Australia - high adrenaline but laid back experience?

[winspiff]

I'm planning to go to Australia this summer. I live in Connecticut, USA. I think my monetary limit is around $10,000 (loans), but I hope I don't have to spend that much.

I want to spend my time there skydiving, learning to surf, scuba diving, partying and hang gliding. I keep in shape, so other active stuff is good, too. I want a relaxed, laid back experience. This is really all about me opening up and feeling free to do what I want for the first time in my life (I'm 24).

I have no conception of how to get there, where to go, best places to stay, anything. Any ideas would be awesome. Also, any other websites you can point me to would be awesome as well.

Thanks!