Australian Adventure Activities
Adventure activities don’t have to break the bank. Bushwalking, for instance, won’t
cost you a cent, while diving, whale watching, camel riding and a host of other pursuits are reasonably priced compared to many other countries.
In Australia the great outdoors is more than just a place for weekend recreation. It’s a way of life. Even city dwellers enjoy easy access to beaches, bushland and national
parks. The image of the fit, sun-tanned Aussie may be a cliché, but in many cases it is true. Blessed with one of the best climates in the world, Australians love to
hike, camp, surf and sail.
Adrenalin addicts are well catered for too. Abseil down a moss-lined canyon, break the sound barrier in a fighter jet, raft down a raging river or swim alongside the awesome
whale shark, the world’s biggest fish.
It pays to be reasonably fit if you are going to climb Mt Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak, or hike along the 18-day Larapinta Trail in the Red Centre, but you don’t
have to be an Olympic triathlete to enjoy most of these activities. So slap on some sunscreen, summon up some energy, and hike, bike, board and bungee your way around the continent.
Motor Mania
If you thrill to speed, Australia provides plenty of excitement: everything from flying a jet fighter (complete with combat kit) to driving a rally car. Zip across
Sydney Harbour in a high-speed jetboat, hire a Harley or catch the action in some of the world's fastest drag bike racing events.
Be your own rally driver
Watching rally driving on the TV is one thing, having a go yourself is quite another. Bombing along a dirt track at high speed and sliding round slippery corners provides
a huge buzz.
Hurtle the Harbour
Sydney Harbour will never seem the same after you've zipped across it in a high-speed jetboat. Experience high speed adrenalin and the magnificent views of Sydney all at
the same time.
Hit the big Harley trails
The awesome throb of Harley Davidson motorbikes echoes through the streets of Alice Springs, the environs of Canberra and along the Great Ocean
Touring Route. You can hire the bikes or ride pillion.
Four-wheel drive freedom
In many parts of Australia, when the roads turn to dirt and the going gets really tough, the only way to explore is by four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Classic 4WD safaris include the journey from Cairns to Australia’s northernmost point at the tip of Cape York, and through the wetlands, billabongs and floodplains of
Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.
The Gibb River Road, a rough, rocky dirt track, takes you through the heart of the spectacular Kimberley region in northern Western Australia, one of the country’s
last frontiers.
Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, is criss-crossed with 4WD sand tracks which provide access to picturesque camping spots, crystal clear lagoons
and long, sandy beaches.
In the Red Centre, 4WD operators unlock the secrets of stunningly beautiful but remote areas like Palm Valley, Chambers Pillar and Arltunga Historical Reserve, once the site
of Australia’s most remote gold rush.
The Outback around Broken Hill, in the far west of New South Wales, also provides the ideal environment for 4WD exploring.
For the ultimate 4WD experience, hit one of the old droving routes which criss-cross Australia such as the Birdsville Track between Queensland and South Australia, the Canning
Stock Route in Western Australia, or the Tanami Track between Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Marine Paradise
Australia's vast coastline provides enough beaches, coves and ports to keep surfers and marine enthusiasts happy all year round. Diversions include whitewater
river rafting through tropical rainforests and canoeing through the Northern Territory's tranquil and majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Diving and snorkelling
From the Great Barrier Reef to Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef - marine and coral life flourish and diving is superb. Try underwater photography or explore shipwrecks. Dive schools
teach you how. Read more.
White water rafting & more
If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, here are some activities that allow you to enjoy Australia’s rivers and surrounding scenery.
Surf's up all year round
Want to learn surfing? Australia offers plenty of moderate waves for practice. Already proficient? Then you'll be in surf heaven! Australia has dominated
world surfing for three decades; it's a way of life.
Sail wondrous waters
If you’re into sailing, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are an experienced “old salt” or prefer to sit back & let
the crew do the work it’s
almost impossible to visit Australia without wanting to get out on the water.
Paddle your own canoe
Glide silently across pristine lakes. Paddle the Northern Territory's astonishing Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Explore the wetlands of the great Murray
River. Turbulent or tranquil, it's your choice.
|