1. Scuba Diving at Great Barrier Reef
Australia is also a country where it is possible to undertake the scuba diving experience in the Great Barrier Reef; the largest coral reef system in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is over 2,300 km long and boasts a marvellous diversity of sea life as it is home to colourful coral gardens, giant clams, reef sharks, sea turtles, and more than 1,500 different fish species.
Cities that are commonly used as starting points in terms of reef diving include:
Cairns
Port Douglas
The Whitsunday Islands
Here, reef diving can be done on a day trip basis or a live aboard basis. Experienced divers or new learners, with provided guides, have the opportunity to enjoy guided diving to see the underwater beauty in a safe and practical way.
The diversity of the dive site is one of the most spectacular features of the reef diving as reefs offer the most amazing shallow coral lagoons and deep ocean drop-offs such as the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole. The visibility is usually great, and the water is very warm most of the year which makes it perfect for long diving.
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef not only provides adventure but also an experience that leads one to a delicate though thriving ecosystem, keeping you in awe of nature’s wonders.
2. In the Overland Track, in Tasmania Hiking
Overland Track in Tasmania is one of the most fulfilling trekking activities in Australia because it appeals to those that are seeking an adventure in the wild. The 65 km trail goes deep through the central part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, running between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, with views over alpine meadows, prehistoric forest, and glacial trenches.
Generally done in six days, the Overland Track is a combination of physicality and beauty of the landscape. During the hike, one will come across wildlife including:
Wombats
Echidnas
The Tasmanian devil
Side trips to such mountains as the highest of Tasmania, Mount Ossa, are optional ventures for those seeking breathtaking views.
The track is in good condition, and at peak season (October to May) there is only a restricted number of people allowed through permits to control visitors and conserve the environment. The route has huts and campsites to provide a backcountry experience in a more rustic fashion.
The Overland Track is not only a hiking trail, it is an epic adventure into the most pristine environment in Australia. With each step, you will feel part of a much larger picture — nature — and be inspired in awe by the magnificence of Tasmania.
3. Sand-boarding in Stockton Sand Dunes, New South Wales
The Stockton sand dunes are a rare and exciting place to sand-board with the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in Port Stephens and only a few hours’ drive north of Sydney, they rise as high as 40 meters with sand stretching for more than 30 kilometers — a perfect place for adrenaline seekers.
Sand-boarding options include:
Standing style
Seated style
Visitors can hire boards on site or take guided tours that include a 4WD dunes safari and unlimited sand boarding time.
The surreal desert-like landscape makes the experience even more enthralling, especially since it is only minutes from the coast. The juxtaposition between the vast dune fields and the ocean provides a spectacular background for photos and exploration.
Sand-boarding in Stockton is a quick, adrenaline-filled sport that is surprisingly addictive. It is a must-do adventure for travelers keen on thrills, and one of the few places in Australia where the sea and the desert meet dramatically.