 80kmph (50 mph). Hold on tight and keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of the city’s famous Kings Park and Botanic Garden (www.bgpa.wa.gov.au) and Old Swan Brewery (www.oldswanbrewery.com.au) as you race past.

If this rousing tour sparked your curiosity about the history of the area’s waterways, you can learn more at the Western Australia Maritime Museum (www.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime) on Victoria Quay in Fremantle. Or, if you’d rather stay