Top adventure destinations in Australia

With epic surf waves and snow peaks, nature hikes, sky diving or snorkelling, Australia is full of amazing destinations for adventure lovers and thrill seekers.

From the snow, sea and even the sky – we’ve rounded up some of the top adventure destinations across Australia and the activities they are best known for. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your Jayco and get exploring.

Thredbo, New South Wales

One for the snow lovers is Thredbo. Located just under three hours from the Canberra, Thredbo is one of Australia’s most popular snow resorts. There is an adventure for skiers of all levels, with a range of different terrains spread out across the mountain. For the ultimate adventure seeker, Thredbo is also home to some of Australia’s longest and steepest ski runs.

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

The pristine Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is home to one of the most amazing adventure experiences in Australia – swimming with the ‘Big Three’, whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. Be sure to check the ideal time of year to swim with each animal, and for a place to stay, check out Cape Range National Park.

Cairns, Queensland

When it comes to adventure destinations, Cairns is one of the best. With everything from white water rafting, snorkelling, ziplining, horse riding, sky diving and even bungee jumping (on a BMX if you’re up for it), the Cairns area has it all. Plus, there are some stunning caravan parks and free camps in and around Cairns including Babinda Boulders.

Grampians, Victoria

With over 60 per cent of The Grampians National Park’s 165,000 hectares available to climb, The Grampians is great destination to experience rock climbing and abseiling, especially if for those more expert climbers. For the beginners, there are also plenty of routes at Mount Arapiles, just outside Horsham.  If you want to combine rock scrambling with an impressive hike, check out the Stapylton Ampitheatre, a grade four circuit hike located in the park.

Port Lincoln, South Australia

Another thrill-seeking ocean adventure can be found in the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln, where you can cage dive with Great White Sharks.  If shark diving isn’t your thing, you can choose to swim with sea lions, or visit a working oyster farm with a Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tour.

Darwin, Northern Territory

For an epic adventure in the Northern Territory, base yourself in Darwin and experience the best the state has to offer. One of the most well-known things to do in Darwin is swimming with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, but you can also experience a crocodile ‘jumping tour’ on the Adelaide River. For the nature lovers, check out the hikes around Litchfield National Park or try your luck at helifishing. If an adventure in the sky is more your jam, jump on a plane to Uluru and sky dive over the Red Centre.

Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise is the ultimate surfers delight –

Burleigh Heads. Burleigh, as it’s known to the locals, is home to some of the best breaks on the coast with waves for beginners, but it’s definitely more suited to advanced skill sets.

If you’re more of a land lover than an ocean lover, Burleigh Heads is a short drive to the Gold Coast theme parks.