Australia is an undeniably beautiful country, but it’s not the kind of place that you visit just to look at. This is a land of thrills and spills, where the people have a passion for living life to the full and participation is more than just a gentle suggestion. To really experience something of the true Australia you should do as the locals do and throw yourself into some adventure activities.
Adventure Australia - © magann - Fotolia.com
There are countless opportunities to feed your inner adrenaline junky in Australia, so if you’re feeling spoilt for choice and don’t know where to start, take a look at this run down of some of the most incredible adventure activities that money can buy.
Rock Climbing
What better way to conquer the rugged wilds than through rock climbing. Experience the buzz of scaling a cliff and then bask in the well-earned satisfaction of the views you will be treated to. Whether you’re a first time climber or a seasoned pro there are routes to suit all skill levels and plenty of courses around to offer help if you need it.
Scuba Diving
Diving offers you a glimpse into another world full of strange plant life and exotic species. Australia is home to world’s largest coral reef – the Great Barrier Reef – where you will find thousands of fish and numerous endangered species. This is the ultimate place to learn the basics of scuba diving and start exploring the most alien landscape on the planet.
Bungee Jumping
You’ll be taken through the safety talks and strapped into the gear, but only one person can make that final leap, and it’s all on you. There’s only time for a quick prayer to the god of elastic as you plunge to the end of your rope and then lurch back up into the air again for a second look at the view. Bungee jumping is sure to get your heart racing and is one of the most popular adrenaline activities around.
White Water Rafting
Not for the faint hearted, this activity requires good teamwork, a steady hand and nerves of steel. Hurtling through a raging rapid in nothing more than a rubber dinghy, you will need to listen out to the instructions from your guide to help you negotiate the currents and come out on top. Don’t expect to come out of this dry, but you can look forward to some unique views and a genuinely thrilling ride.
Blue Mountain - Courtesy © Chee-Onn Leong - Fotolia.com
Trekking
Setting out on a wilderness trek doesn’t require any previous experience or special skills, and gives you a chance to explore the untouched heart of Australia. With a good pair of walking boots and an experienced guide you could spend a few hours or a few days discovering what lies just beyond the beaten tourist track.
Sailing
What better way to explore the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsunday Islands than from the comfort of a sailing boat? With a drink in one hand and your camera in the other, you will be free to relax in the sunshine and let your captain take care of the rest. If you want to be able to immerse yourself in your surroundings (and who could blame you?) look out for a package that combines sailing and scuba diving into the same tour.
Surfing
Australians are famous for their love of surfing and with access to some of the most impressive waves in the world it’s easy to see why. If you want to start off slowly then enrolling at surf camp will give you a chance to learn the essential tips, tricks and etiquette you’re going to need. Then head out to Bondi beach and you’ll be up on that board before you know it.
Sky Diving
For the ultimate adrenaline rush you can’t beat jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet or even higher! Feel the wind against your face for an intense 30 second free-fall, before the parachute opens out above and you are treated to a unique perspective on some of the most spectacular views going. With no experience necessary on a tandem dive, you’ll reach the ground before you know it and we’re willing to bet you’ll be ready to go again.
Biking Perth - Courtesy Mariusz Prusaczyk & Fotolia
Biking
With the sun on your back and the road just waiting to be travelled, bikes offer a great way to get around Australia without missing a single glimpse of the scenery. Whether you use them to travel between landmarks or join an organised tour, pedal bikes have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly too.
Swimming with Dolphins
Witness the awesome majesty of a pod of wild dolphins as you join them in their natural habitat. Swimming in the company of dolphins gives you first hand experience of their power and grace and if you’re really lucky, the dolphins will be in a playful mood. Finding a connection with these incredible creatures will be an experience that you’ll never forget.
About the author: Copywriter Nicky Hand wrote this article on behalf of Wings Sailing Tours, who offer a range of sailing and diving tours in some of Australia’s most beautiful marine environments.