Top 5 boating destinations on Australia’s east coast

With a coastline stretching over 4,000km, Australia’s east coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to boating for those lucky enough to own one! Cars for Cancer lottery No. 98 is giving you the chance to win not only a Ford Ranger FX4 MAX, but also a Bar Crusher 615 and $95,000 in cashable gold bullion. Read on to find out where we’d take the Bar Crusher if we chose the Sea prize package.

1. Tangalooma Wrecks

Although relatively unknown to those living outside of Brisbane, the Tangalooma wrecks just off the coast of Moreton Island is a popular destination for locals on the weekends and school holidays. A man-made wonder, the wrecks comprise of a group of 15 vessels intentionally sunk to provide a break wall and safe place for small boats to anchor, ideal for recreational boat owners to explore. Pack the snorkelling gear—the coral formation in and around the wrecks attract an array of marine life to these turquoise waters including over 100 species of fish, dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs!

2. The Great Sandy Strait

The Great Sandy Strait is home to the largest sand island in the world—heritage-listed Fraser Island, known as K’gari to the Butchulla people. Fraser Island forms a unique seaward barrier, providing sheltered waters for boaties to cruise through. Recognised in 2009 by UNESCO, the Great Sandy Strait Biosphere is a significant and complex collection of ecosystems and diverse landscape that extends 70 kilometres south from Hervey Bay to Inskip Point. Navigate your boat to the pristine beaches of Fraser Island, discover other islands dotting the strait like Big Woody, Pannikin and Round Bush, or head further south towards Tin Can Bay.

3. Port Stephens

Just half an hour’s drive north of Newcastle is where you’ll find “The Blue Water Paradise”, also known as Port Stephens. It’s a boatie’s dream with plenty of rivers, lakes and creeks to explore. Cruise between the small islands and discover a myriad of local wildlife. Cast a line and you could be hauling in mahi mahi or snapper for dinner; or berth your boat at one of the three state of the art marinas to discover the surrounding towns and villages.

4. Jervis Bay

The calm, crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay—200km south of Sydney—makes for the perfect location to go fishing, swimming or snorkelling. Take your boat out to discover the stunning white sandy beach and unspoiled waterways, or further south to the inlets. Be sure to stay alert and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins! For those wanting to take a break from the waters, explore the land and learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the area or go for a hike through the bushlands of Jervis Bay National Park.

5. Gippsland Lakes

While the Queensland and New South Wales coastline are full of beautiful destinations for boaties, Victoria has the equally as amazing Gippsland Lakes. It covers an area that stretches out to 354km and comprises of Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria, all which can be easily navigated through by boat. For wildlife enthusiasts, you might be able to spot the rare and endangered Burrunan dolphins in these waters, or sail on over to Raymond Island –only accessible by boat—home to Victoria’s largest Koala population. For the avid anglers, head to Paynesville, Metung and Lakes Entrance where you’ll find bream, flathead, tailor and more!

You could explore some of these unique destinations in your very own Bar Crusher 615 boat included in the Sea prize package of the Cars for Cancer lottery No. 98, which also includes a Ford Ranger FX4 MAX PLUS $95,000 in cashable gold bullion. Purchase your tickets today to be in the draw!