Looking for thrills? Here’s 7 adrenalin-pumping activities to try
A couple of years in pandemic lockdown has left Aussies feeling keen for adventure. That being the case, here’s some fun ways to get your adrenalin pumping.
If Covid-19 has made you rethink how you want to spend your life, you’re far from alone.
A new survey by Flip Insurance has unveiled a pent-up demand for new experiences after two years of lockdown has us wanting a walk on the wild side.
In fact, 35 per cent of Aussies are looking to outsmart their boredom by indulging in some adrenalin-filled extreme activities.
“After two years of lockdowns and not being able to travel or do many of the things we planned to do, Australians are wanting to make the most out of 2022 and many are turning to new experiences to do so,” Flip chief officer Kathleen Weaver says.
- Get back your zest: 5 surprising and easy ways to boost mental health
Why are Aussies looking for adventure?
Psychologist Dr Marny Lishman says when adversity strikes, we tend to reflect.
“We realise life is short and ask ourselves what matters, what’s working, what isn’t, and what we want to do going forward with our one wild and precious life,” Marny says.
“People looking for an adrenalin hit or endorphin rush are just trying to balance out some of the negative stress chemicals they’ve been feeling the last couple of years.”
Studies show risk sports are good for our health, pushing us to overcome our fears and boosting our self-confidence.
So, if it’s excitement you’re craving to cure your pandemic blues, we’ve rounded up something for everyone, whatever your white-knuckle skill level.
- Hit the road: 8 family getaways to book now
1. Shark diving
Busting for buzz? How about climbing into a cage and sinking down into the deep blue sea with nothing but a steel cage between you and a great white shark?
Getting up close and personal with these magnificent ocean predators is an experience you’ll never forget and might just help you overcome your fears, of everything.
Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, Sea Life Melbourne and Cairns Aquarium all offer shark diving, but if it’s great whites you’re after, head to South Australia’s Port Lincoln and dial up the thrill factor.
2. Sky diving
From the ocean’s depths to the top of the world.
If you’ve ever been curious about sky-diving, what better time to take the leap than now?
Think the rush of the wind in your face, the incredible views and yes, the bragging rights that come with the ultimate high.
With multiple operators in every state, take your choice and tandem skydive over spectacular beaches, tropical rainforest or amazing outback panoramas.
3. Mountain biking
Australia might be famous for sand, sea and surf but we’re becoming just as well known for our magnificent mountain bike trails.
And if you think this extreme sport is just for kids, you’re mistaken.
From twisting trails through mossy forests and great rocky outcrops, ours is an MTB adventure playground, with rides to suit every ability.
Don’t forget to breathe in nature’s lush aromas as you hurtle through gravity.
4. White water rafting
Whether pro or beginner, here’s another extreme sport that’s open to all.
From gentle turns in a river to raging rapids, give your muscles and your nerve a workout as you manoeuvre through deep gorges and pristine wilderness.
Queensland’s Tully River, The Murray Gates in NSW and the Franklin River in Tassie are all popular destinations.
So choose your white-water bucket list destination and strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime.
5. Adventure caving
Or how about taking it underground?
Adventure caving is skyrocketing in popularity and it’s not hard to see why with the lure of tight, face-in-the-dirt crawl spaces, mazelike passages, vast chambers, deep crevices and cascading waterfalls.
If this is for you, dig out your headset and head into the dark. There’s even a fun word for it, spelunking.
Go forth and spelunk, peeps.
6. Cliff camping
If napping in a portaledge, a small hanging tent strung up to a sheer mountain face, is your thing, we say “sweet dreams”.
It’s camping with a massive dose of adrenalin thrown in.
It’s thought this extreme sport began when rock climbers needed to rest overnight before continuing on a multiple-day expedition.
While sleeping on a wall isn’t for everyone, the views are spectacular and the memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Check the forecast first.
Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria offers the world’s highest camping experience.
7. Zorbing
Seems fitting we’d finish with a Z word and there’s no wilder and wackier ride than in a zorb ball, where you strap yourself into a huge inflatable ball to roll down a hill.
Also known as globe-riding, sphering and orbing and guaranteed to give you a spin that’ll make you grin, zorb speeds of up to 52kms have been reached.
We say, let the good times roll.
- Bodyboarding: Why women over 30 are flocking to this overlooked sport
Written by Liz McGrath.
