In the YourLifeChoices most recent Australian Travel Inspirations survey, six in 10 of our respondents said ‘adventure’ was the main reason they travelled.
And the majority also said when they imagine themselves on their next Australian travel experience, they would be physically active, either walking, climbing, hiking or exploring.
Older Aussies often get lumped in the ‘cruiser’ category, when the reality is, they’re keen for adventure, and many would also like to do something epic to punctuate their holiday.
Tourism Australia has released its 101 ways to holiday in Australia. So, for the thrillseekers and adventure junkies, this may be the ideal source of inspiration. We’ve already covered food and wine must-dos and how to get your fix of art and culture.
Today, we continue the countdown and show you how to do something epic.
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54. Get your heart pumping with a skydive
Experience the ultimate thrill of freefall at over 200 kilometres per hour (124 miles per hour), and then float under a canopy while soaking up spectacular views of Australia with a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience. Tandem dives take place above some of Australia’s most spectacular beaches, cities and bushland.
55. Cast a line for fishing riches
Any way you look at it, Australia is an angler’s paradise. There are dozens of experiences to choose from – including tours that belong on your bucket list – and almost as many fish species to catch.
56. Golf Australia’s great courses
Golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class courses in Australia. Whether you spend the day on coastal links or a championship course, a day on the green combines the best of Australia’s nature and laidback lifestyle. Keen golfers can also get exclusive access to some of the most impressive private-member courses in the country with the Great Golf Courses of Australia collective.
Read more: The surprising health and fitness benefits of golf
57. Sandboard down the dunes
Whether it’s at Anna Bay in New South Wales, North Stradbroke Island in Queensland or elsewhere, there are plenty of locations around Australia where you can hit the sand dunes with a sandboard. Book a sandboarding tour to please the whole family.
58. Go heli-fishing
One of the most spectacular fishing adventures available to keen anglers is heli-fishing in remote landscapes. There are several heli-fishing adventures to be had in Australia, and you can choose from durations ranging from five hours to three days. Just hop into the chopper and you’ll be whisked away to a fishing hotspot not accessible by land.
59. Take a scenic flight
Book in a scenic flight and soar over Australia’s icons. See the city from a new perspective, marvel at the power of a rushing waterfall or follow a rugged coastline foaming with white waves. Choose from a range of short, day-long and sunset tours, or book a charter flight.
60. Deep dive into shipwrecks
From our spectacular coral reefs to purposely sunken ships, Australia is filled with amazing dive spots. There are over 8000 shipwrecks in Australia’s oceans, as well as numerous local operators who can guide you beneath the twisted hulls to reveal the stories of these ill-fated voyages. Many also offer the opportunity to swim alongside marine life such as rays and turtles.
Read more: Dream now, do later – how to plot future travel adventures
61. Head to a theme park
Though the Gold Coast is the most famous destination for theme parks in Australia, there are countless other fun parks located throughout each state and territory. It’s a great day out for kids, but adults are also sure to love the thrill.
62. Abseil off a cliff
If you’re feeling particularly brave, Australia offers a number of commercial abseiling locations where you can really get your adrenaline pumping. For a unique and breathtaking descent, take on the world’s highest commercial abseil down the Gordon Dam wall in Tasmania.
63. Raft through rainforests
The rainforest is captivating from any angle, but perhaps one of the best is from a river raft through the tangle of trees. With a number of beginner and more untamed rivers on offer, you can be drifting in tranquil pools one moment and navigating exhilarating rapids the next.
64. Have a bareboating adventure
For those with sailing experience and reliable friends or family to act as crew, renting a yacht and committing to skippering it yourself is the ultimate way to explore one of Australia’s many beautiful sailing destinations.
Read more: Looking for a unique adventure? Why not try bareboating?
65. Walk among the treetops
For a birds-eye view of the forest, try one of Australia’s impressive treetop walkways. Western Australia’s Valley of the Giants boasts walkways suspended 40 metres (131 feet) above ground in the forest canopy. Enjoy the view from up here – some trees in this region live for more than 400 years.
66. Rock climb on a cliff face
For the daring, there are cliff faces and large boulders all across Australia where you can put your rock-climbing abilities to the test. Climbers are spoilt for choice with granite slabs, dolerite ridges and long, coastal trad climbs – there’s almost nothing in the world of climbing that you can’t experience somewhere in Australia.
67. Find Australia’s most Instagrammable shots
It’s no secret that Australia is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ destinations on earth. With its aqua blue waters, white sandy beaches and red desert landscapes, Australia’s diverse colour palette is no stranger to a like, share or geotag. Whether you’re looking to build the perfect online aesthetic or seeking bragging rights, your next thumb-stopping photo op is sure to be found hidden in Australia’s vast landscape.
Read more: Five epic Aussie adventures
68. Do the ‘Big Lap’
Something that should be on every Australian’s bucket list is the ‘Big Lap’, a road trip that will take you in a circle around the entire country. Pack up the car and head either north or south, and just keep driving until you end up back where you started. Don’t set off without a plan; you’ll need the right vehicle and the right equipment to complete the journey.
How ‘epic’ do you get on holidays? What’s the most epic thing you’ve done? Why not share your experiences with our members in the comments section below?
Article edited from 101 ways to holiday here this year originally published on www.australia.com.
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