I have never got tired of surfing, but every once in a while it is more than fine to check out what else the sea can bring us besides waves. It feels great to go diving the day after an exhausting surfing session. It is relaxing and yet there is tons of fun to be had in a complete different way from surfing. Plus, if you are going to spend all your savings on a surfing trip, you better make it count.

In fact, Australia is a great place for diving. Let's dive into some of my favorite places:

Yongala, Queensland

This is probably the best wreck dive on the planet. The SS Yongala is 110 emeters in size and sank a century ago. It is not uncommon to watch different kind of sharks and whales here.

Point Murat Navy Pier

Located 300 meters from Exmouth shore, this pier offers what is often considered as the best manmade diving site. The highlight of this location is its wide variety of fauna you can find; from octopi to scorpion fish or, again, sharks.

North Horn, Osprey Reef

Have I mentioned that you can easily find sharks in Australia? Up to a dozen of different types of sharks can be found here. My favorite is the hammerhead.

Cod Hole, Great Barrier Reef

Just like everybody's favorite turtle scene in Finding Nemo, but in real life. Alongside the beautiful Great Barrier Reef you'll find green turtles, gigantic cods, sea flowery, etc. Plus the water is clear!

Cocklebiddy Cave

This is the longest submerged cave in the world, with a 300 meter chamber that leads to a huge lake. Legend says that less than 100 people have ever entered this cave, and not only do you have to be a true diving master, but you must also be granted access by Western Australia's Conservation and Land Management. So, for now, we will have to settle for the stories from those who have been fortunate enough to have been there.

The Internet has plenty of lists talking about the most dangerous waves in the world or the best beaches to practice surfing. I recommend having a look at these links because you will find incredible information about surfing.

I have a passion for surfing; I have experience and I know that it’s a bit annoying for those people who are starting in this sport or have experience practising it but they are still not ready to face an important wave, to see videos of other people just surfing the most incredible waves.

This is the reason I have decided to write about 5 beaches which have good waves, but not the best, for those people who are still learning the art of surfing.

Mundaka-Spain

This village is located in the North of Spain, in the Basque Country and it is one of the most famous places in Europe to surf waves.

You’ll find plenty of professional surfers, who I’m sure, will be able to teach you how to surf a good wave. There you will find waves from 2-3 metres- an ideal size!

Fistral Beach, Newquay, England

Cold weather, but great waves to start with. It’s the surf capital of the west of England. They have a very good school of surf with excellent facilities and equipment.

Gold Coast, Australia

Of course, Australia. Gold Coast is a big region of Queensland. It’s a tourist destination and an ideal place if you love the subtropical climate.

You will find here some beaches; some of them are good enough for beginners and others like Superbank, a Gold Coast region, for advance suffers.

Bundoran Beach, County Dondegal, Ireland

It’s located in the North-West of Ireland. It hasn’t had a deep tradition of surfing, but in later times the surfing passion has increased significantly in this area.

Fulong Beach, Taiwan

Waves range from one to two meters here. It’s a sandy beach and has clear waters suitable for sailing, surfing or windsurfing.

Spanish is a beautiful sounding language and it can help you speak to the locals in some fascinating countries. Whilst there are many different ways to learn a language, in my view one of the best ways to really get to grips with the vocabulary and grammar as fast as you can is by surrounding yourself with its speech, culture and people. My dream destination would be Spain itself, and here’s why...

1. It fits into the bigger picture

It’s perfectly possible to take a trip around the world taking in manySpanish speaking countries. My first stop would be Spain to get a good grounding in the language at a language school such as Clic (www.clic.es)before moving on to try out my speaking skills on the South American continent. What a trip!

2.To meet the friendly people 

Aussies are well known for being welcoming to their visitors, and, so I’ve heard, the Spanish are also known for their friendly manner. 

Spain is not short of places to let your hairdown and make some new friends. As a surf-lover, my pick has to be San Miguel Pro in Zarautz, Basque country, where I’d be chilling out with the locals each evening after hours of surf watching. I wouldn’t mind getting involved in the Tomatina festival, as well – tomato throwing sounds like a good way to have fun and make friends!

3.To get immersed in historic culture

Spain’s architectural and artistic wealth can be traced back to the many phases of its history. The different regions have each experienced their own chapters.

From the Islamic influences of the Andalucían cities, to the stunning Roman remains at Tarragonaand onwards to the cultural offerings of present day Spanish artists, these surroundings make fora unique classroom. 

4. It’s many countries in one


Although many outsiders view Spain as one country, it is in fact compiled of many regions, each with their own customs, identity, and some of them even have their own language.

For those who take Spanish courses in Spain, Castilian Spanish is most likely to be the language taught. There are also other Spanish languages, including Catalan spoken in Catalonia and Basque in the Basque Country.

Taking the train between regions is a great way of finding out about the contrasts between them. At each stop you’ll discover something new.

5. The romantic cities

Don’t get me wrong, Australia has its fair share of gorgeous cities, from glamorousSydney to gentrified Adelaide to outdoor-loving Perth. But the thought of spending the morning in a Spanish class in inner city Barcelona before heading to the coast for a sunny afternoon on its Mediterranean beach sounds like a really exotic change to home.

Spain is a country blessed with gorgeous cities. My other top picks are:

Seville

Known the world over for its orange-lined streets, visit this city to experience some laid-back living.

Madrid

This is a bustling artistic and commercial centre with scorching summer temperatures.

San Sebastian

Heading northwards, this coastal city is the place to enjoy delicious snacks called pintxo.

Spain is a dream destination because it has so many different features to please any visitor. Its character as a nation and the character of its peoplemake it perfectly suited to those wishing to learn and perfect their Spanish. 

Resource Box:

Spain is Culture

Find out more about the history of Spanish culture, right up to the present day.

Spanish football news

Catch up on the latest in Spanish football on the Guardian before you go.

Spain.info

General information about Spain to help you 

To discover best of my beautiful country, you need to take a walk in the countryside, away from the city in where is the heart of Australia. One of the most known and finest australian walks is the Larapinta Trail, in the West MacDonnel Ranges, a trekking adventure that will leave you speechless. Here, this is the real Australia, the rough and amazing side of nature, something that anyone visiting us should experience.

The Larapinta Trail has now become one of the top 10 walks in the world for many trekkers and there are a few companies organising the trip. If you like going on an adventure that involves walking while watching the wildlife and taking in the landscape, camping in the wild and learn more about the country you're in, don't hesitate.

The trek takes between 6 to 16 days depending on how many sections of the trail you want to do. There is nothing like walking in this ancient land, whether it is on the ridgelines of the mountain chain, or on the vast flood plains along the razorback rocky outcrops. You can really connect with the heart of the country and understand what makes Australia so special and attractive.

After your trek, you will see our country with different eyes and you will take memories with you that no other tourist attraction can provide.