AdminAustralians love a good adventure. Whether it’s the classic act of rocking waves or climbing tall hills, Australians are pretty mellow when it comes to things most people would consider too adventurous. And if there’s one thing that’s sure, outdoor adventures are a league of their own. If you’re an Australian who’s looking for their next big challenge, or if you’re visiting Australia and need to know what thrilling activities you can do, then you’ve stumbled across the right place.
But, before you head out anywhere, it’s necessary to remember that we’re still going through a pandemic; and it’s important that we continue protecting ourselves. You should try to keep a mask on at least in crowded areas and maintain a distance of 6 feet.
If you’ve been feeling really blue and would love nothing more to get out of the house but haven’t been doing so out of fear of the virus, you’re now in the clear! While the virus still prevails, you’ll be glad to find plenty of safe outdoor activities during Covid-19. And in order to enjoy these adventures, all you have to do is take a look at these top ten most popular outdoor activities in Australia:
Top 10 most popular outdoor activities in Australia
1. Raft the Franklin River in Tasmania
Slicing through Tasmania’s ravishing Word Heritage Area, the mighty Franklin River is the setting for one of the world’s great rafting adventures. We’re talking about a gushing river of water that flows against mighty winds across the backdrop of stunning rocky cliffs. It’s truly a picture that screams adventure. And while the river does seem thrilling, you won’t have to worry about hurting nature while you ride the waves. This wild and beautiful river remains a triumph of the environmental movement; in the 1980s, passionate activists led a successful campaign to protect the river from being dammed. Today, thanks to their efforts, you can enjoy the primeval beauty here on a multi-day rafting adventure.
Trips typically range from 5-10 days and run the entire 125-kilometer length of the Franklin River to the Gordon River through a pristine wilderness of eucalyptus forests, tranquil pools, and roiling rapids. And if you’re a sucker for wildlife, you’ll be thrilled to catch a glimpse of wallabies, platypus, and black cockatoos among many others. It’s a little clear that rafting along the Franklin River is among Australia’s top outdoor activities.
But if you’re a beginner who has yet to learn or are bringing along kids, remain calm; as wild as the Franklin River rafting experience sounds, it’s actually beginner-friendly! You won’t need any previous rafting experience, so you can head out there as it is. However, rafters should be physically fit in order to help portage at the wilder sections of the river, some of which are Class VI rapids. If you’re bringing kids, make sure you have them well-buckled or even have an experienced rafter on board.
You’ll be able to get your hands on great trips and experienced guides who’ll give you a jolting tour of the river. Typically, trips include equipment and rafting gear, and
meals (which are usually prepared with fresh local produce!).
2. Rock Climbing at Arapiles, Victoria
Mount Arapiles in Victoria remains one of the most iconic places for adventurists; climbers come from far and wide to visit the beautiful crags. And yes, it’s as adventurous as you’d think; these crags are one of the few in the world which offer 2000 quality climbs for all grades! While rock climbing is one of the few outdoor activities that truly test your strength, there’s a reason why rock climbing at the Arapiles is on the top 10 most popular outdoor activities in Australia: it’s beginner friendly. The sandstone rock is perfect for beginners; most climbs have well-formed natural handholds, making Arapiles the ideal location for anyone looking to move out of their comfort zone and enjoy Victoria’s beautiful landscape at the same time. And if you’re an experienced climber who’s simply looking to polish their skills, you’ll find certain nooks and crannies among the cliffs, popular for their difficulty. For climbers willing to contact nature, the closest place to stay is The Pines campground, located at the base of Arapiles. The Pines campground is perfect for any naturalist who’s looking to explore a little bit of Victorian nature too. There are a few bed and breakfasts scattered close by as well; so, for those who need a hot shower after a long day and cannot stay in camps, there is plenty of space. And it’s naturally socially-distanced; even if you’re going with someone, you’ll be hanging at least a few feet apart. Definitely one of the best safe outdoor activities during covid-19 in Australia!
3. Surfing on the Gold Coast, Brisbane
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that surfing is among the top 10 most popular outdoor activities in Australia; it’d practically be a sin to miss out on this outdoor activity if you’re in the Land Down Under. Surfing has definitely been the most favorite outdoor activity in Australia for a long time, and we can be thankful to the mighty waves for that. Almost all of the beaches of Australia are built for surfers; but for those who are looking for a ride that’s purely iconic, make your way to Australia’s Gold Coast. For advanced surfers heading north to South Stradbroke island (Straddie to the locals) will reward you with one of the most consistent breaks in Queensland. You’ll be able to streamline the water just like a fish, and even you’ll be surprised at it.
For beginners, after an instructor, The Spit – just south of Straddie – has some of the best breaks for beginners and plenty of surf schools on offer. It will set you back between $50-65 for a two-hour lesson, but at the end when you’re zooming across the water and having your hair hit you back in the wind, you’ll find the experience every penny’s worth.
4. Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney
Relax, we don’t mean scale the Sydney Harbor Bridge like Spiderman, but actually climb its tourist-friendly route. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is perhaps one of the most iconic destinations in Australia; maybe it’s the breath-taking view of the Sydney Opera House or the mind-numbing realization that you’re high above the sparkling blue water below, but it’s definitely a stellar experience. Standing atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge sparks the senses. Far below, the glittering harbor wriggles and coils along the coast, salty sea air bristles your skin, and you can actually feel the splendor of this stunning city. While the climb is pretty safe for most people, the faint of heart are recommended to be careful as you really don’t realize how high you are unless you’re actually at the top.
Of course, you can get guided ascents of the bridge, which includes a pre-climb prep talk, all the safety gear, a photo on the 134-meter-high summit, and entertaining stories about the history of the bridge along the way. (Did you know Paul Hogan, aka Crocodile Dundee, worked on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom?)
But while all the gossip and the magnificence of the trip is something that you’ll get to experience anyway, one of the most underrated outdoor activities in Australia is surely climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and you’re about to find out why. Although at any other place you get to explore within a certain time limit, there’s no such thing at the bridge; tourists can choose between a dawn, twilight, day, and night ascents for a unique perspective of this glamorous harbor city. Imagine looking at the city twinkling its lights just like the night sky; it will be like the stars are above and below you at the same time. Or if you’d like, you can witness the sun rise after a fresh morning walk; and trust us, that plethora of colors is something you’ll definitely want to see!
5. Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Australia is not only packed with exhilarating adventures on land but also the sea–you can also explore the largest coral reef system on the planet. Comprising more than 2,900 separate reefs, this World Heritage-listed jewel in the Aussie state of Queensland is one of Australia’s top tourist attractions and a bucket-list adventure for travelers. And it’s not just the literal icon the Great Barrier Reef which makes it perhaps the most enthralling among the top ten most popular outdoor activities in Australia; the experience alone of being undersea and exploring the majestic nature that blesses the world is something that will truly mystify you. In fact, it’s so magical, that most people come back for another trip because they simply cannot stop themselves from living this beautiful dream.
Swimming off the edge of the reef feels like flying over an aquatic jungle, only much better. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling doesn’t really matter because either way, you can see colorful hard and soft corals, dazzling tropical fish, giant clams, whales, schools of sharks, giant cod, and even shipwrecks (anyone interested in finding the Australian version of Atlantis?). And you don’t have to short it down to one day only; liveaboard day trips are a wonderful way to explore many different areas of the reef because you’ll be able to tour a little more and actually travel to different points.
But if you’re short on time, you can also take snorkeling and diving day trips from Airlie Beach, Port Douglas, and Cairns, all hubs for divers and snorkelers.
If you’re staying in Cairns, a great option to explore this natural wonder is the Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns. A typical tour on the cruise includes a full-day snorkeling and diving trip, all equipment and instructions from an expert instructor, a barbecue lunch, and an optional sightseeing helicopter flight over the reef.
Unfortunately, this isn’t one of those outdoor adventures you’ll be able to enjoy anytime you want; the Great Barrier Reef has undergone unprecedented bleaching over the past few years, so this is the one safe outdoor activity during Covid-19 which you should do sooner rather than later.
6. Camel Riding on Cable Beach
Maybe it’s time to tone down the thrills and go for the chills. If you’re a mellow person and would like to go for the safe outdoor activities during covid-19 that are more along the lines of soothing and quaint, then you’ll love this one. If a relaxing trip down white sand beaches, stunning blue water, and Western Australia’s rich red soil to offset it sounds a bit more appealing than working up a sweat, camel riding on Cable Beach is for you. With 22 kilometers of spectacular scenery, whale and dolphin spotting and a lesson in Broome’s history awaiting you, Cable Beach is truly a magnificent place.
Because Cable Beach is a relatively calm place with shallow waves, it’s ideally perfect for those who’d like nothing more than to escape that monotonous corporate life and lay back for a bit. It’s also a beautiful place to spark romance, so if there’s a particular romantic date you’ve been thinking of planning, this is it.
Just imagine sitting on these camels and taking a ride across the beach while the cool wind touches your face and you can cuddle up to your partner against the mesmerizing purple, pink and orange hues of sunset… if that doesn’t sound like bliss to you, then we don’t know what is. You can find great beach camel riding tours at this blissful spot; tours start at $30 before sunset or $80 for a sunset ride. It’s a little hike of price to the sunset but when you’re presented with such a breath-taking view, you’ll be glad you paid.
7. Kayak the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park), Northern Territory
Looking for safe outdoor activities during covid-19 that are thrilling, interesting and exploratory? You should try to kayak the Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Flowing through a series of steep-walled, red rock gorges, the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park offers the ultimate outback kayaking adventure. Cliffs rise up to 100 meters on either side of the river as you paddle through pandanus-fringed pools, past paperbark forests, and over gentle rapids. Now there’s no doubt why this is on the top 1- most popular outdoor activities in Australia because let’s be honest, the immense height of the cliffs, the gurgling of the water and the responsibility of steering yourself certainly adds an addictive rush to this adrenaline filled activity.
Kayaking the river allows you to go beyond the first few gorges, which can be crowded with tourists, and see the even more scenic gorges deep in the park. We’re talking deep pools of green-blue waters across the stark contrast of jagged, red, and brown cliffs.
The safest time to kayak the gorge is during the dry season, from May through November, as the river can rise rapidly during the rainy season. Even if you’re a strong adventurist, it’s advisable to avoid the rainy season, no matter how tempted you are!
You’ll also have to keep yourself alert when kayaking because this gorge is home to freshwater crocodiles, which lurk in some of the pools. Don’t panic when you hear the screech of cockatoos’ echo through the steamy air; it sounds scary at first but once you get used to it, you’ll find it delightful. At the gorge, in between paddling, you can cool off in one of the tranquil lagoons.
One of the best ways to kayak the gorges is booking organized tours led by aboriginal guides. If you do that, you’ll probably be partaking in a trip which includes picnics on the sandy riverbank near peaceful waterfalls and stories about the ecology, history, and sacred sites of the area. If you’re happy to give time a stretch and extend this trip, you should take Multi-day trips that offer the chance to sleep under the stars. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and take a self-guided Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) Canoe Adventure. And if you’d rather forego the paddling and just sit back and relax, opt for a Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge cruise, which does all the work for you but leaves out a pleasant space to explore.
8. Hiking the Larapinta Trail
Australia has an extremely rich culture, especially when it comes to its aboriginal and indigenous communities. If you’d like to explore a little of the country and learn about its fascinating culture, hike the Larapinta Trail.
After all, a trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without hitting central Australia and going bush. The Larapinta Trail is relatively new and is quickly gaining momentum as one of Australia’s best hiking destinations. It is marked by red jagged cliffs with cleared off pathways and even includes some points so high, you’re advised to keep taking frequent breaks even if you’re an expert climber.
The ideal time to walk the trail is from May to August because that’s when the weather is still pleasant enough to take a walk without sweating and yet warm enough to keep yourself cozy. If you think this is a relatively short activity compared to the other outdoor adventures, you’re not quite right; there are campsites and 2WD road access to most trailheads, making Larapinta perfect for a day trip or a longer hike. Make sure you do your research before heading out as some sections can be difficult, but the grading system makes it easy for everyone to decide where they’ll fit in best.
9. Bungy Jumping in Cairns
Tropical North Queensland is a region where thrill seeking comes naturally. You can tackle hardcore mountain biking trails all through the region, find remote waterfalls thundering down rapid gorges or conquer challenging mountain peaks that are sure to take your breath away. And while most Australian cities have a lot to offer when it comes to adventures, Cairns is the only place in Australia where you can bungy jump. And this is why it must always be included in the list of top ten most popular outdoor activities in Australia because really, there’s literally no other place that does it. Behind this spectacular Cairns bungy site is AJ Hackett, the man who started bungy back in NZ in 1987. His bungy site in Cairns, SkyPark Cairns is nestled in the Cairns rainforest and bungy jumps come with free hotel transfers from town.
Skypark Cairns is situated just 20 minutes north of Cairns City and one of the premier attractions in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region for over 30 years. So, whether you’ve come to watch the action or have a go yourself, Skypark Cairns will wave you off with memories that will last a lifetime.
10. Drive the Gibb River Road, Western Australia
Another entry in the never-ending list of outdoor adventures in Australia, taking a 4WD at the Gibb River Road is a legendary drive.
Deep in the remote Kimberley region, this 660-kilometer dirt track bumps and grinds past red rock gorges, rugged mountains, and rock pools fed by multi-tiered cascades. The “Gibb,” as it’s called, runs from Broome or Derby on the west coast to Kununurra/Wyndham on the state’s eastern border. You can drive the route on your own (4WD vehicles are essential) or join a multi-day guided tour.
Highlights include wilderness hikes, swimming in the cool waters of steep-walled gorges, barramundi fishing, sunset safaris, and therapeutic soaks in natural hot springs. It’s really like going through a crazy adventure that rocks almost all outdoor adventures.
Along the way, you can explore Windjana Gorge National Park, see freshwater crocodiles, and take a scenic flight over stunning Mitchell Falls or the bizarrely shaped rock formations of the Bungle Bungles. Note that the road is usually closed from November through March due to flooding, so it’s best you go in the summer.
There’s plenty to spark your wanderlust in Australia. In every corner of our beautiful country, you’ll find unique experiences and attractions sure to deliver the most memorable holiday you’ve ever had. While these top ten most popular outdoor activities in Australia are a thrill to meet, you’ll find practically every kind of holiday and vacation activity here. Visit us for more inspiration.
