The ultimate guide to adventure travel in Australia

On the Sunshine Coast, swim alongside humpback whales with Sunreef's unforgettable tours. Guided by experts, you’ll slip into the water and come face-to-face with these majestic creatures – an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

For a more peaceful adventure, paddle through the Noosa Everglades. This serene, guided kayak tour with Kanu Kapers takes you through calm waterways and past lush islands, offering panoramic views of the Great Sandy National Park. Kayaking through tranquil waters can help to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health and foster mindfulness, making it a wonderful way to recharge. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting pelicans, kangaroos and goannas as they glide through this untouched wilderness.

For an adventure that spans multiple days, the Ultimate Wildlife Tour with FNQ Nature Tours is fantastic. Over four days, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of environmental preservation while enjoying a private cruise on the Daintree River, a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Eacham and an enchanting wildlife night walk through the heart of tropical North Queensland.

Discover Kangaroo Valley on a Mindful canoe experience where you can paddle through calm waters surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, share stories by campfire under starlit skies and enjoy organic meals that nourish both body and soul.

For a different kind of escape, Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay offers unforgettable horseback adventures, leading you along golden beaches and through the lush hinterland trails. Down on the Sapphire Coast, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co takes you on guided walks through rugged coastlines and vibrant national parks, showcasing the untouched beauty of this stunning region. Walking in nature not only boosts physical health but also reduces cortisol levels, helping you feel grounded and rejuvenated. In the Blue Mountains, thrill-seekers can team up with Blue Mountains Adventure Company for canyoning, abseiling or rock climbing. With expert guides by your side, explore dramatic gorges and lush forests for an exhilarating adventure like no other.

Take on the Falls to Hotham Crossing, a three-night trek through the Australian Alps. With stunning vistas from Razorback Ridge, eco-glamping accommodations and organic local produce inspired meals, this hike perfectly combines challenge and comfort.

Always dreamed of learning how to surf? Honu Honi offers a week-long surf camp in Torquay where you’ll ride waves, unwind sore muscles with yoga and enjoy nourishing plant-based meals to refuel your body. Perfect for absolute beginners and those keen to fine-tune their skills alike, this immersive surf camp combines expert coaching with a laid-back coastal vibe for the ultimate Aussie surfing getaway.

Or, if you’re looking for one of the more unique things to do in Australia, embark on the Tasmanian Waling Co's Twelve Apostles Signature Walk. This three-day journey along some of the country’s most dramatic southern coastlines culminates at the iconic Twelve Apostles. Each day, you’ll explore breathtaking coastal trails, then return to unwind in comfort and style at the charming Twelve Apostles Lodge.

Discover Tasmania’s wild side with the 3-day Iconic Blue Derby Experience on the renowned Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. From exhilarating rides through lush rainforest to relaxing in luxurious Pods, this experience is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bikers. Cycling through the forest releases endorphins while connecting you with nature, providing a double dose of physical and mental health benefits.

For a slightly slower pace, try the Signature Bay of Fires Lodge Walk with Tasmanian Walking Company. This five-day journey along secluded beaches and untamed coastlines offers kayaking, rejuvenating spa treatments, and gourmet dining at the Bay of Fires Lodge. Or, their Cradle Mountain Signature Walk takes you on a seven-day trek into Tasmania’s alpine wilderness, where you’ll hike beneath the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain, through ancient forests, alpine meadows and along pristine glacial lakes. Each evening ends in cosy eco-huts, with delicious meals and breathtaking views that round off each unforgettable day.

South Australia is a treasure trove of rugged landscapes and cultural richness for outdoor activities and adventure holidays in Australia. Just 90 minutes from Adelaide, head to the Southern Ocean Walk, where you’ll explore sections of the Heysen Trail and encounter breathtaking coastlines, secluded beaches and cascading waterfalls.

In the Southern Flinders Ranges, recharge with the Weekend Wellness and Adventure Retreat This experience blends yoga, forest bathing, guided walks and delicious local meals for a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Activities like forest bathing and yoga enhance mindfulness and reduce stress, leaving you refreshed and inspired.

The 3-day guided bushwalking tour offered by Rawnsley Park Station – a sustainably managed sheep station featuring luxurious accommodations – is a standout adventure retreat. Highlights include exploring iconic locations such as Wilpena Pound, Black Gap and the Wilcolo Loop Walk. For an unforgettable finale, take to the skies with an afternoon helicopter flight to the summit of the majestic Chace Range.

Looking for an adventure day the whole family will love? Escape into the Adelaide Hills with this family-friendly day at Woodhouse Adventure Park. With 54 hectares of outdoor activities, from obstacle courses to tube slides, it’s a day filled with physical fun and bonding. Enjoy a picnic in one of the green fields or fire up a BBQ for an adventurous escape that’s all about unplugging and reconnecting.

The Cape to Cape Track in Margaret River has to be one of the most iconically unique things to do in Australia and is an absolute must for hikers. This 8-day trek covers 124 km of dramatic scenery – from karri forests to limestone cliffs – with expert guides to enrich the experience. Extended hiking adventures like this provide a rare opportunity to disconnect, reset and build resilience while building physical health.

In Yanchep National Park, the Cave Yoga and Guided Hike pairs yoga in a historic cave with an easy hike through culturally significant wetlands and woodlands. It’s a unique adventure that combines relaxation with exploration.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Larapinta Trail Walk as you explore one of Australia’s most iconic trekking routes. Their expertly guided Larapinta walks take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, featuring towering gorges, rugged ridges and ancient cultural sites. With comfortable eco-camps and locally sourced meals to end each day, these multi-day adventures offer the perfect blend of challenge, comfort and connection to nature.

Or, for a truly unique perspective, embark on a camel ride with Camel Tracks, where you’ll traverse the rugged terrain and gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless beauty of this remarkable region. Interacting with these gentle animals and soaking in the outback landscapes provides a calming, grounding experience.