Keen on adventure? 5 seriously wild escapes to try
Get your heart pumping with epic adventures in some of Australia’s most extraordinary places.
Forget going on a holiday to relax by the pool.
Instead, awaken your inner Bear Grylls and opt for an unforgettable experience in the wild.
These thrilling, action-packed holidays will fire up your adrenaline, give you the chance to test your stamina, and immerse you in landscapes of phenomenal beauty.
Surf King Island, Tas
Searching for the perfect wave? Grab some mates and head to King Island for a world-class surf safari.
The island lies in Bass Strait, about halfway between Victoria and Tasmania’s northwestern coast. Empty stretches of sand hem the island, and barrels roll in throughout the year.
Conditions are pristine, with the island boasting a surf culture reminiscent of the 1970s.
Favoured surf spots include Martha Lavinia and Colliers Beach in the winter months, and Phoques Bay and British Admiral Beach in summer.
Tour operators offer guided and self-guided surf safaris on the island, chartering a flight from the mainland, with packages including transport and accommodation.
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Walk the Heysen Trail, SA
Australia’s longest designated walking track traverses 1200km, from the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Tackling the entire trek in one go takes about 60 days – break it down into easier sections, and this is the perfect introduction to walking in the wilderness.
Taking in national parks, arid bushland, dense forest, Barossa Valley vineyards and spectacular Wilpena Pound, the trail reveals just how diverse Australia’s landscape is.
Walkers will also pass through historical towns, ideal for those keen on a step-up in sleeping arrangements.
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Ride the Munda Biddi Trail, WA
Hit the bike saddle for this off-road adventure stretching more than 1060km through southwest Western Australia.
Translating to “path through the forest” in the local Noongar language, the trail will test your endurance and cycling skills.
Push the pedals from Mundaring to Albany through rugged back country and stunning forests, past farmland and along a dramatic coastline.
Don’t fancy weeks in the saddle? Hit the town of Collie for a weekend, home to a network of mountain bike trails, including a portion of the Munda Biddi.
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Kayak Nitmiluk Gorge, NT
Boasting vast landscapes and a host of exhilarating ways to get amongst it, the Northern Territory is a nature lover’s dream.
And Nitmiluk National Park, with its 13 dramatic gorges carved from ancient sandstone, is a highlight.
This is gorge country and its awe-inspiring, ancient beauty deserves an unhurried approach.
Kayaking fits the bill nicely, providing an engaging experience and an unrivalled perspective.
While the waterways are a popular way to unearth the treasures of the land, it’s still possible to get off the beaten track – grab your paddle and head for the quieter outer sections.
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Traverse Empress Canyon, NSW
For adrenaline junkies, this Blue Mountains canyon is nirvana.
Shrouded in rainforest, it’s equal parts challenging and stunning.
Adventurers will find themselves navigating fern-laden ravines, scrambling across moss-covered boulders, abseiling lofty waterfalls and launching off rock faces into the chilly depths of a rock pool below.
Canyoning is the kind of exploit that requires an expert guide but that doesn’t mean you need to be a seasoned adventurer to conquer it – Empress Canyon is a good introduction to this exhilarating outdoor sport.
And with a backdrop like this, the toughest adventure will be softened by the sheer beauty of this pristine pocket of the Blue Mountains.
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Gripped by wanderlust? Explore more:
- Best Australian getaways to reignite romance
- Wellness holidays on a budget
- 10 best spots for sun, sand and sea in Australia
Written by Sarah Vercoe.
