Looking for action without glitz? You won't find Gold Coast razzamatazz here - just pure, unadulterated exhilaration.

Surfers rave about Merimbula's bar. Body and kite surfers pick and choose between a dozen breaks. Ocean swimmers revel in the pristine water, or how about jet-skiing, water-skiing and wake-boarding? There are half a dozen lakes and estuaries within easy reach.

Anglers can test their skill for tuna, kingfish and swordfish on the continental shelf or pump a nipper with the kids to hook a bream or salmon from the beach or the lake. Flyfishers don't miss out with mountain streams and stocked dams within a short drive.

Is underwater adventure more your thing? Scuba dive or snorkel in hidden nooks and crannies on a dramatic coastline of ocean cliffs, seagrass beds and sunken ships.

Tour the ocean, rivers and lakes by canoe, kayak or surfski. Exhilarating scenery, peaceful waters or challenging swells - choose your mood, choose your place.

Some days though, you just don't want to get wet. So, pick a different golf course or bowling green each day, explore a myriad of bush tracks for your daily run, tour kilometres of cycle paths and mountain bike trails or ride our thrilling skateparks.