Here's Why Australia Is The Perfect Destination For Adrenaline Junkies
With cityscapes and outback aplenty, Australia boasts a most-varied landscape. Home to some of the most extreme climates and exotic creatures on the planet, the continent draws people from far and wide looking for that almighty thrill. Here’s why Australia is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies.
On Land
Sand Dune Excursion
For those looking for a side of culture with their adrenaline rush, look no further than Sand Dune Adventures, a 90-minute indigenous culture, sand board and quad bike tour. Set on the largest coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, the tour is built around an introduction to local Aboriginal culture. Prices start from $135.
Sand Dune Adventures. 2163 Nelson Bay Road. Williamtown. Australia. +61 (02) 4033 8808
Abseiling the Gordon Dam
Standing at 140 metres high, this colossal abseiling course is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Located approximately two and a half hours from Hobart, Tasmania, this adventure sees adrenaline junkies glide down the abyss of Gordon Dam. The dam, which is a major attraction for those who love to challenge gravity is higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and holds back thirty times more water than is held in the Harbour itself, according to the Aardvark Adventures’ website. $210 per person.
Aardvark Adventures. South West Tasmania. Australia. +61 (03) 6273 7722
4 Wheel Drive Adventure Track
Off the beaten track is a term bashed around often, but never has it been more fitting. These Monster 4 x 4 driving experiences take place at Avalon Raceway in Lara, just outside of Melbourne, and can include thrilling courses, pro-driver passenger experiences, training and off road thrills. Prices from $199.
Ragged Edge. 210 Old Melbourne Road. Lara. Australia. +61 0428 737 864
In the Air
Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge by dawn, day or dusk for the ultimate Sydney experience. Take in panoramic views of the harbour, neighbouring islands, Opera House and Sydney’s Central Business District as you climb the iconic structure which stretches to over 134 meters above sea level. This major attraction has facilitated over three million visitors’ climb to date.
Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney. Australia. +61 (02) 8274 7777
Jetpack in Sydney
Jetpack your way through the sky with this adventure experience in Sydney. Once thought of as an alien activity of the future, jetpacking is now available to just about everyone, and with little training required. Adrenaline junkies rejoice: this new trend is quite literally about to take off!
Sydney International Regatta Jetpack centre. 89-151 Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith. New South Wales. Australia. +61 1300 538 538
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Paraglide the Aussie Alps
Take to the sky to see the Australian alps with adventure company Alpine Gliding. As Australia’s longest running paragliding school, adventurers can feel secure in the hands of some of Australia’s finest flyers; always good to know when soaring high above the tree tops. Located just outside of Melbourne, this is the ultimate experience for those who like to see the world from above.
Alpine Paragliding. Bright. Victoria. Australia 0428 352 048
Jet Fighter Experience
This experience certainly takes adrenaline junkies to new heights. Soar the skies in a genuine ex-fighter jet as you experience twists and turns at the speed of light. Adventurers will be happy to know Jet Fighter was founded in 1996 has a 100% incident free record. Prices start from $360.
Skydiving in The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays may be just about one of the coolest places to skydive in the world with its tropical scenery of crystal clear waters, island beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests as far as the eye can see. Not to mention that you touch down on a beautiful white sand beach after a drop of up to 15,000 feet.
Skydive Airlie Beach. 1/265 Proserpine Shute Harbour Road. Airlie Beach. Queensland. Australia 1300 663 634.
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Hot Air Balloon Over Hunter Valley
Soar high over Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon at sunrise and take in spectacular views from new heights. This experience with Beyond Ballooning even comes with breakfast, making the excursion all the more full. Although peaceful in some ways, this day trip certainly boasts a fine dose of adrenaline. $249 per person with breakfast included.
Beyond Ballooning. 430 Wine Country Drive. Lovedale. Australia. +61 1300 468 247
In Water
Cage of Death
Welcome to the Cage of Death, Darwin’s ultimate crocodile diving experience that is sure to make just about any adrenaline junkies’ heart jump. This up-close-and-personal experience includes a 15-minute underwater dive with the pre-historic reptiles. Up to two people can cage dive at once; prices range from $170-260. Divers must be 15-years or older.
Crocosaurus Cove. 58 Mitchell Street. Darwin City. Darwin. Australia +61 (08) 8981 7522
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Dive The S.S. Yongala
Take deep sea diving on the Great Barrier Reef to a whole new level. Bound to impress just about any adrenaline junkie, this excursion guides guests down into the deep blue, flush with impressive coral displays and shoals of fish, before venturing into the S.S. Yongala, Australia’s largest and most intact wreck.
Yongala Dive. 56 Narrah Street. Alva. Queensland. Australia +61 (07) 4783 1519
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Great White Experience
Dive with one of the most feared species on the planet, the great white shark, in Port Lincoln, South Australia. This eco certified company boasts an environmentally conscious and sustainable business model and also uses natural fish barley to attract the sharks to the boat. This extreme sport for adrenaline junkies will cost $495 for an adult (16 years and above) and $395 for a child.
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Franklin River Rafting
Experience the rush of the wild Franklin River on these adrenaline-filled eight or ten day rafting adventures. Not for the faint of heart, these challenging tours are jam-packed with breath-taking scenery, luscious landscapes, and some of the most intense waterways in Australia. Prices range from $2,860-$3,190.
Franklin River Rafting. 70 Dillons Hill Rd Glaziers Bay, Tasmania +61 0422 642 190