Australian waters reveal boundless vistas

Australia's 36,000km of coast, large rivers and extensive inland waterways open up a vast range of sights, the Australian Tourist Commission says.

Touring can be on or in anything from a home-away-from-home luxury houseboat on the Murray River to a high-tech custom-built Aussie Duck - an amphibian boat which tours Sydney's streets before splashing into the harbour for a waterborne expedition.

A large fleet of catamarans, cruisers and luxury and standard yachts are available for tours around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, and a step back in time can be taken on Murray River paddlesteamer tours to see rare and endangered wildlife.

Contact: For water tours and cruising phone 0800 650 303, or visit www.australia.com