The Best Outdoor and Adventure Activities in and around Melbourne

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Suspended within the Dandenong Ranges is Trees Adventure—a ropes course that will have you soaring through the canopy. With your carabiner at the ready, you’ll tackle a series of aerial challenges, and with seven long courses and two short courses to choose from, there’s no shortage of fun. From flying foxes to tightropes, tunnels and vertical challenges, Trees Adventure will leave you feeling on top of the world.

‘Take a waddle on the wild side’ at Phillip Island’s world-famous Penguin Parade; the only commercial venue in the world where you can see penguins in their natural habitat. Rug up, take a seat and watch as little penguins wobble up Summerland Beach every evening at sunset. Choose between the general viewing bleachers, Penguin Plus tiered seating or see the penguins at ground level in the underground viewing area.

Float up, up and away, and see Melbourne from a whole new perspective in a hot air balloon. This uplifting experience starts at dawn, just in time to see the sunrise as you drift over the city. See the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Eureka Tower and Port Phillip Bay from within the comforts of the basket, which can hold up to 10 people at once. Back on earth, you’ll receive an optional buffet breakfast including champagne at Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel.

Embark on an off-road safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo, only 30 minutes from Melbourne. On your African adventure, you’ll encounter rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wild animals as you traverse the zoo’s open savannah. Not only will you get up close to these magnificent animals, but you’ll also learn about the threats they face and how you can help fight wildlife extinction.

Take a 15,000-foot leap of faith over Melbourne, and tick tandem skydiving off your bucket list. Melbourne’s only beach skydive will have you freefalling over St Kilda for a thrilling 60 seconds at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour. On the way down, not only will you experience an unforgettable sense of elation, but you’ll also be treated to sweeping views of the city.

For a truly unique experience that will leave you feeling like a member of the special forces, try Rap Jumping. The freestyle rope experience involves running down a seven-storey building face first, not just once, but three times. The most assuring part is that you’re in control of the speed in which you descend. Those looking to double the adrenaline rush can try night-time rap jumping, which provides the same forward rappel experience—but in the dark.