Jetsettersblog

Ever dreamed of exploring the underwater kaleidoscope of the Great Barrier Reef, the natural wonder of the world, or sailing the azure waters of the Whitsunday Islands? Then now is the time to make 2012 the year to learn a new skill.

Whether it’s diving into new depths or improving your culinary prowess, Queensland, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef State, is the perfect place to start adding talents to your New Year’s resolution.

Dive straight in

The Great Barrier Reef is the natural wonder of the world, so of course is THE place to earn your PADI Scuba Certification. Not only is there 1400 miles of incredible coral kingdoms to explore, but the waters are warm and crystal clear. And once you have your certification you can set out to see it all including minke whales, turtles, rays and clown fish.

Lady Elliott Island – Internationally renowned for its superb underwater visibility, this island resort offers a $150 ‘Discover Scuba Diver’ course for beginners. www.ladyelliot.com.au

Pro Dive Cairns – With a two-day pool and theory training course followed by three exciting days living and diving the reef ex Cairns, you will be hooked in no time. Not literally, hopefully. www.prodivecairns.com

Aristocat – Take up to three introductory dives with certified divers and explore the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs in Tropical North Queensland. www.aristocat.com.au

Still burning shrimp on the barbie?

If you are terrified of poisoning your friends and family or simply bored with the same old dishes, a cooking class is the easiest way to earn new skills.
Tamarind Cooking School, Sunshine Coast – The ultimate Thai cooking school including 5 hours of cooking, lunch and matching wines at $165 per person. www.spicersgroup.com.au

Wild Lime Cooking School – Learn to cook with wild finger limes, lemon myrtle, warrigal greens, macadamia nuts, kangaroo meat, mints, peppers and bush tomatoes in the beautiful Lost World Valley, in Brisbane’s Scenic Rim. www.worendo.com/cooking-school

Spirit House – The award-winning restaurant in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers a range of Asian influenced cooking classes culminating in a meal enjoyed in a tropical dining pavilion. www.spirithouse.com.au

Surf your way to the top

Why not discover your inner-grommet and surf your way into 2012?

‘SUP!, Gold Coast – Justin is ex-world champ at paddle boarding and one of the best instructors around for just $50 a lesson. As Justin says, ‘Pure stoke in every stroke!’ Enough said. www.jmsup.com

Get Wet Surf School, Gold Coast – Offering a money-back guarantee if you don’t stand up on your first lesson…what could go wrong. www.getwetsurf.com

Sail away…

Don’t wait until you retire, or you can afford your own yacht, to take up sailing. Get someone else to show you how.

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures – Learn how to sail on a crewed sailing ship, or race a maxi yacht throughout the islands. www.whitsundaysailingadventures.com.au

Sail Capricornia – Board Grace and explore the Keppell Bay islands while learning the ropes. www.sailcapricornia.com.au

Sunsail – Join a sailing school in the incredible Whitsundays for whichever level you are at.

www.sunsail.com.au