Fishing

The closest town on the Queensland coast to the Great Barrier Reef, Cooktown offers fast, easy access to some of the reef's best fishing (and dive) sites. Boats bristling with game-fishing gear depart from the marina daily, bound for famed fishing grounds on the outer reef, and at Egret and Boulder, 10 miles offshore. The likely catch: Spanish mackerel, sailfish, coral trout, red and spangled emperor, and black marlin.

Gone Fishing. Specializing in half- and full-day fishing charters on the Endeavour River and the estuaries and islands offshore, Gone Fishing also offers small-group, two-hour river tours and crocodile-spotting expeditions. Wilkinson St., Lot 3, Cooktown, Queensland, 4895. 07/4069–5980; 0427/695–980; www.fishingcooktown.com. From A$115 per person.