extreme tourism australia

Extreme Adventures, Sports and Activities

Choose from our incredible range of extreme adventures, outdoor sports and activities around Australia. Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling experiences like aerobatic flights , skydiving , white-water rafting , canyoning and more. Explore the range and book your next adventure today.

•   Aerobatics
•   Skydiving
•   Swimming With Sharks
•   White Water Rafting & Kayaking
•   Jet Fighters
•   Canyoning
•   V8 Supercars
•   Helicopter Rides
•   Learn To Fly
•   Jet Boats
•   SCUBA Diving
•   Rally Driving
•   Quad Biking
•   Jet Ski
•   Drifting
•   Abseiling
•   Off Road Racing
•   F1-Style Experiences
•   Rock Climbing
•   Flying Fox and Tree Adventures
•   Horse Riding
•   Bungy
•   Hot Air Balloons
•   Motorbikes
•   Indoor Skydiving
•   $0 - $100
•   $100 - $300
•   $300 - $500
•   $500 & Above

What extreme adventures and activities are available at Adrenaline?  

Some people live for pushing limits, living life to the max and making every moment count. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, you’re in the right place as you’ll find the best extreme adventures Australia has to offer here at Adrenaline. These epic activities are the perfect choice to get your heart pumping and a unique gift idea for the thrill seeker in your life.  

Browse our range and you’ll see you can book all kinds of outdoor extreme sports and activities, in locations across the nation. There are experiences to satisfy every type of adventure craving and budget. Choose from driving experiences, watersports, land adventures and flying experiences that’ll push your limits and give you a real adrenaline rush.   Land adventures  

No list of extreme things to do would be complete without the bucket list favourite of bungy jumping. These leaps of faith have been setting hearts racing and helping people to face their fears head-on for years, so why not make a commitment here and now to see what all the fuss is about?  

Done it before and loved it? No time the present to give do it all over again! A bungy jump is one of the extreme adventures Cairns visitors need to add to their must-do list. 

If outdoor activities in the great outdoors are more your thing, you’ve got to try canyoning, abseiling and caving. Not only are these tours a whole lot of fun, they’re an amazing way to see natural areas, like the Blue Mountains or the Gold Coast Hinterland, from a whole new angle. With expert instruction you’ll learn new skills, see the best spots, enjoy an exciting adventure and walk away with a real sense of achievement.  

We’re not talking your average flight here… our flying experiences are truly next level. If it’s the thrill of a lifetime you’re after, look no further. Strap in and prepare to zoom across the skies with a jet fighter flight. It’s the closest most of us will get to knowing what it’s like to be a jet fighter pilot. Or take in the best views in the ultimate style with a helicopter rides and learn to fly experiences. From big cities like Sydney and Melbourne to our greatest natural landscapes, there are few better ways to travel.  

Looking for extreme things to do that deliver a huge shot of adrenaline? Then you’ve got to try one of our aerobatic flights. With plenty of twists, turns and manoeuvres, these are moments you’ll never forget. Strap in as a passenger or, for an extra thrill, take the controls and learn to fly with the chance to try some aerobatics yourself.  

Or maybe you’d rather jump from a plane? We’ve got Australia’s best skydiving spots covered and professional instruction. With tandem skydives around the country it might be easier than you expect to tick this one off your bucket list.   Watersports   

Some of the best extreme activities are in our watersports category. Face your fears and come to face-to-face with sharks, or swim alongside majestic whale sharks, these up close and personal encounters are sure to get the heart racing.  

The same can be said for another animal experience – the chance to swim with crocodiles in the ‘cage of death’ in Darwin! With a name like that you know this extreme activity is sure to lead to a day you’ll never forget. Dare you step inside?  

Alternatively, get active and give yourself a challenge with epic white-water rafting, parasailing, kiteboarding and more. These watersports are so much fun, and what better place to do them than along some of Australia’s most glorious waterways and coastlines?   Driving experiences   

Need to put the fun back into driving? Then buckle up for the most exciting driving experiences around, from Off Road Racing and Extreme 4x4 experiences to stunt driving and drifting. And not forgetting our ever popular (but no less exhilarating) rally driving and V8 experiences.  

Whether you get your kicks behind the wheel or are happy to let a pro driver take you on the ride of your life, we’ve got a huge range of four-wheeled adventures to choose from. Explore the range today and give yourself a great driving experience to look forward to. What are the best extreme adventures?  

Experiences like bungy jumping, swimming with sharks, canyoning, rally driving, skydiving and helicopter rides have to be among the best extreme adventures money can buy. But the list doesn’t end there. Just browse the experiences listed on this page and you’ll find plenty more of the great outdoor activities Australia has to offer. 

Adventure lovers also enjoy activities as varied as canyoning, mountain biking, white-water rafting, abseiling, parasailing and stunt driving.  

Which one of these is the best is a matter of opinion. The only way to truly find out is by trying them all… and we’re sure a few of you would if you could! But, failing that, you can learn a thing or two from the many positive reviews shared by our customers who’ve dared to do these extreme adventures in the past.  

Browse the experiences to find the right choice for you or to find the perfect gift.  Where can I go on extreme adventures in Australia?   

We’ve got extreme adventures all around Australia. So, whether you’re looking for things to do near you or planning your next extreme adventure holiday, you’ll find options in every state. From the capital cities to regional areas. We can’t possibly cover every activity and location in Australia here (and we’re always adding new adventures and spots) but we’ve highlighted a few favourites below to give you some idea.  

In New South Wales popular activities include mountain biking, caving, canyoning and abseiling in the Blue Mountains (just a couple of hours from Sydney), jet fighter flights in Bathurst and skydiving in spots like Byron Bay, Wollongong, Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour. Of course, you’ll find plenty more extreme things to do across these towns and cities too, so check the full range.  

Victoria and its capital Melbourne are jam packed with thrills and things to keep you entertained. But excitement levels will be off the scale with stung driving school at Sandown Raceway and the Tiger Moth aerobatics flight at Point Cook. Aerobatics are also on offer over in Perth, giving you the best possible views over this part of Western Australia .  

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-do for adventure lovers. Head up to Queensland and see it up close with incredible scuba diving tours, or fly high above and take it all in with helicopter rides.  

And that’s just a small taster of what’s on offer with plenty more fun to be had across South Australia , Tasmania , Canberra and Northern Territory . Don’t just take out word for it, explore the range for yourself. 

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The Top 10 Best Adventure Activities in Australia

• Last Updated: January 9, 2023

From skydiving over the beach to swimming with great white sharks, these are the top 10 adventure activities in Australia!

Australia is a huge country packed with adventures – from skydiving out of planes to scuba diving some of the most incredible reefs in the world – any everything else in between – it’s every adrenaline junkie’s dream!

Table of Contents

Scuba Diving The Great Barrier Reef

Skydive at mission beach, cage diving with great whites in sa, climbing the sydney harbour bridge, kayak the katherine gorge, dune bashing on a 4×4 on fraser island, bungy through the jungle in cairns.

• Drive The Great Ocean Road 

Snorkel With Whale Sharks At Ningaloo Reef

Get in the cage of death with a saltwater crocodile, adventure activities in australia.

If I’m honest it’s been hard to narrow down this list to just 10 (and if 10 isn’t enough I’ve got 100+ More Awesome Things to do in Australia which will definitely give you a few more things to add to your bucket list!).

As difficult as it was to keep the numbers low, these are some of the absolute best adventure activities in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s top attractions and a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site . If you’re a scuba diver, this 2300km long eco-system has to be on your list of dive sites to experience once in your life.

The coral life may be receding but the marine life there is still varied and incredible with over 1625 species of fish, 6 species of Marine turtle, 133 species of sharks and rays and up to 30 species of whales and dolphins! It’s an underwater paradise!

What better place to throw yourself out of a plane than above a beautiful beach on the East Coast of Australia?

A tandem skydive in Mission Beach is easily one of the most iconic adventure activities in Australia – I mean, who doesn’t want the iconic shot taken from the GoPro on the wrist of the skydive instructor you’re strapped to as you face is contorted into a funny shape by the air rushing past your body at high speeds?!

It’s the perfect selfie, right?!  

Consistently tipped as one of the top adrenaline pumping activities in the world, hopping into a steel cage to be plunged into shark infested waters in only for the brave amongst you.

But despite coming face to face with one of the ocean’s greatest predators – this activity is totally safe. And it is truly an incredible experience to simply be in the water with such powerful creatures.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge (and nearby Opera House) are some of the most iconic Aussie exports – and possibly one of the first things you think about when somebody mentions Australia. But did you know you could climb them?

Well, one of them at least – from where you’ll get a cracking view of the other!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb offers unrivalled 360 degree views of Sydney Harbor and Opera House with the CBD providing the perfect backdrop. On a clear day you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains!

If you’ve got your heart set on conquering the 440 ft climb there are a variety of time slots to choose from. You can climb at sunrise or sunset, and a few spots in between, with the option of an express climb for those short on time or for a half-climb for those who are scared of heights.

What are you waiting for? Go climb that bridge!

Check out our article on how to spend one day in Sydney like a boss.

I have no doubt that at the top of your Outback bucket list is Uluru – and whilst it certainly should hold pride of place, I can’t quite describe watching the Sunrise or Sunset as an adventure activity – and could only possibly stretch to counting walking around it’s base as a noteable activity!

That being said, there are plenty of other Outback adventures to be had, and top of that list would be kayaking through the Northern Territory’s Katherine Gorge.

Running through the middle of Nitmiluk National Park , a kayak or canoe trip gives you a unique perspective of the Gorge from it’s base.

You can hire canoes/kayaks for a few hours, a full day or there is even an option to take a 2 day tour – which gives you the chance to sleep under the stars within the National Park!

Driving a 4×4 on the beach? Yes please! World Heritage Listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world at over 120km long – but there is more to the island than just sand.

You can drive down Seventy-Five Mile Beach to see the technicolor sand cliffs of the Pinnacles and SS Maheno shipwreck; go swimming in the crystal clear Lake McKenzie, or float peacefully down Eli Creek before hiking up to take in the incredible views from Indian Head lookout. And these are a few highlights!

AJ Hackett is famous all over the world for it’s bungee jumps from various different heights and off various different structures. Cairn’s offering is a jump from 50m high in the Rainforest canopy to practically the floor below!

Jump on your own, or jump with a friend – you can go forwards, backwards or even from sitting on a chair! There is a menu of 16 different ways to jump so if you’ve done a bungy or two before and fancy something a little different.

A jump from the menu could be exactly what the doctor ordered – and will definitely be an adventure activity to get your heart pumping!

And even if you’re not a thrill seeker, this Bungy centre has the first custom built viewing area in the world with bars, music, sun chairs and free transport from Cairns.

Drive The Great Ocean Road  

One of Australia’s (and possibly the worlds!) best driving roads is the Great Ocean Road and driving it makes for one heck of an adventure.

Along the way you’ll find Port Campbell National Park, home to the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and what was London Bridge (now London Arch) plus Bells Beach (made famous by many an International Surf Comp) and cute coastal towns such as Lorne and Wye River.

Not forgetting the impressive cliffs that border the drive, and the Gibson Steps that allow you to get all the way down to the beach are stare up at the incredible rock formations carved from years of tidal erosion.

If cage diving with great white sharks is not quite you’re thing, why not try swimming and snorkelling with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia?

These gentle giants are the biggest fish in the ocean and live entirely on a diet of plankton – so there is no scary sharp teeth, and you turn down ‘Jaws’ theme music that is probably playing in your head!

You are able to see these incredible creatures between March/April and August when they are migrating along the coast – and between June and November you may also spot some Manta Rays too!

So we’ve had sharks and whales already on the list, but there is also a large water dwelling reptile that the Aussies have devised a way to get up close and personal with that we haven’t mentioned yet – the Saltwater Crocodile.

Head to Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin where you can see some of the largest saltwater crocs in the country. – and if you are brave enough, you can hop into a reinforced Perspex ‘Cage of Death’ and look the oversized critter straight in the eye!

[box] Have you ever been down under? Let us know what your favourite adventure activities in Australia are in the comments![/box]

Vicki Garside

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Wow, Such a great post, I am dying to see this places… Thank you so much for sharing such adventurous sites with us. Also, Love to read your articles.

Thank you so much Jack. Glad you liked this articles and the others. Any favourites?

Amazing post.Love reading your blog.Pictures are good.I would love to try all these spots you have mention in your post.It is totally a different experience to gain.I would love to visit Australia and love to do all activities.Thanks for the post.Keep sharing.

Thank you so much for your comment Carl. We hope you get to Australia one day and experience all these awesome adventures.

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14 Top-Rated Outdoor Adventures in Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 16, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Few places on the planet rival Australia for its spirit of adventure. Blessed with a mosaic of rugged and ravishing landscapes, this sun-soaked country offers the perfect settings for exhilarating outdoor adventures on land and sea.

Along the coast, you can zoom on a jet boat through a horizontal waterfall, snorkel with whale sharks, sail around the tropical Whitsunday Islands, or dive along the Great Barrier Reef.

In the red-earthed deserts of the country's arid interior, more rugged adventures beckon. Australia's famous outback tracks offer the ultimate 4WD journeys, or you can hop in a kayak and paddle through towering red-walled gorges.

Many Aussie adventures take place in beautiful World Heritage-listed wilderness areas that showcase the best of Australia. You can raft the pristine Franklin River in Tasmania and drive along the beach on Queensland's K'Gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world.

Looking for adventures in the city? In Sydney, you can climb to the summit of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and less than an hour's drive away, rappel (abseil) down sheer limestone cliffs in the Blue Mountains .

Whether you want to soar over the spectacular coastline, abseil, zipline, or raft white water rapids, plan your fun with our list of the top outdoor adventures in Australia.

1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales

2. four-wheel drive on k'gari (fraser island), queensland, 3. dive or snorkel the great barrier reef, queensland, 4. ride a jet boat to the horizontal falls, western australia, 5. sail the whitsundays, queensland, 6. hover in a helicopter over the 12 apostles, victoria, 7. snorkel with whale sharks at ningaloo reef, western australia, 8. kayak katherine gorge (nitmiluk national park), northern territory, 9. surf the sand dunes on moreton island, queensland, 10. drive the gibb river road, western australia, 11. abseil (rappel) in the blue mountains, nsw, 12. raft the franklin river, tasmania, 13. travel the oodnadatta track, south australia, 14. horseback ride along cape tribulation, queensland, map of outdoor adventures in australia.

Standing atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia's most iconic tourist attractions , 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.

Guided ascents of the bridge include 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?)

In addition to day climbs, you can choose from dawn, twilight, and night ascents for a different perspective of this glamorous harbor city. Plus you can learn about Indigenous history and storytelling on the Burrawa tour.

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, this is one of the top things to do in Sydney, and a unique way to soak up the city sights.

Official site: https://www.bridgeclimb.com/

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, off the coast of Southeast Queensland, offers one of the most unique 4WD adventures in Australia. Cruising down 75 Mile Beach, a seemingly endless stretch of wave-thrashed shore on the planet's largest sand island, is an exhilarating experience and one of the top things to do on K'Gari (Fraser Island) . This is also a fun family adventure holiday.

Along the way, stop by the rusted hulls of the Maheno shipwreck, dodge dingos on the beach, and explore the red-streaked cliffs of the Cathedrals . Inland, you can jolt through subtropical rainforest to clear streams and aquamarine lakes.

Fishing, mountain biking, birding, hiking, and swimming are all popular things to do here. Want to stay a little longer? Accommodations range from the plush Kingfisher Bay Resort to apartments and bush-fringed campsites.

Since the island lacks paved roads, 4WD vehicles are essential, and high-clearance low-range capacity is a must for the soft sands of the interior.

If you don't have your own 4WD vehicle, you can join an organized tour with an expert guide. Tours range from Fraser Island day trips from Hervey Bay to two-day Fraser Island tours . You can also rent vehicles and access Fraser Island by ferry and boat services at Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, and River Heads. Be sure to check tide times before you leave.

Australia is not only packed with exhilarating adventures on land, you can also explore the largest coral reef system on the planet. More than 2,900 separate reefs make up this World Heritage-listed jewel, and diving or snorkeling through these coral gardens is one of the top things to do in Queensland .

Swimming off the edge of the reef feels like flying over an aquatic jungle. Whether you're diving or snorkeling, you can see colorful hard and soft corals, dazzling tropical fish, giant clams, whales, schools of sharks, giant cod, and even shipwrecks.

Liveaboard day trips are a great way to explore many different areas of the reef. But if you're short on time, you can also take snorkeling and diving day trips from Airlie Beach, Port Douglas , and Cairns .

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 . The tour includes a full-day snorkeling and diving trip, all equipment and instruction, a barbecue lunch, and an optional sightseeing helicopter flight over the reef.

The Great Barrier Reef has undergone unprecedented bleaching over the past few years, so visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket-list adventure you should do sooner rather than later.

Horizontal Falls, deep in the rugged Kimberley region, offers an adrenaline-soaked adventure by seaplane and jet boat. A day trip here is one of the top things to do from Broome .

Sign up for an organized tour, and you'll enjoy a full day of fun. Tours typically begin with a low-level seaplane flight over the spectacular scenery of the Buccaneer Archipelago , where red cliffs rise along the coast, and 800 islands dot the striking turquoise sea.

After a water landing on calm Talbot Bay and a delicious lunch, hop aboard a jet boat and skid across the glassy waters to the seething horizontal falls. This freak of nature is actually created by powerful tides of up to 11 meters that gush through two narrow gorges.

When it comes to extreme adventures in Australia, this one packs in the thrills. After the cruise, the tour usually offers shark swims in the safety of a shark-proof (and saltwater croc-proof) cage.

Seaplane flights depart from Broome or Derby, and overnight stays are also available in a houseboat.

The 74 idyllic Whitsunday Islands are the perfect playground for sailing adventures. Strung along the World-Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, the islands lie in the turquoise Coral Sea off the coast of central Queensland. Most are uninhabited and protected by six national parks, and eight are home to resorts, including the luxurious InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island.

Thanks to the protective embrace of the reef, the waters are typically calm and ideal for sailing. Other top things to do in the Whitsundays include snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.

While you're sailing around these dreamy islands, save time to bask on the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach , one of Australia's best beaches . Visit the appropriately-shaped Heart Reef , and stop to snorkel in the underwater wonderland, teeming with tropical fish and gardens of coral. Keep an eye out for giant clams, too. Butterfly, Blue Pearl, and Hook Island Bays provide protected anchorages.

The main launching point for sailing trips is Airlie Beach on the mainland. Here, you can book classic sailing boats, catamarans, and tall ships. Both crewed and bareboat charters are available.

Rising from the wild sea like giant jigsaw pieces adrift from the deeply scalloped coast, the 12 Apostles in Port Campbell National Park will take your breath away. You can explore the Great Ocean Road and admire its spectacular scenery on a scenic drive, but it's even more awe-inspiring from the air.

Hop aboard a helicopter to really appreciate how the pounding surf and blasting winds sculpted this rugged coastline. In addition to the 12 Apostles, you can also see other giant rock formations, including London Bridge , Loch Ard Gorge , the Sentinel , and the Arch . This area is called the Shipwreck Coast, and a glimpse at the treacherous sea and sheer cliffs from the air reveals why.

Flights depart from various locations around the 12 Apostles. They typically take about 15 minutes and include a commentary on the history and geology of the area. You can also tour the coast in a seaplane or Tiger Moth.

Imagine gliding effortlessly alongside a gentle 10-meter-long whale shark, the largest fish on the planet. Off Western Australia's north coast, you can make this dream come true on a Ningaloo Reef Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure from Exmouth .

Often overshadowed by the famous Great Barrier Reef, the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast encompasses the world's longest fringing reef , with 200 species of hard coral, 50 species of soft coral, and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Dugongs, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales are also found in the park, but the highlight are the graceful whale sharks that swim these waters, typically between April and August. No wonder this is one of the top places to visit in Western Australia .

Once the whale sharks are spotted from a plane, a boat zips you to the perfect location, where you can don your snorkel or dive gear, plunge into the clear blue depths, and swim through a fizz of bubbles within meters of these graceful animals.

The fastest way to access Ningaloo is via a two-hour flight from Perth to Learmonth Airport. Both nearby Exmouth and the little beach town of Coral Bay make great bases for visiting the park.

Flowing through a series of steep-walled, red rock gorges, the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) 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. Kayaking the river allows you to go beyond the first few gorges, which can be crowded with tourists, and see even more scenic gorges deep in the park.

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.

Freshwater crocodiles lurk in some of the pools, and the screech of cockatoos echoes through the steamy air. In between paddling, you can cool off in one of the tranquil lagoons.

Organized tours, some led by Aboriginal guides, typically include picnics on the sandy riverbank near peaceful waterfalls and stories about the ecology, history, and sacred sites of the area. Multi-day trips 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 .

Surfing is big in Australia, but not just in the water. Beautiful Moreton Island, just off Brisbane, is home to some of the world's tallest sand dunes – up to 280 meters high – and you can zoom down them on a sandboarding adventure.

As the world's third largest sand island , Moreton Island is one of the best places in Australia to try sandboarding. Never slid down sand dunes before? No worries. You can choose a style to suit your skill level. If you're a beginner, the best option is to hop on a waxed sand toboggan and slide down the slopes on your belly.

Feeling a little more confident? Strap into a sand board, which looks a little like a snowboard, and surf the dunes standing up. You can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers an hour.

Moreton Island is an easy day trip from Brisbane , but you can also extend your adventure and stay overnight. Tangalooma Island Resort runs regular 4WD Desert Safari Tours, as well as other adventures, including hand-feeding wild dolphins, whale watching cruises (June through October), snorkeling the Tangalooma wrecks, quad biking, kayaking tours, and more.

The Gibb River Road is one of Australia's legendary 4WD adventures. 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 Australia's west coast to Kununurra/Wyndham on Western Australia's eastern border. You can drive the route on your own (4WD vehicles are essential) or join a multi-day guided tour.

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 in Purnululu National Park. Note that the road is usually closed from November through March due to flooding.

Other Gibb River Road highlights include wilderness hikes, swimming in the cool waters of steep-walled gorges, barramundi fishing, sunset safaris, and therapeutic soaks in natural hot springs.

Looking for a heart-pumping adventure on a day trip from Sydney ? How about abseiling (rappelling) down the sheer face of a limestone cliff in the spectacular Blue Mountains? Sliding into the misty blue haze of this World Heritage wilderness area is an unforgettable experience and an exciting way to experience the park.

Organized tours are the best way to tackle this adventure. The full-day Blue Mountains Empress Canyon and Abseiling Experience combines both abseiling and canyoning. Lessons, safety briefings, and all the necessary equipment is included, but you should bring a waterproof camera and layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly.

While you're exploring this scenic region, don't miss some of the other rewarding things to do in the Blue Mountains . See the iconic Three Sisters rock pinnacles, hike into plunging valleys, photograph the waterfalls, and breathe in the beauty of eucalyptus-scented forests stretching as far as your eyes can see. Canyoning, rock climbing, and mountain biking tours are also available.

The mighty Franklin River is the setting for one of the world's great rafting adventures . Slicing through Tasmania's ravishing Word Heritage Area, this wild and beautiful river remains a triumph of the environmental movement.

In the 1980s, passionate activists led a successful campaign to protect the Franklin 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. Wildlife in the region includes wallabies, platypus, and black cockatoos.

No previous rafting experience is necessary, although rafters should be physically fit in order to help portage at the wilder sections of the river, some of which are Class VI rapids. Trips include equipment, meals (usually prepared with fresh local produce), and experienced guides.

• www.franklinriverrafting.com
• https://www.franklinrivertasmania.com/
• http://www.worldexpeditions.com/us/index.php?id=285

Few adventures could be more quintessentially Australian than traveling the Oodnadatta Track. Cutting through the red hot heart of South Australia, this famous 620-kilometer unsealed road takes you away from the tourist throngs and deep into the Aussie outback.

Follow ancient Aboriginal trade routes, drive through an inland seabed, and pass the remnants of the Old Ghan railway. Along the way, you can meet an affable cast of genuine Aussie characters, and admire the stark beauty of the red-earthed desert.

Mingle with the locals at the tiny outpost of William Creek (population 10), which seems straight out of a movie set from Crocodile Dundee . Drive through Anna Creek, the largest cattle station in the world – it's the size of Belgium.

Want to extend your outback adventure? Linger in the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, where you can dig for the iridescent gems and stay in a subterranean hotel.

One of the top places to visit in South Australia , this rugged route is suitable for a two-wheel drive, though 4WD is recommended. Better still, join the Coober Pedy to Oodnadatta One Day Mail Run and let someone else do the driving. On this classic Aussie journey, you can help deliver mail to remote outback cattle stations while learning about the area's history and ecology.

A word of advice: Avoid mid-summer when temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Official site: http://www.mailruntour.com/

Cape Tribulation is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems – coral reef and rainforest – meet along dazzling white-sand beaches. A fun way to explore this rich beauty is on a guided Beach Horse Ride in Cape Tribulation . This 90-minute afternoon tour takes you through the lush Daintree Rainforest, eventually emerging onto picture-perfect Myall Beach.

Along the way, you'll learn all about the diverse rainforest plants and animals from your expert guide, and you can plod along the soft-sand shore. If the water is clear enough, you can even walk your horse into the shallows for a cool dip and a photo op.

Everything you need is included – helmets, saddle bags, and rain jackets. Plus, this family-friendly Aussie adventure is suitable for all ability levels.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Aussie Adventures: If you're looking for other Australian adventures, take a look at our article on the Top-Rated Hikes in Australia , from the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to the summit hike up Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain. If water-based fun is more your style, check out the Top-Rated Beaches in Australia and best fishing destinations from coast to coast. Still trying to figure out the best places to visit? Our article on planning your trip to Australia will help you create an itinerary to suit your travel timeframe and interests.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » 17 Best Adventures in Australia: Indoors, Outdoors, and Outback (2024)

17 Best Adventures in Australia: Indoors, Outdoors, and Outback (2024)

Australia… Even the name beckons to adventure. That enormous rock floating at the bottom of the globe. What images does the call of adventure in Australia elicit?

Perhaps the red and raw sunburnt earth, devoid of life yet full of magic? Or maybe the pearly, pristine sands softly squeaking between the toes of bronzed beach-bums? Could it be that glorious feeling of Nirvana experienced between last-drinks and kick-ons with the lads as a jocular Turk serves you that 3 A.M. kebab?

The best of Australia has all that and more to offer. We get hung up on Australia’s natural beauty – lost in the fantasy of its wilderness – however, everywhere in Australia, adventure is only around the corner. It’s inescapable.

So, whether it’s your first sample of our national treasure ‘Vegemite’, or your first encounter with our scaly locals, you better get ready. Bring your boots, broad-brimmed hat, and enough sunscreen for your soft, uninitiated skin, because we’re going Down Under!

These are the 17 best adventures to be had in Australia! From the fantastically stupid to the stupidly fantastic, I hope you’ve been practising your slang, cause things are about to get a little weird.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

17 Australian Adventures to Make You Go “Bloody Oath, Mate”

Have a crackin’ adventure in australia… but stay safe, australia calls and so does adventure.

Weird, wonderful, and wild is the name of the game while backpacking Australia ! There are a lot of adventurous things to do in Australia, but if it doesn’t feel like a uniquely down-under experience, then it ain’t on the list! There’s things you can only do in Australia. From bushwalking to Mad Maxing to scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, there’s much to explore.

Just a warning: you might wanna grab an English-Aussie-English dictionary or the nearest hot Aussie for this wild ride. By the end of this list, you’ll be perfectly fluent in the tongue of the down under – in more ways than one, if your dictionary was in human form.

1. Vanlife and the Great Australian Dream

Long before solar-power panels and proverbial van-sions, there was a simple sub-breed of Australian. They’d endlessly roam the Australian coastlines living in beat-up Kombi vans and subsisting on government handouts. And thus, a great Australian tradition was born— travelling by way of vanlife .

These days, it’s a dream shared by many, from the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed backpacker clan right through to the wizened grey nomads living out their twilight years in nomadic bliss. Some of the best of Australia can be experienced from the back of a van:

• Banging to sunset on the West Coast.
• Banging to sunrise on the East Coast.

Vans are  plentiful in Oz, however, good deals can be more scarce. Generally, if you’re in a rush, you’re either gonna find a barely-running backpacker-mobile or an over-valued and unconverted tradie van.

Instead, for the short impromptu road trip, van rental is the way to go! Rego, papers, and all the annoying stuff is already done for you. She’ll already be kitted out for the outback adventures; just buckle up and Bob’s your uncle!

There are heaps of rental services in Australia, but I recommend  Wicked Campers every time. Many grand Aussie adventures and sordid afterparties have occurred in Wicked’s campervans over their two decades of history.

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2. Crossing the Continent: A Rite of Passage

Van or not, driving right across the big mama-bo-jama is the absolute classic Australian adventure! And what an adventure—have you seen how big it is? Start on one side, aim for the other, and anything that happens in between is the adventure!

There is no shortage of spectacular drives in Australia . Linking any number of them to make your own transcontinental trip across that hunk of landmass is a damn sure-fire adventure! You just gotta choose your route.

You can follow the Great Ocean Road through Victoria, leading to Port Campbell National Park and the iconic Twelve Apostles, before embarking on the quintessential crossing of the Nullarbor Plain for the full coastal gravitas. Or , you could cut up to the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia – one of the top things to do in South Australia – for the rural greatest hits. Follow this up with a further diversion to Alice Springs , Uluru , and Australia’s crimson centre.

It doesn’t matter how you do it, just as long as you do it! You can’t say you’ve travelled Australia until you’ve driven six days in a straight line through the Outback with only the roadkill for company.

3. Gone Walkabout – Best Adventures in Australia’s Hiking Trails

If you really wanna get wacky, ditch the car! That’s when you really start to lose your mind. The roadkill even starts to talk back after a while! There are some great trails for beginner hikers although some of these treks are not for the faint of heart.

From the first men to the swagmen, going bush and just… losing yourself… is a time-honoured Aussie adventure. As my cuz said following his 57-day trek along southwestern Australia’s Bibbulmun Track :

“When you’re out there bushwalking, you bushwalk. You wake up and bushwalk, and while you bushwalk, you talk about bushwalking. At night, before sleeping, you reflect on the day’s bushwalking and plan tomorrow’s bushwalk.

…And then you dream about bushwalking.”

As long as you’ve got the right backpacking gear for the job, then there are limitless opportunities for bushwalking in Australia. Little walks, big walks, juicy walks, and the real sluggers that’ll send you loopy:

4. Get Outdoors – Exploring Australia’s National Parks

I just got done writing the roundup of Australia’s best national parks . That just means that now I’m loaded up on all kinds of random trivia on Oz’s nature!

Like… did you know that the Greater Blue Mountains Area —incorporating seven national parks and one conservation area—is roughly one-third the size of Belgium?

Or that Fraser Island is the World’s biggest sand island?

Or that one of the oldest ever examples of a ritual burial was discovered on the barren shores of New South Wales’s Lake Mungo ? (He was holding his dick; apparently that counts as ritualistic. I just call that bedtime.)

Anyway, enough deliciously nerdy trivia that’s guaranteed to catch you some spunky sheila’s (or cuddly bloke’s) eye down at the pub! One magical image and you’re already sold on the irreverent majesty of Australia’s outdoor playgrounds. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just driving up to the best sights, national parks in Australia are always a worthwhile stop.

Here are my top picks by state:

• New South Wales – Blue Mountains National Park
• Queensland – Daintree Rainforest
• Victoria – The Grampians (bonus points for calling them ‘Gramps’)
• South Australia – Simpson Desert
• Northern Territory – Kakadu National Park
• Western Australia – Nambung National Park
• Tasmania – Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

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5. Mad Max, Eat Your Heart Out – The Best Australian 4×4 Trips

Some of the most beautiful places in Australia are spots that you won’t be able to access without a little more torque in your fork. There’s also no shortage of unsealed roads out back that you’ll simply just not be forked with unless you’re packing off-road capabilities!

Heading out bushbashing in a 4WD is another classic thing Australians do for fun. Now, while they usually do so very high or very drunk (or very both), they’re trained professionals in the art of insanity. Instead, you’ll be revving up sober with plenty of water, prep, and sexy, sexy backpacker insurance .

And once you’re out there, what do you find? It’s a theme park, man.

From deep-cut cavernous gorges to the rolling red dunes of the desert expanses. The national parks, the spaces between, and the entirety of Western Australia—welcome to the Thunderdome.

The Gibb River Road is an essential 4×4 adventure in Australia’s unreal Kimberly Region exploring some of the best assets of outback adventures in Australia. It’s popular and thus busy.

Instead, the Canning Stock Route is a meaty challenge for anyone looking for something really remote to sink their teeth into. The Victorian High Country is another winner and a significantly shorter drive presenting something very different to the sights of the Outback.

6. Really Going Down Under – Scuba Diving in Australia’s Waters

Man, we’re six entries in and we still haven’t talked about the beaches, the draw of any island paradise…

That’s because Bondi Beach isn’t an adventure! You sit there, get a sandy bum, and perv on other sandy bums. No, the real adventure is what lies beneath.

Ever heard of the Great Barrier Reef —the world’s longest stretch of coral reef, a World Heritage site and one of the World’s best places to dive ? At roughly 2,300 kilometres long, it traces nearly the entire length of Queensland’s eastern coast: it’s a whole other world of colourful marine life, tropical fish and oceanic peace down there.

There are spectacular scuba diving territories to explore right down the Queensland coastline. Anyone visiting Cairns , Townsville , or Port Douglas is going to be inundated with a multitude of killer scuba sites to play in. It’s not just about Queensland’s tropical azure blues either!

Ningaloo Reef over in Western Australia is a golden opportunity to dive with an incredible variety of marine life, including whale sharks. Or better yet, get off mainland Australia to Christmas Island or Lord Howe Island for something really untouched.

Although already a magnificent diving destination, realistically, Australia is also one of the best places for a liveaboard trip in the world. Massive regions of gorgeous dive territories and endless lengths of coastline to trail just means that living on-site at the dive site is the perfect adventure vacation in Australia.

Eat, sleep, dive, repeat is the name of the game! Don’t miss out: get yourself booked on a liveaboard trip and go see just how unfathomably gorgeous the Great Barrier Reef really is!

7. Grommet to Grouse – Livin’ the Surfie Life

Ok, I lied: there are definitely awesome adventures in Australia to be had on those heavenly strips of sand. A beloved recreational activity in Australia for locals and foreigners alike, surfing is one of the top things to do in Australia for all skill levels! The real adventure, however, is livin’ the life.

Much like those barmy bushwalkers and their penchant for pedestrianism, surfies live, breathe, and sleep-carve the waves! Wake up (probably in a van), surf, big breakfast, snooze, surf, a joint, another snooze, an arvo surf… The only difference is that surfies get a root wayyy more often than their bushwalking brethren.

There are worse ways to spend your gap year in Australia.

A surfing holiday around Australia’s gnarliest breaks is one of the best Australian trips you can take. The hedonistic east coast experience — Cairns , the Gold Coast , Surfers Paradise , or the tried-and-true backpacker haven Byron Bay —is perfect for anyone looking to mix their surf-lifestyle with the booze-and-babes of coastal life. Surfer towns are some of the epicest places to visit in Australia.

However, for the true carvers hunting the sickest swell, head over to the Margaret River area on the west coast. The waves just get bigger and the tides wilder (provided you don’t mind sharing the water with a few great whites). Keenest surfers should check out Bell’s Beach in Victoria, the location of the annual Rip Curl Pro event. 

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

8. Party Like a Feral!

Outdoors, shmoutbloors—not all Australian adventures have to take place under the sweltering sun! Ozzies have rightfully earned something of an international reputation for sticking just about anything in their mouths. (Not like that; get your mind outta the gutter, mate!)

There will always be clubs, pubs, and trashbags littering the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast as you wade your way through the most epic backpacker hostels in Australia . But the real parties don’t happen in neon-swathed city-dens. They take place outside—in Australian outdoors shmoutbloors!

Yes, I’m talking ’bout doofs, kay? Those wonderful bass-induced hippy throwdowns of psy, dub, glitch, and bud.

Rainbow Serpent is probably the biggest festival in this style, but it’s hella mainstream and trash-vibes. Head to Queensland for the real stellar opportunities for a solid dugga beneath the Milky Way. From multi-stage madness down to grimy one-stage fun and even Oz’s regional burns, things are gonna get weird!

Even without doofs, follow the alternative trail in Australia for a bit and you’ll quickly stumble upon some ragers. The ferals know how to get loose, and amongst them, Ozzies are some of the loosest cannons, with booze flowin’ and bud blazin’.

There are plenty of more traditional music festivals in Australia too which are well worth checking out (the Byron Bay Bluesfest jumps to mind). It’s truly an experience for solo travellers in Australia . However… You haven’t partied in Oz until you’ve doofed.

9. Shouting Out the Best Adventures in Australia for the Indoors Lovers

What are you doing outside getting fresh air and being a sunkissed, vivacious soul! Don’t you know that we have air-con in Australia?

The concrete jungle still offers the adventure-seeking traveller some cool places in Australia to explore. They may not be heart-pounding, or jaw-dropping, or even titty-titillating, but these little smatterings of Aussie culture offer an adventure in of themselves:

• Melbourne’s Laneways – Melbourne is Sydney if Sydney was cool and nothing projects that more than it’s laneways. Winding alleyways of street art, velvety jazz lounges, and chic hole-in-the-walls are a defining feature of Melbourne. Yeah, sure, it’s a bit wanky, but that’s the point of travelling to Melbourne .
• Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – Hobart is Melbourne if Melbourne didn’t try so hard to be a cool Sydney. While it’s already a hive of more low-key cultural goodness, the MONA amplifies this through insane exhibitions that put the other capitals’ galleries to shame. It’s been described as a “subversive adult Disneyland” , and that fits it to a tee.
• Breweries, Wineries, and Booze – Australians drink a lot . All over the country, you’re going to find fantastic breweries—garage, craft, and big-time—as well as some world-renowned wine regions. As an Australian that doesn’t drink (shh, don’t tell anyone—they’ll deport me) , I ain’t no expert. That said, I do know that every time my parents go to Mudgee or the Hunter Valley , they come back with about 40 bottles of wine.
• Aboriginal Ceremonies – Often, Aboriginal performances of traditional ceremonies (dances or smoking ceremonies) will pop up at events. They are definitely always worth hunting out for an insight into the first Australians’ culture. I saw a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre once and that was absolutely phenomenal .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

10. Shouting Out the Best Outdoor Adventures in Australia

Annnd now we’re going the opposite direction! Get out of the stuffy air-conned galleries you nerd! There’s hectic shit to do:

• Skydiving – I’m not sure that there’s really a wrong place to skydive in Australia. Still, I betcha didn’t know you could skydive over Uluru ! You’re capped at a maximum of 12,000 feet, but what’s a few thousand feet when you’re skydiving above the scarlet sands of Central Australia? Another popular spot is Rainbow Beach.
• Bungee Jumping – Stay in Cairns for this. Cairns is more-or-less the Queenstown of Australia with all the delicious adventure travel offerings.
• Abseiling – I mean, anywhere there’s steep cliffs you can do this! The Blue Mountains National Park is perfect for it though. Combine your abseiling adventure with canyoning and rock climbing for something truly memorable.
• White Water Rafting – Both the Tully River and the Barron River are very respectable choices. They’re year-round hotspots for rafting with a wide selection of rapids available. It’s also close to Cairns; so, yeah, pretty much just go to Cairns. Cairns is one of the best places for adventure travel in Australia.

Getting Pumped on Visiting Cairns?

Good! You should be.

As far as adventure tourism in Australia goes, you won’t get it much better than Cairns. Check out some of the dope offerings for mad shenanigans that the city provides!

11. Meet the Traditional Custodians of the Land

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Aboriginals? These guys were the OG Aussie adventurists carving trails across the monolithic landscape long before the Poms showed up and started lopping trees, building fences, and just being all-round buttholes.

You may meet some Aboriginal people in your travels around Australia. Sadly, there aren’t as many as there used to be. Through a dark, twisted, and typically colonial past , much of the history and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples have been lost. Still, despite dwindling populations, their culture lives on.

So for a grand Australian adventure tour, just pay attention! All around the continent you’ll find traces of the deeply-rooted mysticism that define the mythology of Australia’s Dreaming and creation stories. Carvings, paintings, tools, communities, and sacred places dedicated to the celestial spirits that birthed this ancient land.

Hell, if you happen to take an actual tour and learn a thing or two from one of the ancestral guardians of Oz, that’s even better! You can even take it one step further and go volunteer in Australia on a rural Aboriginal community. You wouldn’t be the first traveller I’ve met to do so.

Whatever you do though, just be cool about it. You’re looking at the oldest living civilisation on the planet .

12. The Aurora Australis

This one is an entry from my own personal bucket list for Australia. Travelling to Tasmania should ABSOLUTELY be on your list! Tassie is bombastic: it’s a mind-warping Australia adventure all by itself!

But then, all the way down at the bottom of that verdant little isle, there’s an even more grandiose journey waiting.

Tassie is one of the most beautiful places in Australia . Don’t miss the opportunity and go see Aurora Australis.

There are numerous spots in Tasmania to see the southern lights from, however, for the proper adventure, you’ve gotta get to the bottom.

Down at the southern strip of Southwest National Park, there are beaches, natural rock pools and steep cliffs perfect for viewing the show.

It’ll take some effort to reach, but the drive down from Hobart combined with the trek to the spectral cinema is one of the most unmissable road trips in Tasmania . You’re at the southernmost point of one the southernmost habitable places on Earth. And even then, it’s really only semi-habitable.

But that’s the adventure, right?

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13. Riding the Horizontal Falls

This one is a special something. In a country of marvels sculpted by the Gods—devasting sandstone behemoths dominating the skyline, dramatic coastlines fringed by limestone guardians, and the granite-like pecs of Hugh Jackman—the Horizontal Falls were still dubbed by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world” .

Endearingly nicknamed ‘The Horries’ (because Australians have a natural aversion to excess syllables), the surge of tumultuous water is caused by breaks in the surrounding McLarty Ranges forming seaward gorges. Located in Western Australia’s majestic Kimberly region , you could call these currents ‘rapids’, but it wouldn’t quite do the fearsome beasts justice.

If you’re looking for crazy things to do in Australia, this might be your bugle’s call.

The seawater builds up to five-metre high walls of crashing whitewater horizontally-pitched waterfalls bursting through the gorges. When the tides change, the direction reverses and whirlpools form.

Surfs up? Strewth.

You’ve got a few options for visiting Horizontal Falls. A cruise around or a plane above is the safe and boring method. However, this is an article about the maddest and baddest adventures in Australia: of course I’m going to tell you to ride the wave.

14. Australia’s Most Beautiful Train Ride – Catching the Ghan

The Ghan — derived from the original nickname ‘The Afghan Express’— is one of the most famous train rides in the world. There’s been a lot of talk of vans, 4WDs, and walkabouts, but another option for crossing the centre is by way of Ghan to see the best of Australia from the comfort of a cabin.

Taking its name from the Afghani cameleers that helped colonise Australia’s unforgiving centre , this once-unreliable-now-luxury locomotive runs the transcontinental journey from Adelaide to Darwin (south-to-north or vice versa) right across the big heaping middle!

You get a choice of Gold Class, Platinum, and the esteemed Chairman’s Carriage complete with a personal hospitality assistant… That should give you an idea of just how fancy we’re talking! It might just be one of the best train journeys you’ve ever taken.

No, an Indian sleeper carriage this certainly is not. It’s riding in the absolute lap of luxury right through one of the sparsest and most inhospitable regions on the planet. Maybe it’s not quite as cool as a camel crossing, but it’s a spectacular journey in Australia and an unforgettable experience all the same.

It only takes 2 minutes!  Book your transport on 12Go now  and guarantee your seat easily.

15. Pub Nights and Piss-Ups

Ah, the ol’ local. Nowhere is quite as focal to the Australian experience as the pub. Everyone has a local. You can love it or hate it — probably both — but everyone has a local.

And in rural buttfuck-nowhere Oz, the local pub is king.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for bevvies wi’ da boiz (and girls but alliteration) during your Aussie adventures. But the real adventure is to do it somewhere way out back. Somewhere everyone in town knows your name.

Miners, farmers, coppers, candlestick makers all down at the pub. Wasted. With you — the only foreigner in town. Now that’s a truly Australian adventure!

For a few places to visit in Australia with old-school pubs and houses of heathenry, check out:

• Prairie Hotel, South Australia – A 140-year-old outback powerhouse famed for its ‘feral mixed grill’ featuring a wide assortment of kangaroo, emu, and camel meat (amongst other delights).
• The Pub with No Beer, New South Wales – While the name may seem like a counter-intuitive marketing technique, it worked! Inspiring a classic Australian country tune of the same name, The Pub with No Beer is now a famous watering hole to get a good feed and, yes, duh, a cold one.
• The Birdsville Hotel, Queensland – If you’re taking a road trip through rural Queensland , on the outskirts of the Simpson Desert is a 130-year-old establishment that drips with everything an old-school Aussie pub should.

16. Parabolic Bliss: Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

Y’know, maybe this is a bit overplayed. Compared to a few places on this list, scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge seems kinda smallscale. But then, the other day I caught the train running across it; as I spied the bridge in the tailing rear-view, I sighed. I legitimately sighed looking at a bridge.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is kind of special. Looking at it and sighing like a twit is one thing: climbing it is even better. And deffo one of the top things to do in Sydney , Australia.

BridgeClimb is the only company taking visitors to Sydney up to dazzling heights, and they’ve been doing it for yonks now. Taking you up, down, and even back again (if you like), it’s safe, family-friendly, and a total blast! The only downside is that everyone has to wear the same ugly jumpsuit killing your photo-ops.

And the view from the top? A total yum-fest. Views over the marina, the ultra-famous Sydney opera house, the botanical gardens… Fiest your eyes and forget about the fearsome drop.

17. Find a Funkin’ Platypus

Alright, ladies. This is it. The Holy Grail of Australia’s adventures: find the goddamn elusive beast!

Platypuses (yes, I did have to Google that pluralisation) are basically unicorns in a country where our wildlife doesn’t look so much like majestic creatures as they do majestic creatures wearing Halloween costumes.

Super rare and hard to find? Check.

Super weird looking? Check-check. (A water-based mammal with webbed feet, a duck’s bill, and venomous spines — why not, God?)

HOWEVER, you gotta do this legit. None of the zoos , animal tourism, and yukky shit. Just when you’re out there venturing through Australia’s bushland, find one in the wild. For real.

Perhaps it’s more apt to say that a platypus finds you?

And hey, even if your hunt falls short, bushwhacking the more remote corners of Aussie national parks is still one of the top things to do in Australia.

Now that you’re totally ready to go do some hectic shit, I’m going to have to mother you for a sec. Sorry, but I just love your face so damn much!

The most beautiful places in Australia can also be the deadliest. Australian wilderness is not to be trifled with. It’s to be enjoyed, soaked up, and gazed lovingly at, however, always do so with your sensibility cap on. Always keep the usual travel safety tips in mind, and then some more.

There’s a lot of desolate space, not much water, a sun that’ll fry you like an egg, plus 66 venomous species of animals. And of the animals that aren’t venomous, most of them can still smoke ya.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Step 1: Know What to Pack for an Australian Outdoor Adventure

Standard packing list for Australia travels aside, there are a few things you should never be heading to outback adventures in Australia without:

• Water – And plenty of it. You know that whole adage of laying out your packing for any trip and then halving it? Yeah, do the opposite: however much water you think you’ll need, double it.
• Plan for breakdowns – Tools, motor oil, EXTRA FUEL , a good-quality spare tire (or two), and probably a cuddly teddy bear in case you end up spending a long, lonely night or two out there. I strongly recommend doing some research on packing for an Outback road trip .
• Sun protection – You ever wondered why the stereotypical Aussie has sandy-blonde multi-toned hair? It’s because the sun’s so goddamn strong it turns it blonde… I used to be a brunette! Always pack big floppy hat, a big-ass bottle of sunscreen, and a little battery-powered handheld fan if you’re feeling cheeky. Whatever you do though, remember to slip, slop, slap!

As for actually getting out there into our magnificent nature camping, hiking, and being an all-round badass? Just remember to pack your camping gear and whatever else you usually take on the adventure! For more inspiration, you can check out some of our excellent gear roundups on the topic.

• Choose the Right Hiking Backpack
• Best Hiking Boots – Men and Women
• Top Travel Tents for Backpackers
• Best Sleeping Bags Mega-Review

Step 2: Know How to Stay Safe in Australia

Apart from occasionally getting rolled by some two-bit eshay in a derro train station, Australia is pretty damn safe! At least, in the urban-crime area it is.

We do have all those venemous animals though. And crocs. And rugged mountains. And cataclysmic fire seasons…

But truthfully, even that ain’t so bad (‘cept for the fires). The actual stats for snake and spider bites are very low, and usually whenever a tourist carks it, it’s because they were doing something stupid. So don’t be stupid: key yourself in on how to keep safe in Australia’s Outback !

But as a few bonus tips (because I really do like to mother you)…

• Always wade into a body of water— don’t dive. There are plenty of places you shouldn’t be swimming at all, particularly in northern areas. The Kakadu National Park is pretty till you get chomped up by a Croc.
• For the rest of our infamous fauna, just keep a healthy distance . Whale sharks are not dangerous but that’s not the case for all sea critters. And just in case, read up on encountering snakes .
• And bang your boots upside before putting them on! That’s a snake and spider thing, too.
• Beach safety is also mega-important. Don’t be risky, don’t be over-confident, and don’t swim alone, drunk, or just generally if you’re just not very good at it.
• Fires are a weird one. If you are lighting a campfire, make damn sure well you know what you’re doing. We take our bushfires very seriously.
• Sandstone cliffs can and do suddenly give way underfoot. Be wary near ledges.
• And, of course, always tell someone where you’re going . Your mum, the barmaid at your local, or even the cops. The popo will often supply you with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for any long treks or adventures in Australia’s wilderness.

Step 3: Get Insured!

You should always consider travel insurance. Whether it’s an adventure in Australia, Argentina, or Antarctica, covering yo’ ass with a top-notch travel insurance provider is a STRONG recommendation.

A yowie might snatch ya, a dropbear might drop ya, or a bogan might… well… be a bogan in your vicinity. One way or another, it always pays to be insured!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Coooeeeee! Hear that? She’s calling.

So pick up the damn phone, you drongo! Adventure in Australia has never looked so scrumptious. The birds are singing, people are always happy to see a new face roll into town, and all in all, this natural beauty’s a pretty special place to be.

It took me a long time of travelling to appreciate that. That nowhere else in the world do the gum trees grow quite so big and beautiful and the animals so strange and sublime.

There’s a reason that it seems everyone in the world dreams of travelling to Australia . The warm weather and wonderfully high wages certainly help. But really, it’s because it’s a dream.

It’s a dream that down at the bottom of the planet, there’s a big, beautiful bubble. A bubble where the conflicts don’t go. A bubble where people still smile and greet each other in the street (and will even chuck ya a ciggie despite how crushingly expensive they are).

So whether it’s an exploration of the Australian outdoors, a sample of it’s quirky indoors, or a complete loss of self in the Outback, soak up the Aussie adventures. She’s a true beaut’: there’s nowhere else in the world with quite so much serenity .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Ziggy Samuels

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• Even After the ‘Titan’ Submarine Disaster, Demand for Extreme Travel Has Never Been Higher

The tragedy threatened to derail one of the tourism industry's fastest growing sectors. Instead, experts say demand has never been higher.

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Scaling the highest peaks, diving to the depths of the ocean, taking a flight to space—these trips are not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, so-called “extreme tourism” is booming.

“During the pandemic, people were sitting at home, examining their lives, which created a pent-up demand for making travel a priority,” says Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) President Shannon Stowell. “Now, adventure travel is exploding. The concept of small group travel in remote locations is way more appealing, compared to visiting over-touristed locations.”

“It hit the core for so many people, in terms of fascination and anxiety about the risks that people are willing to take to experience something so extreme, “says Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel president for the Americas. “We were hoping for the best result, which didn’t come. Innately, that’s going to ripple through our industry. It has shed light on the fact that there’s a lot that goes into running a qualified, highly safe, inspected and reputable trip.”

Remarkably, mere months on, experts says that the OceanGate disaster hasn’t put off travelers who were already eager to push their limits—especially wealthy travelers who have the means and time to accumulate unique experiences that come with bragging rights.

In 2021, the global adventure tourism market was valued at $282.1 billion, according to a report by Grand View Research. It’s now projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 15.2 percent from 2022 to 2030, with the hard adventure segment representing a significant revenue share of more than 20 percent. This is credited to a gradual increase in the number of travelers that are willing to take high-risk activities and are open to adventures.

“A little bit of risk is good because it makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something,” says Massimo Prioreschi, president and CEO of Mt. Sobek, an adventure tour operator offering trips such as polar region adventure cruises. He says he’s personally seen an uptick in year-over-year bookings. “But the more extreme the activity, the higher the chance of death. It’s good to know what you’re getting into—and the tour company should qualify you, as well.”

Tim Tuiqali, guest experiences manager at VOMO, adds that “no line has been drawn between adventure sports and the Titan implosion.”

“It hasn’t affected our business,” he says. “We are actually seeing a steady increase in interest. At a luxury level, we understand that safety is paramount. Our guests put a lot of trust in us. We’ve been offering the shark dives for more than 15 years and haven’t had any incidents.”

Lifelong explorer Milbry Polk, co-author of “Women of Discovery,” emphasizes that travelers need to choose companies that have very good track records.

Others even argue that would be adventurers should not be put off by the Titan catastrophe. While OceanGate did blur the lines between scientific expedition and tourist attraction for the uber-wealthy, the research being generated was genuine and in the true spirit of exploration. Their goal was to research the ecosystem of the deep North Atlantic Ocean, and to gain a better understanding of how and why some communities of organisms develop in geographic isolation, while others range broadly across the ocean floor.

In the Wall Street Journal , Explorer’s Club President Richard Garriott de Cayeux wrote, “Harding and Nargeolet [Titan crew members[ were individuals who relentlessly pushed boundaries for the betterment of science. Critics may label their expedition as ‘extreme tourism,’ and perhaps it was, but it was their spirit of exploration that propelled them to seek, experience and learn…we will not stop exploring.”

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• These 16 Adventure Sports In Australia Will Satiate Your Thirst For Thrill In 2024

Do you possess a bold heart? Do you dare to take daunting risks? Or are you willing to overcome your internal fears? Because the land of Oz beckons the bravehearts to embark on a venturous spree by indulging in some of the most daring adventure sports in Australia that can scare even the bravest of the souls. So, revel in some of the most exciting adventure tours in Australia during your next trip to experience thunder down under.

Top 16 Adventure Sports In Australia

Here are the 16 best adventure activities in Australia for some thrilling experiences on your trip:

• White Water Rafting
• Shark Diving
• Bungee Jumping
• Hang Gliding
• Climbing And Abseiling
• Adventure Caving
• Blue Mountains Trekking
• Cliff Camping
• Kite Surfing
• Mountain Biking
• Scuba Diving
• Camel Riding

1. White Water Rafting

Image Source

Boasting of a number of breathtaking rapids, white water rafting is one of the most thrilling adventure sports in Australia. From beginners to veterans, this sport is open for everyone. All you need to do is gather some strength and tuck into the protection gears to take a splash into the calm as well as vicious rapids.

Popular Places For White Water Rafting: Tully River (Queensland), Franklin River (Tasmania), Murray River (NSW), Mitta Mitta River (Victoria), Barron River(Cairns). Average Price: Starting From INR 7,000

Suggested Read: Kangaroo Island: Your Ultimate Guide To The Home Of Australian Kangaroos, Koalas & Sea Lions!

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2. Shark Diving

Image Source Quench your thirst for adventures in Australia by diving into its azure waters amidst huge, and ferocious sharks. Swimming amongst these white sharks is a once in a lifetime experience that would also allow travelers to witness the extensive underwater life of the country. Include the sport of shark diving in your bucket list to fire up your Australian holiday with a stimulating experience.

Popular Places For Shark Diving: Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Port Lincoln, and Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium. Average Price: Starting From INR 9,000

Suggested Read: 14 Waterfalls In Australia That Take You Closer To Nature

3. Bungee Jumping

Brace yourselves for an arousing jump from an enormous height on your family adventure vacation to Australia. Do away with your phobia from heights by indulging in the venturesome activity of bungee jumping. All you have to do is fasten your ankles with an elastic rope and enjoy a free fall from an elevated platform to achieve a thrilling feat that you can flaunt about.

Popular Places For Bungee Jumping: Brisbane, Cairns, and Gold Coast are a few places where you can experience the thrill of this adventurous sport Average Price: Starting From INR 8,000

Suggested Read: 17 Dreamy Australian Honeymoon Destinations That Define Romance

4. Hang Gliding

Image Source Ever dreamt of flying freely like a bird? Hang gliding is one of those popular adventure sports in Australia which can make your dream come true. Soar high in the eternal sky and cherish a bird’s eye view of the scenic landscapes as you revel this awe-inspiring activity during your trip.

Popular Places For Bungee Jumping: Sydney, Queensland and Tasmania Average Price: Starting From INR 8,000

Suggested Read: Gold Coast In June: An Ultimate Guide To Enjoy A Thrilling Aussie Summer Vacay

5. Climbing And Abseiling

With rugged cliffs, majestic mountains, and extensive monolithic rocks, Australia is a wonderland for climbers. Put your core strength to test by indulging in climbing and abseiling adventure tours in Australia. Availability of numerous instructors and necessary equipment at all popular climbing spots make this activity even more safe and enjoyable.

Popular Places For Rock Climbing: Mt Arapiles, Booroomba, Glass House mountains

Suggested Read: Australia Nightlife: Everything From Bars, Clubs, Movies, To Live Music

6. Adventure Caving

Image Source Calm down your adrenaline rush by indulging in the audacious activity of adventure caving. It is a unique adventure sport in Australia that allows you to explore the depths of the world thriving underground. Consume the vibes of haunting caves as you walk, or crawl past the narrow paths with just a torch in your hand.

Popular Places For Adventure Caving: Jenolan Caves, Carey’s Cave, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave, and Capricorn Caves. Average Price: Starting From INR 4,000

Suggested Read: 15 Scenic Trails For Hiking In The Awesome Australia

7. Blue Mountains Trekking

Image Source Known for its picturesque landscapes, steep cliffs, and enthralling waterfalls, Blue mountain is one of the best locations for backpacks Australia tours. Embark on an adventurous trek through the rugged yet charming terrain of this World Heritage Site to spectate some rare sights and spend time in nature’s cradle to tranquilize your soul.

Popular Attractions Of Blue Mountain: Three Sisters, Katoomba Scenic World, Blue Mountains National Park, Leura Cascades Picnic Area. Average Price: Starting From INR 5,500

Suggested Read: Barossa Valley: An Absolute Guide To Explore The Wine Paradise On Your Next Australian Holiday!

8. Cliff Camping

Image Source Ever wondered of sleeping in a portaledge suspended over a towering cliff? Such is the experience of cliff camping that will send chills down your spine. It is one of the most daring adventure sports in Australia which includes a thrilling quest of an overnight stay in a portaledge with the world under your feet from where you can admire the prepossessing views of the surroundings, and spectate a majestic sunrise.

Popular Places For Cliff Camping: Mt Buffalo (New South Wales), Red Cliffs (Australia) Average Price: Starting From INR 30,000

9. Kite Surfing

With an extensive coastline studded with numerous sandy beaches, Australia is a paradise for kitesurfers. Experience the thrill of surfing, paragliding, sailing, and windsurfing in one single sport of kitesurfing. Indulge in one of the most popular adventure sports in Australia for swift sailing, and enjoying an ultimate affair with water.

Popular Places For Kitesurfing: Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay, Bells Beach, Margaret River, Broad Beach, and Phillip Island

Average Price: Starting From INR 15,000

10. Skydiving

Image Source Satisfy your hunger for an adventure through a thrilling affair with the wind. Achieve a valiant feat by jumping from thousands of feet by indulging in one of the most popular adventure sports in Sydney , i.e. skydiving. So, brace yourself and buckle up to cruise through the air as you dive straight onto the the land from the sky. Skydiving is one of the extreme sports in Australia that you must add to your bucket list. 

Popular Places For Skydiving: Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Gold Coast, and Western Australia. Average Price: Starting From INR 13,000

11. Canoeing

Canoeing is one of the best things to do while in Australia if you want to have a thrilling experience. The Blue mountain range located in New South Wales in Australia offers a memorable canoeing experience. The place is a world heritage site which makes it even more exciting. You would be able to choose from the various tours depending on your ability and skills of canoeing.

Popular Places For Canoeing: Wollemi Wilderness Area, Hinchinbrook island, Ningaloo sea reef

12. Mountain Biking

If you are interested in mountain biking and want to challenge yourself then Australia won’t disappoint you. It is home to several places which offer this activity and are ready to treat the adventure enthusiast in you. Being one of the extreme sports in Australia , the activity will need all your focus and vigour in order to give you the perfect experience, so be ready for that.

Popular Places For Mountain Biking: Derby, Daisy hill, Melrose Average Price: Starting from INR 7999

13. Zorbing

If you are not so much into adventure sports but still want to try some in order to have some thrilling experience, then try zorbing while in Australia. You will simply have to get into a giant ball of hamster and roll down the hill. It might look easy but it is not and is equally exciting. There are several places in Australia that offer this activity.

Popular Places For Mountain Biking: Gold coast

14. Scuba Diving

Australia is home to a great number of exciting sports and one of them is scuba diving. It offers several spots to dive and will pamper the adventurer in you like never before. It is home to colorful reefs and gorgeous waters that you will not think twice to jump into the water.

Popular Places For Scuba Diving: Great barrier reef, Ningaloo reef Average Price: Starting from INR 9000

15. Camel Riding

You might not have thought that Australia also offers camel riding as one of the best things to do there. There are several tours that will either take you to a ranch where you will get to learn about the culture of the country or a beach where you can watch the beautiful sunset. If you are afraid of camels, then fret not, it’s safe and will spruce up your adrenaline even more.

Popular Places For Camel Riding: Uluru

16. Jet Boating

Jet boating is one of those activities that will make your heart skip a beat. Australia is no less when it comes to offering jet boating. It is home to blue waters that are perfect for this activity and will give you the most rejuvenating experience. Sydney is one of the best places in Australia to indulge in jet boating.

Popular Places For Jet Boating: Sydney harbour

Further Read: Our Honeymoon Trip to New Zealand And Australia Was The Grandest Of Them All!

Excited much? Then book an Australia tour to the witness the spectacle down under with TravelTriangle to indulge in these exhilarating adventure sports in Australia!

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Sports In Australia

Are these activities performed under trained instructors?

Yes, all these adventure activities are performed under the guidance of trained instructors, and with proper equipment and gears.

Are children allowed to indulge in these adventure sports in Australia?

Some of the above-stated adventure sports in Australia allow children to indulge in these activities but a minimum age bar of 7 years and above is set for most of these activities.

What is the best time for indulging in adventure sports in Australia?

Most of these activities can be performed all around the year but sometimes, these activities are closed during rains and adverse weather conditions.

What activities are popular in Australia?

Some of the activities that are popular in Australia are: 1. Camping 2. White Water River Rafting 3. Surfing 4. Swimming with Dolphins

How safe is Australia?

Australia is a very safe country for travelers. The crime rate is low with some less severe crimes like pickpocketing. Natural calamities and attacks by wild animals may b an issue.

What is Australia known for?

Australia is highly popular for two things mainly, Kangaroos and the lotus-shaped. Sydney Opera House. Australia is one of the highly urbanized countries that has several stunning cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.

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Why is extreme ‘frontier travel’ booming despite the risks?

Associate Professor, Tourism and Society, University of Tasmania

Professor, University of Tasmania

Senior lecturer, University of Tasmania

Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Heritage | Co Chair - World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Future of Sustainable Tourism, Western Sydney University

Disclosure statement

Anne Hardy receives funding from the Australian Research Council to (LP 190101116) and the Dutch Research Council (NWA 1435.20.001) and Hurtigruten Australia who provide in-kind support for fieldwork.

Can Seng Ooi presently receives funding from the Australian Research Council to (LP 190101116).

Hanne E.F. Nielsen receives funding from the Australian Research Council LP190101116, which also includes funding from partner organisation Intrepid Travel, and DP220103005; the Dutch Research Council (NWA.1435.20.001); and the Australian Antarctic Division. Hurtigruten Australia provide in-kind support for fieldwork.

Joseph M. Cheer presently receives funding from the Australian Research Council (LP190100367) and Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciences (22K12588). He is also empanelled to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) for the Pacific Islands from which he receives funding. Joseph is Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council for the Future of Sustainable Tourism and board member of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).

University of Tasmania and Western Sydney University provide funding as members of The Conversation AU.

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The world has watched in shock as rescue crews feverishly search for the Titan submersible vehicle, which disappeared while attempting to take tourists to view the wreckage of the Titanic in the North Atlantic.

The horror of the incident raises questions as to why people engage in risky tourism activities in remote locations and whether there should be more restrictions to what adrenaline-seeking tourists can do.

What is frontier tourism?

This type of travel, known as “ frontier tourism ”, is becoming big business.

The wider adventure tourism industry is already worth billions of dollars – and is growing quickly. Frontier tourism is an exclusive and extreme form of adventure travel. The trips are very expensive, aim to overstimulate the senses and go to the outer limits of our planet – the deep oceans, high mountains, polar areas – and even space.

Frontier tourism is not new; humans have explored remote locations for millennia. Pasifika people used the stars to navigate the oceans for migration and trade. Europeans sailed to the edges of what they believed to be a flat Earth.

In recent years, however, frontier tourism has attracted widespread attention thanks to the common occurrence of long queues on Mount Everest , the trending TikTok phenomenon of crossing the #DrakePassage in Antarctica and the rapid development of space tourism for the wealthy.

The rise of travel content sharing on social media and revenge travel following COVID-19 have contributed to the surge in its popularity.

Read more: More than 100,000 tourists will head to Antarctica this summer. Should we worry about damage to the ice and its ecosystems?

Why are we so obsessed with extreme forms of tourism?

Risky activities release chemicals in the brain that can be addictive. Research suggests engaging in risky tourism activities, such as scaling a high mountain, can bring about feelings of accomplishment and euphoria. Travellers report feeling alive and experiencing a sense of transformation.

Some are also attracted to the pristine, untouched and remote aspects of the locations that they visit. Furthermore, the element of fantasy associated with imagining certain places or stories, like the movie Titanic, can be alluring.

Besides physical frontiers, there is also the thrill people get at pushing the human body to its limits and facing one’s fears. Base-jumping, skydiving, bungee jumping and polar plunges are common examples of this.

In a slightly more mundane way, even tasting “ scary food ” pushes tourists outside of their comfort zone and helps them feel alive .

Still others make extreme tourist journeys to follow in the footsteps of their heroes , such as those who travel to Antarctica to pay homage to explorer Ernest Shackleton.

Extreme and risky activities not only make participants feel euphoric, but they also convey status. When bucket lists are ticked off and experiences shared on social media, this brings bragging rights. Research suggests many travellers seek recognition for undertaking the first, longest or most extreme experiences possible.

But frontier tourism is clearly not for all. It is usually only accessible to a privileged few, as the tragic circumstances of the Titan highlight. Passengers onboard the vessel reportedly paid US$250,000 for the voyage.

Read more: 70 years after the first ascent of Everest, the impact of mass mountaineering must be confronted

What are the impacts of frontier tourism?

Beyond the unspeakable angst that friends and family must endure when things go wrong, there are many other impacts of this form of tourism.

This type of travel can create environmental harm and negatively impact local communities . For example, after decades of mass mountaineering, the environmental impact on Mount Everest must be addressed.

And when mishaps do occur, the cost of search and rescue efforts can be massive and put rescue teams at great risk. The plight of frontier tourists are usually the focus of media reports, while emergency responders are often overlooked.

Recent efforts by sherpas such as Nimsdai Purja are trying to overcome this issue. Through the Netflix documentary, 14 Peaks, he publicises the behind-the-scene preparations and heavy lifting work done by sherpas who guide and rescue tourists up Everest and other mountains.

Frontier tourism is not going away

Despite tragedies like the Titan disappearance, tourists remain attracted to the quest for the most unique experiences in the most remote, uncharted places.

Tourists also increasingly feel able to embark on trips once perceived as too dangerous because technology and other innovations have ostensibly made them safer and more accessible.

In many instances that danger remains, but the commercial transaction strips away the perceived risks involved. Marketing materials aim to sell “safe” adventures, with the risks are often listed in the fineprint. A polar plunge in Antarctica, for instance, is often marketed as safe because participants are attached to a tether and the swim time is limited to prevent hypothermia.

Two decades ago, in forecasting the growth of space tourism, anthropologist Valene Smith said what tourists want, the industry will provide. This has become a truism, as the Titan voyages demonstrate.

The massive growth of frontier tourism could lead to even greater problems if the industry doesn’t respond in the right way. If travellers are going to expose themselves to extreme risks, whose responsibility is it, then, to ensure their safety and recovery should accidents occur?

Many tourism businesses and travel insurance companies make risks known to their guests. But regulations on disclosing risks differ between countries. These means travellers may have to evaluate the risks themselves, and this is fraught with danger if company standards are low.

One solution is frontier tourism might be best experienced in controlled and safe environments through digital storytelling or augmented and mixed reality . However, this may not be enough to satisfy the adrenaline junkies out there.

As the Titan incident illustrates, the unpredictable nature and unintended consequences of frontier tourism are very real things. While money can allow us to travel almost anywhere, it’s worth considering whether some places should just remain untouched, sacred and off limits completely.

• Space travel
• Adventure tourism
• Antarctic tourism
• Titan submersible

Microsoft and Citrix Technical Consultant

Casual Facilitator: GERRIC Student Programs - Arts, Design and Architecture

Senior Lecturer, Digital Advertising

Manager, Centre Policy and Translation

Newsletter and Deputy Social Media Producer

Dark Tourism In Australia: 12 Macabre, Strange & Interesting Destinations!

A ustralia has the quirky internet nickname the “Land of Nope” and we expected nothing less from a country that literally lost a war against literal birds (don’t believe us – go look up ‘the war on Emus’….).

Aside from the country’s infamous animal residents, Australia also hosts a wealth of dark, mysterious, and outright strange dark tourism destinations that we guarantee you won’t want to miss!

Despite being a fairly young country, Australia’s host of dark tourism sites is truly something that has to be seen to be appreciated. From the ruins of penal colonies to abandoned mental asylums and underground cities, Australia’s history has been far from easygoing.

And while most tourists seek the sun and sea, we’ve found other ways to keep your vacation interesting! Join us as we journey through some of Australia’s best dark tourism destinations!

12 Macabre, Strange & Interesting Dark Tourism Destinations In Australia

1. wittenoom.

Lost in the outback, you may chance upon the elusive ghost town of Wittenoom. Erased from Australian maps in 2007, this place remains concealed for good reason—they don’t want you to find it.

Once a bustling mining town, Wittenoom’s main export wasn’t gold or opals, but something far more sinister – asbestos.

Unbeknownst to its residents in the ’50s and ’60s, the dangers of asbestos were yet to be widely recognized. By the time the town shut down in 1966, irreversible harm had been done, leaving a curse upon its inhabitants.

Of the estimated 20,000 people who once called Wittenoom home, approximately 2,000 have succumbed to cancers and mesothelioma—a heart-wrenching testament to the consequences of unregulated industrial practices.

Dilapidated buildings silently bear witness to lives lived amidst violently toxic asbestos particles. Protection akin to a Mad Max character is essential to shield oneself from the tainted air.

Given the extreme risks involved, there are currently no dedicated tour companies for this particular dark tourist attraction. We therefore don’t recommend visiting this ghost town, but it can’t be denied that this is one of Australia’s darkest destinations.

Location: Unknown

Tags: Dark History; Disaster Tourism

2. The Kiama Blowhole

We’re as big a fan as any of natural phenomena and wonders, and Kiama Blowhole is no exception! This is an Australian tourism gem that’s bound to blow you away. Literally!

Found on the rocky shores of Kiama’s coastline, the Kiama Blowhole is a natural geological formation that has quite an explosive reputation. Depending on the tides, a rush of ocean swells pushes through a narrow oceanic cavern. The pressure forces a spray of water through a hole in the rocks that’s mesmerizing and terrifying to witness!

But despite its beauty and power, you won’t find the locals hanging around too close, and we suggest you follow their lead! The Kiama Blowhole has a deadly reputation and is best observed from afar.

It has a history of dragging unsuspecting tourists down into its rocky depths as the surge of water sucks back down into the hole.

This natural spectacle has been responsible for nine tragic deaths, which prompted the local authorities to erect barriers. We’d like to say this has helped, but the reality is the Darwin Awards don’t exist for nothing, and you’ll still find some people ignoring all warnings and hanging precariously close.

Be sure to read the signs and stay behind the barriers before you become the next line in “Dumb Ways to Die.”

Location: Kiama, New South Wales

Tags: Dark History

3. The Cascades Female Factory, Tasmania

Most people know the history of Australia and that it was colonized as a means of emptying prisoners in Britain.

As a result, the colonies were built up of populations of prisoners, from petty thieves to murderers. Throughout the country, there are plenty of historic places that remind us of Australia’s rocky beginnings, but the Cascades Female Factory serves as a rather significant reminder of the times!

Named for its scenic view, the Cascades Female Factory was established to incarcerate females for their crimes. But the system was unjust, and unfortunately, there were a few innocent bystanders shoved into the mix simply because they weren’t born into a wealthier household.

The woman incarcerated here endured unimaginable hardships. They were subjected to grueling labor, often involved in tasks such as spinning, weaving, and laundry. It might not sound bad, but the hours of strenuous labor only helped solidify the horrific living conditions.

While most of the buildings were eventually left to ruin, there’s still a significant echo of the past! Tours are available, so at least you’ll have someone around to hold your hand as you walk through darkened hallways and eerie rooms.

Location: Tasmania

Tags: Dark History; Prison Tourism

It wouldn’t be a dark tourism list without at least one asylum.

Located in Adelaide, Z Ward was once Australia’s very own Briarcliff Manor. It was a treatment facility for the mentally ill, but as we all know, all old, creepy asylums offer the same brochure-friendly description.

The reality is that the Z Ward existed in a time when the mentally ill were treated with lobotomies and electro-shock therapy.

Thankfully, it’s no longer an operational facility, instead offering dark tourism enthusiasts the opportunity to gain some interesting insight into the lives of the previously dubbed clinically insane.

Architectural enthusiasts might also get a kick out of the intricate design, which is actually quite the drawing card for regular tourists.

We’d love to say it ends there and that a trip to the Z Ward is just a historical outing, but we’d be lying. Of course, when you’re housing a chunk of the country’s criminally insane population, you’re bound to rack up some vengeful spirits! So it goes without saying that Z Ward has quite the haunting reputation too.

The eerie atmosphere is enough to send shivers down your spine. But ghosts and sobering histories aside, Z Ward is an architectural feat and a surprisingly popular tourist destination. So as much as you may hate talking to your therapist, we promise, it’s the lesser of two evils.

Location: 63 Conyngham St, Glenside SA

Tags: Paranormal; Dark History

5. Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)

While not entirely mystifying, Uluru is a massive sandstone formation in the center of the ever-sunny Australian outback. At a glance, it’s easy to shrug it off as a natural phenomenon, but this rock marks an area rich with history.

Glyphs mark the red stones and tell stories of the Aboriginals that once called this land home.

In 1920, it was declared an Aboriginal Reserve, and it became a well-known waypoint in the inhumane acts perpetrated by the Australian government in the hopes of assimilating Aboriginal children into their society.

This dark history has made Uluru quite a popular tourist destination, which comes with its own dangers. You see, Uluru features in another tale of tragedy. That of Azaria Chamberlin, a baby who went missing while camping near Ayer’s Rock with her parents. For a while, the media latched viciously onto the idea that her own mother had brutally murdered her, only for the horrifying truth to reveal itself years later. Azaria Chamberlin, was in fact, eaten by dingos.

Other than its monolithic stature, the more you delve into the history surrounding Uluru, you’ll easily come to see why it’s an Australian dark tourism site worth learning about.

Location: Northern Territory’s “Red Centre”

6. Port Arthur

If you’re a fan of eerie history prepare to have your curiosity piqued and your fight-or-flight instinct tested with a visit to the Port Arthur Penal Colony.

This haunting historical site once served as a penal colony in the 19th century where the main population consisted of dual-offenders and dangerous individuals.

The prison focused on new methods of rehabilitation that often meant the prisoners were forced to endure cruel and unusual punishments. It was eventually closed in 1877 and fires a few decades later left most of the prison’s buildings gutted and destroyed.

Despite this, a thriving town grew around it, and the Port Arthur Penal Colony became a popular dark tourism destination.

Its dark reputation was only made worse from there. In 1996 Port Arthur became the location of one of Australia’s worst killing sprees which left 35 people dead at the hands of one Martin Bryant.

Tours are available that will lead you throughout the colony by foot, and even to the Isle of the Dead, where most of Port Arthur’s deceased prisoners were buried.

Location: Port Arthur, Tasmania

7. Quarantine Station

The world is no stranger to infectious diseases. And Quarantine Station was Sydney’s first line of defense against diseases like smallpox, typhus, and the bubonic plague.

Its origins date back to the 19th century, and its buildings have held up incredibly well against the test of time. In fact, part of the Quarantine Station has now become the “Q Station” hotel.

The hospital and morgue still stand as eerie reminders of the Quarantine Station’s tragic past. Well, that and the spirits that supposedly haunt their halls! What were you expecting? In a place where people died some less-than-heroic deaths, there are bound to be a few tortured souls wandering around!

Ghostly encounters have become an inseparable part of the Quarantine Station’s legacy. Visitors and staff have reported strange phenomena, unexplained sounds, and eerie apparitions.

It’s no wonder then that this place has gained a reputation for being one of Sydney’s most haunted sites. If you’re curious to meet some of the local spirits, be sure to join one of the Ghost Tours of the area.

The guides are well-versed in stories of close encounters and can teach you about the history behind the buildings.

You’ll learn about the tragedies of pandemics and about the heroic triumphs made by 19th-century those who fought tooth and claw to help keep society safe from infectious diseases. History and hauntings? Sign us up!

Location: Manly New South Wales

Tags: Paranormal; Dark History; Disaster Tourism

8. Coober Pedy, the Underground City

It’s time to go meet the mole people of Coober Pedy, and boy is their lifestyle fascinating! All jokes aside, Coober Pedy is Australia’s very own subterranean city which explores a new way of dealing with that unforgiving Australian heat!

Formed from old opal mines, Coober Pedy is a town that’s more fascinating than creepy. While you’ll still be able to find a few select buildings above ground, most of this town is situated deep in refurbished mine shafts.

Everything from stores to churches can be found in hallowed caverns of sandstone. It may not necessarily fit the bill for “dark” tourism, but it’s certainly an alternative tourist destination that we’d highly encourage our readers to visit!

Introduce yourself to the quirky charm of this underground town and embrace your inner Hobbit! We promise you’ll never look at dirt the same way again.

And you can finally answer that snarky question, “Have you been living under a rock?” seriously. Yes, mom. I have.

Location: Coober Pedy

Tags: Alternative Tourism

9. The Old Melbourne Gaol

These days, the harshest punishment we experience is having our phones confiscated, but the same can’t be said for Australians in the 19th century. You might literally have lost your head for some rather minor offenses!

The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the late 1830s with the sole purpose being to punish those whom the city felt deserved it.

Unfortunately, this prison was not entirely picky as to which prisoners it housed. Its population consisted of Australia’s most notorious, like Ned Kelly, to some rather innocent orphaned children.

It became a strong reminder to the community of the city’s fist of justice. It operated for just under a century but saw more than 100 criminals beheaded!

At one stage, the museum even kept Ned Kelly’s skull as a memento, and while it has since been moved elsewhere, you can find his, and a dozen other death masks on display.

Historical and haunting are a beautiful combination, and the Old Melbourne Gaol definitely delivers on both!

Location: Shelbourne-Lockwood Road, Melbourne

10. The Somerton Man

In the captivating world of cold cases, the Somerton Man is amongst one of the most infamous. In 1948, the body of an unknown individual was discovered leaning against a sea wall on a beach in Adelaide.

With no trace of identification, not even his clothing tags, he would become a jaw-dropping mystery that the world still aches for answers to!

He was found with a small piece of paper on his person that read “Tamam Shud,” which roughly translated to “Ended” in Persian. This, paired with another scrap of paper covered in an indecipherable sequence of letters, means even Sherlock Holmes would have been stumped with this one.

To this day, the meaning of this cryptogram remains elusive, much to the distress of professional codebreakers. Countless theories have been posited, ranging from espionage to illicit affairs, but no concrete conclusions have emerged.

The Tamam Shud Man has become an enduring symbol of intrigue, his identity and purpose forever shrouded in an impenetrable veil of mystery.

Obviously, though, the dead must be laid to rest. Eventually, the Somerton Man was afforded a decent burial in the West Terrace Cemetary in Adelaide.

His tombstone simply reads “Unknown Man.” We’re just waiting for the True Crime Millenials to get their hands on this mystery. We’re sure their years of social media snooping will help solve a nearly century-old mystery.

Location: West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, Australia

11. Hutt Lagoon

This Australian gem looks like it came straight out of Barbie’s holiday itinerary. When you see the bubblegum-pink water of Hutt Lagoon, you’ll know exactly what we mean! That’s right, you read that correctly. Pink. Water. And an assortment of other unnatural hues, now that we think of it.

The Hutt Lagoon is a notorious tourism destination thanks to its mystifying colored water that fills the over 2km long saltwater lake.

This natural phenomenon is thanks to the presence of a unique microorganism called Dunaliella Salina, which gives the water of Hutt Lagoon its psychedelic color-changing abilities. Witnessing this surreal phenomenon is like stumbling upon a secret artist’s palette hidden in the outback.

It might not be creepy unless, of course, you have thalassophobia, but it’s certainly an alternative tourism wander in Australia that we can’t get out of our minds!

And yes, before you ask, the water is 100% safe to swim in. These color-altering bacteria are harmless, although we don’t recommend trying to drink the salty lagoon water!

Location : Mid-Western Australia

12. The Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, Victoria

We’re really treating you today, dear reader, with yet another mental asylum to add to our list of Australia’s must-see dark tourism sites. We’d like to cordially introduce you to the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, although you might not be glad we did.

The Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, much like many of its kind, was intended to help those labeled as mentally ill but ended up causing more harm than good. We can’t blame them, some of our ancestors also used to think that mailing children through the postal service was okay.

The imposing architecture of the asylum is enough to make you question your sanity and really stands out as a scar amongst the picturesque Victoria surroundings. With its towering walls and dark hallways, it’s no wonder that it has become a magnet for those seeking out the macabre and strange.

Of course, its history is marred with torment, torture, and brutal medical practices that have long since been outlawed. Unfortunately, it’s left a distinct impression on the building, and no matter what, you can’t help but feel your stomach drop at the thought of what patients here endured.

Or maybe that’s just the eerie feeling you’re being watched? After all, it’s not a creepy asylum without its ghosts, and the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum has plenty.

Location: Beechworth, Victoria

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Tom Robbins , Simon Usborne and Oliver Barnes

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Tomaž Rotar knows a thing or two about life and death in extreme environments. In February 2021, the Slovenian oral surgeon was sitting inside a cramped tent 7,300m up K2, the world’s second highest mountain. More than 20 climbers had gathered in the dark on the snowbound ledge, arriving at the camp in worsening winds and temperatures that were already below -30C. 

To stand a chance of reaching the summit as the weather window they had been chasing began to close, they would have to set off again almost immediately.

Most of the climbers there that night did the sane thing; they sat tight and descended at dawn, many swallowing the fact that they had paid guiding companies at least £20,000 for a chance to reach the summit in winter, a feat that had been achieved for the first time only weeks earlier. Others felt moved to step back into the darkness and attempt what they had flown halfway around the world to do.

Rotar was among seven climbers who made the decision to go on. He only turned back hours later when he came across an unexpected crevasse. Three other climbers managed to get across it, and continued. When they failed to return, a frantic search gripped the world’s media as military helicopters and even a fighter jet scoured K2.

All three men died that night. It would be months before their frozen bodies could be found. As Rotar has followed news updates about the Titan submersible this week with a familiar feeling of dread, he has been reflecting on the calculations wealthy adventurers make when they face that vital decision: do we stay, or do we go?

“It’s the same kind of people who feel the same kind of draw, whether it’s to go deep under the sea, or to climb very high, or to run very far,” he says. “It’s a kind of sickness, like a venom in your veins that makes you want to go. Because you want that beautiful feeling that comes when the danger is over and you know you have achieved something. And then you don’t even know how you lived before that, so you go back and you do it again.”

At the extreme and often prohibitively costly end of the travel industry, a niche has grown to meet demand for variations on that same feeling. From the oceans, to the mountains, to polar ice sheets, to active volcanoes — and now the vast expanse of space — people are increasingly prepared to pay small fortunes in pursuit of big, sometimes dangerous dreams.

Even the South Pole — which, after Scott’s ill-fated visit in 1912, went unvisited by humans until 1956 — is now offered in tourist brochures. The US Amundsen-Scott South Pole station is shadowed by another facility, about half a mile away: a tourist camp that welcomes visitors with a sign announcing “the world’s southernmost resort”. Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, which runs the camp, offers a range of ways to get there, including the “South Pole Overnight” trip at $65,000 — guests simply fly there and back (and are presented with a certificate on their return).

Interest in visiting Antarctica — the world’s coldest, highest, windiest continent — is surging, with the large majority of people arriving via cruise ships and landing in small boats. The number coming ashore doubled from 26,000 in the 2014/15 austral summer season to reach 55,000 in 2019/20. (Data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators also records some of the activities they undertook: the most recent season saw tourists go stand-up paddleboarding 598 times, snorkelling 1,661 times, snowboarding 766 times and making 4,217 dives in submersibles.)

As with other areas of the “extreme tourism” world, tour operators are increasingly blurring the lines between holidays and expeditions. As well as fly-in trips to the South Pole, ALE offers a range of itineraries that casual observers would assume were the preserve of professional explorers. Want to ski from the edge of the continent to the Pole, a 60-day epic, battling temperatures down to -30C? Just head to the ALE website and, if you can manage the $85,000 price tag, click the “book now” button. The trip will be led by an experienced guide (though it’s up to you whether you mention that in your press release and Insta-posts).

Particularly popular is the “ski the last degree” expedition, where guests are dropped by plane 69 miles from the Pole (one degree of latitude), then trek there on skis over about five days, giving those on a tight schedule the flavour of a classic polar crossing. According to IAATO, numbers taking part in the $75,000 trip tripled in the three years to 2019; those interested can head off on December 7 or 14, or January 4 next year.

“We push our clients as far as they want to go, from abseiling to zip lining to getting a taste of what it’s like being a polar explorer,” says Patrick Woodhead, a record-breaking Antarctic adventurer and founder of the luxury Antarctic operator White Desert.

Starting in 2005 with three tents and two clients, White Desert now runs three camps, each for 12 guests, offering cocktails and chef-prepared meals, a yoga pod, sauna and library. Transport options include a Gulfstream private jet (a service that Hamish Harding, one of the five people who died on the Titan submersible, was involved in setting up); clients typically pay around $100,000 per visit. “I think that this kind of travel is exactly what people are looking for,” says Woodhead. “When people come to Antarctica, they are disconnected from their phones . . . they’re in an otherworldly situation and environment and that very much changes people.”

Though tourism is growing more normal in Antarctica, risks remain. The US Coast Guard is currently carrying out an investigation after four cruise-ship tourists were killed in three incidents at the end of 2022. Two died after an inflatable boat capsized, one when a “rogue wave” hit the ship, and another fell and hit his head in rough waters.

Yet one of the odd things about extreme tourism is that risk seems to attract rather than deter customers. Just two days after a volcano erupted on White Island off New Zealand in 2019, killing 22 people, a boat guide in Whakatāne, the town closest to the volcano, told reporters that he had begun receiving new inquiries from tourists who wanted to go there. One woman wanted to see White Island close up “to feel the fury”.

“It’s the same kind of thing that the Romantic poets talk about when they talk about the sublime in nature, the spectacles that take us out of ourselves and transcend the day-to-day human experience,” says Amy Donovan, a geographer and volcanologist at Cambridge university who has watched demand grow ever higher for proximity to spewing ash and lava. When Fagradalsfjall erupted in Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula in March 2021, more than 350,000 people flocked to the site over the following 10 months.

After two people died in the Clipper Round The World yacht race in 2015/16, applications increased. When the celebrated US extreme skier Doug Coombs was killed in 2006 in an accident in La Grave, France, an event reported at the time as “like Superman dying”, guides noticed an uptick in inquiries from American tourists wanting to ski there.

Disaster also sells in the Himalayas. The deadly 2021 winter season on K2 — which claimed the lives of two climbers in falls, as well as the three who were lost near the summit — only increased demand for attempts on a mountain that is far more dangerous than Everest. Last summer, about 200 people reached the summit of K2, more than triple the previous record.

“People want to climb Everest because it’s dangerous and involves risk,” says Lukas Furtenbach, an Austrian mountain guide specialising in premium expeditions to Mount Everest (his packages cost up to $217,000, including personalised, professional-level video and photography). “If nobody died and it was 100 per cent safe, that’s not an adventure and I think demand would decrease.”

This year’s Everest season saw a record number of climbers — and a record number of deaths, 17. Furtenbach, whose clients all safely reached the summit, is increasingly concerned about what is happening when money, ego and the human urge to seek thrills collide in dangerous places. “I would say 14 of these deaths could have been avoided with very simple safety protocols,” he says. “Four of them were clients who went missing on summit day. Other people ran out of oxygen. These things should be impossible, and it’s happening because operators are not regulated.”

Not all extreme travel involves physical exertion. Woodhead, the White Desert founder, is this weekend in Equatorial Guinea, speaking at the inaugural “Most Traveled People” conference. The event caters to “competitive travellers”, a rapidly expanding group who attempt to visit as many places as possible on Earth, logging their visits online to climb up the league tables. Having decided the 193-long list of UN-recognised countries was too easy to complete, enthusiasts have divided the world further — MTP’s list now runs to 1,500 countries, regions, territories, dependencies, island groups and so on. (Currently top of the leaderboard is Harry Mitsidis, 51, who has reached 1,362 of them).

MTP is not alone. Since 2009, the Extreme Traveler International Congress has run meetups for tourists wanting to go beyond the brochures. Venues have included Baghdad, Mogadishu and Rockall, a granite islet in the north Atlantic.

“I think there’s a growing awareness that it’s possible to get to these kind of places,” says James Willcox, whose company Untamed Borders offers trips to destinations including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen and has organised events for ETIC. “Previously, if a destination wasn’t in the Thomas Cook brochure and there wasn’t a Lonely Planet guidebook, people just had zero information. Now it is fairly easy to find out about anywhere online, and social media has this normalising effect — once you start looking, you see that other people are going, however unlikely the destination.”

Virgin Galactic is due to launch its first commercial space flight next week. Already 800 people have bought tickets, which now cost $450,000

The drive to tick boxes and complete defined challenges runs through much extreme travel. As reaching the “seven summits” (the highest mountain on each continent) has become common, adventurers have strived for the “explorer’s grand slam” (the seven summits plus North and South Pole), or even the “explorer’s extreme trifecta” (the highest and lowest places on Earth, Everest and Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, as well as space). A new generation is now rushing to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks, often using extensive helicopter support to do so. Critics have pointed out that the approach creates a small number of “honeypot” objectives, while ignoring less well-trodden paths.

The wider phenomenon of buying adventure has long precedents, says Leo Houlding , a professional climber with a string of groundbreaking expeditions to his name. “Since the beginning of exploration, wealthy people have patronised and paid to join expeditions,” he says. “In the so-called golden age of European alpinism, the peaks were being climbed by rich Britons using hired local guides — some were probably good climbers, others were probably paying to go so they could dine out on it.” Nevertheless, the trend has “exploded” in the past decade, he says.

Space offers the lure of a new frontier. Virgin Galactic is due to launch its first commercial space flight next week — a two-hour experience that will reach about 55 miles above the Earth’s surface. Already 800 people have bought tickets, which now cost $450,000. Meanwhile, the Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin rocket reaches 62 miles in a flight of just 11 minutes; since its first crewed flight in 2021, passengers have included the Star Trek actor William Shatner, the undersea explorer Victor Vescovo and Hamish Harding.

A more leisurely option is Space Perspective, an eight-person capsule that will be carried to about 19 miles (the stratosphere, rather than space) beneath a balloon. Guests are promised “No rockets. No g-force” but rather a gentle “meticulously crafted” six-hour flight “complete with a meal and cocktails”. The company hopes to launch late next year, tickets are already on sale at $125,000 per head.

Many of the operators are developing tourism and commercial space travel in tandem, and extreme travel increasingly cleaves close to science and conservation. Whereas White Desert’s Woodhead started his company by hitching a lift on a Russian cargo plane taking scientists to Antarctica, he says his planes now deliver about 250 scientists to the continent each year, the same number as his high-paying tourists. Original Travel is currently offering a £52,000-per-person trip to Botswana in which tourists will help with the release of a dozen relocated rhinos.

Jimmy Carroll of tour operator Pelorus recently organised a trip for a wealthy family that involved chartering a yacht with an on-board helicopter to Antarctica. At the client’s request, Carroll organised the charter of a second yacht, with a second helicopter, to accommodate a team of research scientists who would also teach the client’s 12-year-old daughter.

Pelorus offers access to submersibles too, of the sort that have become de rigueur aboard expedition superyachts — the increasingly in-demand vessels designed to access the harshest seas without sacrificing comfort. Some of Carroll’s clients recently chartered U Boat Navigator, a 24m yacht which sleeps six and is equipped with two submersibles. Both are built by Triton, whose underwater vehicles, which cost up to $40mn, have been used to film the BBC Blue Planet series. The Florida company was given a boost last year when it welcomed two new investors: the billionaire American hedge fund manager Ray Dalio and James Cameron, the Titanic movie director and submariner.

“People are intrigued by the fact that 70 per cent of the world is covered by water and we have seen very little of it,” Carroll says. “And I think the likes of David Attenborough ’s programmes have definitely helped spark imaginations.”

Perhaps the most extreme tourist of all splashed back down to Earth last month after an eight-day visit to the International Space Station. John Shoffner, 67, former chief executive of the fibre-optic cable company Dura-Line, was one of three astronauts who had bought places on Axiom’s second trip to space; the company hasn’t said how much they paid but previously reported ticket prices of $55mn. Like many adventurers, Shoffner has form across multiple disciplines: he takes part in 24-hour car races at Germany’s Nürburgring, skydives and BASE-jumps and has raced across America by bike without support.

Why does he do these things? “Well, they’re fun,” he says . “They help you find your edge — I would say your limit, but you don’t really want to find the limit.”

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Adventure Travel: 7 Extreme Places You Can Visit

Adventure travel often takes us to some of the most remote corners of the globe to visit places that few other people ever experience. But what if you wanted your travels to literally take you to the extremes? This is a list of the absolute most extreme places on the planet based on specific criteria and, as you'll see, some of them will take you into demanding environments that certainly aren't for the faint of heart. 

The Lowest Place on Earth

Unlike Everest, the lowest place on Earth – that is located above water anyway – is much easier to access. The shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan sits 418 meters (1371 ft) below sea level. But, it is easy to drive there and actually wade into those waters, where the mud is said to have cosmetic and healing properties. 

Traveling through Jordan is quite safe and easy, with Intrepid Travel offering a trip that includes a stop at the Dead Sea. 

The Highest Point on Earth

There are few places on Earth that are as extreme as Mt. Everest, the 8848 meter (29,029 ft) mountain that is the tallest on the planet. Despite its incredible height, however, each year several hundred people make the climb to the summit, where high winds and extremely cold temperatures push mountaineers to their physical limit. But it is the extremely thin air (oxygen is a third of what it is at sea level) that truly makes this an extreme destination, where altitude sickness is a serious concern at every step of the way.

Climbing Everest is not cheap - it costs upwards of $50,000 per person. But there are a number of companies that can guide you to the summit, including the Adventure Consultants and Himalayan Experience . 

The Hottest Place on Earth

The World Meteorological Organization officially recognizes Death Valley as the hottest place on Earth, thanks to a record-setting temperature recorded back in 1913. That's when the mercury actually climbed above 136ºF (57.7ºC). During the warmer months of the year, temperatures average well over 110ºF (43.3ºC), which is plenty hot for most of us.

Since Death Valley is part of the National Park System in the U.S., accessing this extreme environment is very easy to access for those who choose to do. 

The Coldest Place on Earth

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Russia's Vostok research station in Antarctica recorded the coldest temperature ever back in 1983 when the thermometer plunged to -128.5°F (-89.2°C). That's cold enough to freeze water almost instantly and cause human skin to contract frostbite nearly as fast.

It isn't easy for the average adventure traveler to visit Vostok however, but the Antarctic in general is much easier. There are a number of companies that offer Antarctic cruises of course, but if you want to really explore the continent than Adventure Network International is the one you want to contact. 

The Windiest Place on Earth

Antarctica may be the coldest place on Earth, but it doesn't hold the record for being the windiest. That distinction goes to Barrow Island in Australia, where a windspeed of 253.5 mph (408 km/h) was recorded back in 2010, besting a 75-year old record that had been set on Mt. Washington in the state of New Hampshire. 

Because Barrow Island is an "A" Class nature preserve, visiting it is a bit harder than Mt. Washington , which can be climbed just about any time of the year provided you are equipped to handle it. The island is actually off limits to visitors without a special permit, although you can explore the surrounding waters by boat. 

The Driest Place on Earth

Surrounded on one side by the Andes Mountains and Chile's Pacific Range on the other, the Atacama Desert is considered the driest place on the planet. In act, there are certain places there where it has not rained in recorded history. The lack of moisture and high altitude of the Atacama makes it one of the best places for stargazing in the world too. 

Visiting the Atacama Desert is also quite easy. There are a number of resorts and hostels in the town of ​ San Pedro , with options for adventure tours into the desert on foot, mountain bike, horseback, and even other modes of transportation available. 

The Most Remote Place on Earth

It is often difficult to quantify just how "remote" a place is, but the idea of a Pole of Inaccessibility is one popular measure. POI's are defined as places that are the furthest from any ocean, which as you can imagine can lead to some distance spots on the map. In Asia, the Pole of Inaccessibility sits at a point located in China's Xinjiang region, not far from the border with Kazakhstan. That point actually sits 1644 miles (2645 km) from any coastlines. That makes it the furthest point on Earth from an ocean.

Xinjiang is one of the more distant places in China, but it is still easy to reach the area, which does have some historical and cultural attractions that travelers will likely enjoy. 

There are of course other extreme places on the planet, but it is difficult to top this list for true natural extremes. If you manage to visit each of these places, you truly have gone to the ends of the Earth.

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Icons at Risk: Climate Change Threatening Australian Tourism

Australia’s most popular tourist destinations are in the firing line, with intensifying climate change posing a significant threat to the nation’s iconic natural wonders..

The Climate Council’s ‘ Icons at Risk: Climate Change Threatening Australian Tourism’ report shows Australia’s top five natural tourist attractions could be hit by extreme heatwaves , increasing temperatures , rising sea-levels , coastal flooding and catastrophic coral bleaching .

Australia’s iconic beaches, wilderness areas, national parks and the Great Barrier Reef are the most vulnerable hotspots, while our unique native wildlife is also at risk, as climate change accelerates.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

• Australia’s top five natural tourist attractions (beaches, wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef, wilderness and national parks) are all at risk of climate change .
• Beaches are Australia’s #1 tourist destination and are threatened by rising sea levels.
• Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Cairns, Darwin, Fremantle and Adelaid e are projected to have a least a 100 fold increase in the frequency of coastal flooding events (with a 0.5m sea level rise).
• The Red Centre could experience more than 100 days above 35ºC annually, by 2030. By 2090, there could be more than 160 days per year over 35ºC.
• The Top End could see an increase in hot days (temperatures above 35ºC) from 11 (1981-2010 average) to 43 by 2030, and up to 265 by 2090.
• Ski tourism: Declines of maximum snow depth and decreasing season length at Australian ski resorts have been reported for over 25 years, increasing the need for artificial snow-making.
• Tourism is Australia’s second most valuable export earner, employing a workforce of more than 580,000 people, over 15 times more people than coal mining in Australia.

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Do you love getting an adrenaline rush? There are so many adventurers who do that an entire sub-category of traveling has developed: extreme tourism. Also known as "shock tourism," travelers go to the most dangerous areas around the world and try out the most death-defying stunts, all for the thrill of it.

RELATED:  15 Dangerous Roads Not Even Lewis Hamilton Would Try (10 Worth The Risk)

Whether its mountains or volcanoes, cliff diving or cage diving, there are people out there that want to try it even with knowledge of the harmful conditions and repeated warnings from others against making the trek. Here are ten of the most dangerous trips extreme tourists risk their life for.

10 Cave of Swallows - Mexico

The Cave of Swallows in San Luis Potosi, Mexico is the largest known cave shaft in the world. It's also potentially the 11th deepest pit in the entire world. Normally, many people are wary of this ginormous hole around 160 to 205 feet wide that goes 1,220 feet straight down.

Others, however, find this hole that could literally fit the Eiffel Tower inside it as the perfect location for BASE jumping. It takes about ten seconds for jumpers with their parachutes to go from the top of the hole to the very bottom—meaning any mistake resulting in a hard landing could also result in a quick, destructive death.

9 Sistema Sac Actun - Riviera, Mexico

If a cave wasn't scary enough , let's put it underwater! Setting the record as the longest underwater cave ever discovered on Earth, it goes as far as 350 kilometers in, has an average depth of 21 meters, and has a maximum depth of 120 meters.

Oh, and there have been hundreds of roof collapse situations over time. Sounds like the perfect place for a tour, right? The various roof collapses have resulted in hundreds of cenotes, which aren't as dangerous to explore, but others opt to go deeper—without a professional.

8 Death Road - Bolivia

The Road of Death, or North Yungas Road, is not the place to take a peaceful bike ride. While more safety precautions have been put in place nowadays, it was once—and sometimes still is—known as the most dangerous road in the world.

RELATED: 25 Dangerous Bridges That Nobody In Their Right Mind Would Cross (Pics)

With constant fog, landslides, cascades, and cliffs that drop 2,000 feet, it's no surprise that 300 drivers were killed there annually until 1994. Especially since the road itself is only 10 feet wide! There are now bike tours for extreme tourists, and so far over a dozen cyclists have died over the past decade.

7 Mount Hua - China

Climbing up this mountain has been regarded as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, so of course, that's the perfect bait for extreme tourists. Many opt to go on the "Plank Trail," which is rumored to cause 100 deaths per year.

The "Plank Road" bridge sees hikers climbing to the next peak by walking across a 0.3 meter (0.98 ft.) wide plank path that's built along the side of a vertical cliff. Even when using a different path and not opting to use the ridiculously risky plank, many still lose their footing anyway and fall to their deaths.

6 Devil's Pool - Zambia & Zimbabwe

The Devil's Pool gives you a beautiful view, but at what cost? Thousands of years of erosion have led to various rock pools at the top Victoria Falls. One of these rock pools happens to be at the very edge of the waterfall, almost hanging downward.

So naturally, many people have tried to hang onto those rocks and looks over. With heavy enough water and a slip of the finger, you could plunge over the waterfall and die. Even so, there are guides who will accompany you to the Devil's Pool if you still wish to give it a try.

5 Cage of Death - Australia

Of course it's Australia who is offering tourists the opportunity to enter something called the "Cage of Death"! The Cage of Death is a clear box that's made of merely 4 centimeters of acrylic. You enter it and are lowered into the water, where you'll get to see the most aggressive of crocodiles—and there are no bars like there are on the cages for when you go shark diving!

RELATED: 20 Of The Most Dangerous Travels Selfies Ever Captured On Camera

Tourists report literally being able to see tooth scratches from where the crocodiles have tried to latch on. If this still sounds appealing to you, you're welcome to try it at Crocosaurus Cove.

4 Preikestolen - Norway

Once again, there are some BASE jumpers who just can't help themselves! Preikestolen—also referred to as The Pulpit, Preacher's Chair, or Pulpit Rock—is considered the most dangerous cliff out of all of the beautiful cliffs in Norway.

This steep cliff rises 1,982 feet above the water, and there are, of course, some occasional fatalities. This is to be expected when you try as an extreme of a sport as BASE jumping, but others have died merely trying to take a picture too close to the edge. Use caution if you visit this destination!

3 Iguazu Falls- Argentina & Brazil

The Iguazu Cataracts is basically a giant version of Niagara Falls. There are a total of 275 waterfalls within it, and, as a whole. Iguazu is taller and twice as wide as Niagara. You can go on boat tours throughout the falls for a pretty decent price, and while many have enjoyed their experience, there is always a risk.

For instance, two tourists from the United States died when their boat flipped over in 2011. The waters in the falls are heavy and rough, and boat tours should be boarded with discretion.

2 Villarrica Volcano - Chile

Bungee jumping is risky. Volcanoes are dangerous. So why not combine the two? Yep, tourists who travel to Pucon, Chile have the opportunity to bungee jump into an active volcano. This option comes as a part of an extreme tourist package that also includes waterfall bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and skydiving as part of the itinerary.

Hurtling head-first towards a giant pit of bubbling, flaming lava doesn't sound too much fun to us, but to each their own! And hey, if you survive it, you have an unbelievable story to tell at parties.

1 El Caminito Del Rey - Spain

Known in English as "The King's Little Path," this walkway goes across a super narrow canyon that extreme tourists love to try. Although the walkway was originally created in 1905 as a way for workers to travel between two hydroelectric power plants, it has since become best known as a tourist attraction, especially for the tourists who like taking risks.

After all, El Caminito Del Rey once held the title as "The World's Most Dangerous Walkway" after five people died within the years 1999 and 2000. It was closed down for a bit following the controversy, but was re-opened to the public in 2015.

NEXT: 25 Roads Too Dangerous To Travel On (5 Worth The Risk)

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Follow our news, recent searches, extreme weather events due to climate change threaten future of tourism in australia, advertisement.

Global warming is raising big questions for the future of tourism and how to handle extreme weather conditions.

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SYDNEY: Four years ago, a small wildlife sanctuary on the southern coast of New South Wales was almost destroyed by bushfires.

Mudgeroo Emu Farm and Animal Refuge, which survives largely on voluntary donations from visitors, is among the thousands of tourist sites across Australia that are constantly exposed to the devastating effects of climate change.

“We had fires approaching on two sides. The other side was the ocean, so we were essentially in the middle if the fire was not going to be controlled,” said co-owner Belinda Donovan, who runs the farm with her husband Phil.

While the sanctuary – and the emus – managed to escape unscathed, other sites have not been so lucky.

Global warming is raising big questions for the future of tourism and how to handle extreme weather conditions. The issue is particularly urgent in Australia where its natural environment attracts tourists by the droves.

A report by the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis in Australia found that the so-called Black Summer of bushfires, which started in 2019, wiped US$1.8 billion from tourism supply chains.

One of the authors of the report, Ms Vivienne Reiner, noted that education-related travel combined with personal travel is worth more exports than natural gas in Australia.

“If people start to think it’s dangerous to come to (Australia), that could really impact us,” she added.

9.3 MILLION VISITORS EXPECTED IN 2024

Tourism is a major export earner and employer, with one in eight Australian businesses related to the industry.

The country is expected to welcome 9.3 million international visitors this year, reaching 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, according to Tourism Research Australia’s latest forecasts released late last year. 

Australia also expects to surpass pre-pandemic levels next year and set a new record, with about 10.2 million international visitors predicted to travel there.

Ms Phillipa Harrison, managing director of government agency Tourism Australia, said that carbon emissions from travel are increasingly being discussed as the world reels from one natural disaster to another.

“Here, there (were) black summer bush fires, there (were) floods, there were cyclones,” she said during the agency’s annual Destination Australia conference held in March.

“There's also widespread bleaching on the (Great Barrier) Reef which is again happening right at the moment, and all of those have ensured that carbon and the impact of global warming is really poignant right now.”

Ms Harrison added that the country needs to ensure it is competitive in the right areas for economic growth, while protecting its potential for future generations of residents and visitors.

The fear is that news of fires and floods could have a negative impact on an industry that prides itself on selling its pristine environment to the world.

However, Australia’s Climate Council, which predicts many more intensive weather systems to come, believes it is not too late to counter the threat.

“We are a remarkable continent with amazing things that people experience, but protecting that industry, protecting the people and places we love – that is very much going to depend on the choices we make now and every ton of carbon pollution we leave in the ground,” said the council’s director of research Simon Bradshaw.

“That’s protecting tourism; it’s protecting everything we depend upon,” he added.

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