Feature: Australia for the adventurous traveller
As the world’s largest island, Australia is not lacking when it comes to beautiful and diverse scenery. With a healthy collection of deserts, forests, rainforests, mountains, gorges, tropical reefs and incredibly beautiful beaches, you can spend a month there and not have a hope of seeing everything it has to offer! And with all the landscapes mentioned above of course comes opportunities for adventures and activities galore. Here are a few of our favourites...
Bridge Climbing
First built in the 30s by English engineers, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark 134 metres tall and is known as the world’s largest steel-arch bridge. In the 70s French stuntman Philippe Petite tight roped across the bridge. We are obviously not recommending you do that! But instead, seriously consider climbing the magnificent structure with Bridge Climb Sydney. There are three options, the longest lasting three and a half hours. Safety equipment and guidance is given, and the company even suggest it is the best way to overcome a fear of heights!
Kitesurfing
Combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics into on extreme sport, kitesurfing is not easy. It will tax all of your arm muscles while you concentrate on balance, direction and wind, so it is advisable to get some training for this adrenaline pumping sport. Australian Kiteboarding School is based in Western Australia’s Perth and is the only school in the area that offers one-to-one tuition.
Fishing
Skirted by three oceans, and miles from any landmass, Australia’s seas are abundant, wild and beautiful at the same time. With the likes of Rex Hunt showing the world the magic of glacier river fly fishing for trout, trolling for marlin and pier fishing for red snapper, fishing is as abundant as Ozzie beer! Ultimate Fishing offer a range of different trips all over the country, from fishing for iconic Barramundi in the tropical north to some deep sea fishing for tuna on the southern shores of Port Lincoln.
White water rafting
The meandering Franklin River in the rugged South West of Tasmania is the most remote commercially rafted river in the world. It’s a fast flowing grey body of water that winds through canyons and Cliffside forests. For an unforgettable experience, Franklin River Rafting Trips offer five to ten day trips on one of the world’s last great wild rivers. This guided service includes camping in remote locations by the river and delicious outdoor food.
Bungee jumping
Located in the tropical north, Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia. Just 15 miles south of the city in dense tropical rainforest is A J Hackett’s Bungee Tower. Surrounded by mountains, trees and a waterfall system, the area abounds in beauty to create a lush oasis which you can enjoy as you climb. There are 17 different jump styles from the 50 metre tower and when you reach the ground you get a certificate and a t-shirt!
Skydiving
While Australia’s most iconic city is beautiful from the ground, it’s also pretty good from the sky too! Skydiving in Sydney is an absolute must if you’re into adventure travel in Australia. Numerous organisations offer the plunge, but first timers might like Skydive the Beach Sydney due to their offering of a tandem jump. Feel the wind on your body as you jump 14,000ft above the beach, seeing the city rise up before you with the incredible Blue Mountains nearby. With 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute is opened, some might say this is a life changing experience...
Surfing
If you had to choose an activity that Australia is most famous for, it would have to be surfing. With thousands of miles of coastline and some of the best breaks in the world, the only thing better than surfing here has to be its incredible beaches. But for beginners, surfing is surprisingly hard, so it’s worth joining a school to learn some much needed basics. Mojo Surf in Byron Bay offers five to 12 day courses with accommodation included.
Road trip
An adventure in itself, the road trip is an Australian classic. With thousands of miles of roads through desert and by beach, the road is etched into the mind of most Australians. With a population of 22 million but a landmass ten times bigger than the UK, spaces between cities are vast - very vast. Kangaroos line the roads, the weather is always hot in the summer and flat lands reach into the far distance. While it is possible to buy or rent a car, if you’re travelling alone you might want to consider an organised trip. Adventure Tours Australia offers just that, a 27 day extravaganza through the centre of the country!
Australia really is a fantastic destination. There is so much to do and see you will never get bored.
