Australia has a sense of adventure that is unmatched by many other places on earth. This country, which enjoys plenty of sunshine, is blessed with a variety of untamed and stunning landscapes, making it the ideal location for thrilling adventures on both land and sea. A horizontal waterfall, whale shark snorkelling, sailing the sweltering Whitsunday Islands, and diving the Great Barrier Reef are all accessible along the shore. More difficult experiences await in the parched interior of the country’s red-earth deserts. In addition to kayaking through imposing gorges with red walls, Australia’s well-known outback tracks provide the best 4WD excursions.
Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating outdoor adventure or a relaxing nature escape, Australia has something for everyone. From bushwalking and surfing to canyoning and rock climbing, there are endless possibilities for exploring the great outdoors. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best outdoor adventures Australia has to offer.
Dive and Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
There are thrilling land-based activities galore in Australia, but you can also visit the world’s largest coral reef system. One of Australia’s top tourist destinations and a must-do experience for adventurers, this World Heritage-listed jewel in the Australian state of Queensland is made up of more than 2,900 distinct reefs. The experience of swimming off the reef’s edge is like hovering over an underwater forest. You can witness vibrant hard and soft corals, brilliant tropical fish, enormous clams, whales, shark schools, big cod, and even shipwrecks whether you’re diving or snorkelling.
The reef may be explored in great detail on liveaboard day cruises, but if you’re pressed for time, snorkelling and scuba diving day trips are also available from Airlie Beach, Port Douglas, and Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkelling Cruise from Cairns is a fantastic alternative for exploring this natural wonder if you’re staying in Cairns. A barbeque lunch, all the necessary gear and instruction, a full-day snorkelling and diving expedition, and an additional, optional sightseeing helicopter flight over the reef are all included in the package. This is one outdoor activity you should complete as soon as possible because the Great Barrier Reef has recently experienced unprecedented bleaching.
Whale Shark Snorkeling in Ningaloo Reef
The largest fish on earth, a gentle 10-meter-long whale shark, passes you by as you glide along softly. You may fulfil this fantasy on a Ningaloo Reef Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure from Exmouth off the north coast of Western Australia. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast contains the world’s longest fringing reef, 200 kinds of hard coral, 50 species of soft coral, and a bewildering variety of tropical fish. However, it is frequently overshadowed by the well-known Great Barrier Reef. There are also dugongs, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales in the park, but the beautiful whale sharks that frequent these waters from April to August are the real attraction.
As soon as a whale shark is sighted from the air, a boat whisks you off to the ideal position where you may don your snorkelling or diving gear, plunge into the crystal-clear waters, and swim through a flurry of bubbles to within metres of these beautiful creatures. Flying from Perth to Learmonth Airport in two hours will get you to Ningaloo the quickest. The small seaside resort of Coral Bay and the nearby Exmouth are excellent locations for touring the park.
Sailing in Queensland’s Whitsundays
The 74 exquisite Whitsunday Islands, scattered throughout the Great Barrier Reef, are the ideal setting for sailing excursions. Off the coast of central Queensland, in the crystal-clear Coral Sea, are the islands. Six national parks preserve the majority of them, and eight of them, including the opulent InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and Hamilton Island’s Qualia Resort, are deserted and host resorts.
The waters are normally tranquil and perfect for sailing, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, and swimming because of the reef’s protective embrace. Whitehaven Beach’s sparkling silica beaches, the heart-shaped Heart Reef, and the underwater wonderland with its enormous clams, vibrant coral, and tropical fish are all highlights of sailing among these idyllic islands. The bays of Butterfly, Blue Pearl, and Hook Island offer secure anchorages. Airlie Beach on the mainland serves as the primary starting place for sailing excursions, and there you may reserve traditional sailing vessels, catamarans, and tall ships. There are bareboat and crewed charters available.
Surf the Jungle in Queensland’s Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland, a tropical region, is one of the few locations on earth where the coral reef and rainforest, two of the planet’s richest ecosystems, collide along gleaming white sand beaches.
On a Cape Tribulation Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour, you may zipline into the jungle canopy of the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world and a World Heritage Site, to get a bird’s-eye view of this breathtaking splendour. For the whole family, this is a fantastic adventure. Once you’re strapped into the equipment, you may soar through the old treetops, stopping at several platforms along the route to take in the rainforest and learn about its ecosystem. No prior knowledge is required for the tours, which take roughly two hours. When making reservations, plan ahead, especially during school breaks.
Horizontal Falls Jet Boat Tour
Deep within the rough Kimberley region, Horizontal Falls offers an exhilarating seaplane and jet boat ride. You can have a full day of fun by signing up for a guided tour, you can check out our website to help you with that. Most tours start with a low-level seaplane flight over the breathtaking Buccaneer Archipelago, where 800 islands dot the stunning turquoise water and red cliffs rise along the shore. You take a jet boat over the smooth waters past the boiling horizontal falls, which are actually strong tides of up to 11 metres that pour through two small gorges, after water landing on peaceful Talbot Bay and a delightful meal.
After the cruise, the tour typically includes shark swims in the security of a cage that is both sharks- and saltwater crocodile-proof, in case you’re seeking an even more intense thrill in this isolated region of Australia. A houseboat can be rented for an entire night, and seaplane trips leave from Derby or Broome. The half-day tour to Horizontal Falls from Broome is a practical choice if you’re pressed for time, and there are flights in both directions to shorten the trip.
River-rafting on the Franklin River
One of the greatest rafting trips in the world takes place on Tasmania’s enormous Franklin River, which runs through a breathtaking World Heritage Site. This untamed and stunning river continues to be a success for the environmental movement. Dedicated activists successfully prevented the damming of the river in the 1980s. Thanks to their efforts, you may now take a multi-day rafting trip here to take in the area’s pristine splendour.
The 125-kilometre Franklin River to Gordon River trip usually lasts 5 to 10 days and takes place through a magnificent wilderness of eucalyptus woods, serene ponds, and raging rapids. Wallabies, platypus, and black cockatoos are among the local wildlife. Although no prior rafting experience is necessary, rafters should be physically fit in order to assist with portaging at the more wild sections of the river, some of which contain Class VI rapids. Equipment, lunches (which are typically made using fresh local vegetables), and knowledgeable guides are all included on trips.
More Adventures Awaits
Australia might be one of the most expensive countries to travel to but it is also one of the most beautiful. Remember, Australia offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a tranquil nature getaway or an intense outdoor experience. Outdoor adventures in Australia are some of the best in the world. From hiking and climbing to kayaking and surfing, there is something for everyone. We hope you’re able to make a trip out to this beautiful country and experience it for yourself! To find out more about Australia’s best outdoor adventures, check out our website and leave us a comment.
