For some people, an ideal Australian holiday involves touring historical attractions, learning about colonial and indigenous history, and immersing themselves in the culture of our beautiful country. For others, it’s about getting into the outback and the great red centre of this nation, feeling the awe-inspiring pull of the vast beyond. Others still love the beaches of Australia, or the tropical north, or the vibrant cities.

Photo: Marv!

A rare type of traveller, however, (one that requires a heftier travel insurance policy than most) considers the ideal Australian holiday to involve most of these things—-seen while tumbling from a plane, strapped to a parachute. We’re talking, of course, about the adventure traveller—someone who is well served down under! If you’re keen on raising your adrenalin in Australia, we’ve got a few tips to get you on your way. Enjoy!

Skydiving—Byron Bay

If jumping out of aircrafts is your idea of a good time, there’s nowhere better than Byron Bay for a bird’s eye view. As rolling lush hills give way to white sands and crashing waves, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in heaven. If, however, you see a bright light and you’re great uncle Harvey calling your name, then that’s actually where you are—the parachute didn’t open.

Whitewater Rafting—Tasmania

This mountainous and beautiful state has so many of nature’s treasures on display that it’s hard to choose where to look! In addition to this, Tasmania provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. If you want to feel the rush of hurtling down river and trying to avoid tipping yourself (and everyone else) out of your raft, then we’re guessing Tassie is as good a place as any in which to do it.

Bungee Jumping—Cairns

Now this just seems like pure insanity—tying yourself to a rope and hurling yourself off a bridge—but it takes all types to make the world go around, and some of those types are partial to bungee jumping. Cairns is one of the best places in Australia for adventure sports, especially bungee jumping. Soaked in lush rainforest and with some startling peaks in the surrounding bush land, Cairns will see you at dizzying heights….and then hurtling back down to earth, hoping the rope is correctly tied!

Photo: GimmeFood

4WD Adventure—Stradbroke Island

When it comes to sand dunes, scattered bush land and majestic scenery, the best way to explore it is at break-neck speeds, right? Hell, even we agree with this one—4WD-ing is FUN! Stradbroke Island, off the Gold Coast of Queensland, offers a range of 4WD adventures, and we know that you’re just itching to get behind the wheel of one of these beasts! The best part of a 4WD adventure on Stradbroke Island is that afterwards you can relax with a fishing rod, gazing out over the sea and you try to catch dinner. Bliss!

Visiting Australia is an adventure in and of itself—but if you really want to test your mettle and raise your adrenalin to breaking point, these activities will be sure to push your trip to that next level of excitement!