Water Sports
Surfing
With 37,000 kilometres of coastline, it's easy to understand why Australia is renowned globally for its surf. Offering pristine beaches, reefs and point breaks, surfers of all levels will be spoilt for choice to find that perfect wave.
- Visit Sydney and surf the world-famous beaches of Bondi or Manly — or if you prefer to go more local, try Maroubra, Freshwater or Palm Beach. Find flights to Sydney
- A visit to Byron Bay wouldn't be complete without surfing the famous breaks of Broken Head Beach and The Pass. Find flights to Ballina (Byron)
- Margaret River not only offers great wine, but it's a hotspot for surfing with fewer crowds, crystal clear water and amazing surf breaks. Find flights to Perth and drive 3 hours south to access.
- Bells Beach, Victoria offers a world-class surf break and attracts many surfers from around the world. Located 1 hour from Melbourne. Find flights to Melbourne
Kayaking and canoeing
Whether it's paddling along the coastline or navigating through the inland rivers, Australia offers countless kayaking and canoeing experiences for everyone.
- The Ngaro Sea TrailOpens in a new tab or window in Queensland is a spectacular kayaking trail through the Whitsunday Islands. Circuit Whitsunday Island at your own pace, stopping for walks, viewpoints, and swimming. Find flights to Proserpine or Hamilton Island
- For an unforgettable experience, join a tourOpens in a new tab or window and paddle through Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory, a series of 13 gorges within the Arnhem Land escarpment. Find flights to Darwin and drive 3 hours to Katherine.
- With over 240 kilometres of shoreline, paddling around Port Jackson Bay in Sydney is a must-do. View the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, stop at unspoilt beaches or marvel at the bays and scenery that make up the magical waterways around Sydney. Find flights to Sydney
Sailing
Sailing in Australia is an experience like no other. Whether you have your own boat or looking to charter one, you can’t go past some of Australia’s magical coastline and waterways, offering pristine waters and memorable marine experiences.
- As one of the most renowned sailing destinations in the world, the Whitsundays, part of the Great Barrier Reef offers 74 Islands, clear warm waters, and a huge array of coral and marine life. Cruise around on your yacht or join a tour or charter your ownOpens in a new tab or window Find flights to Proserpine or Hamilton Island
- See spectacular Sydney harbour and sail around Port Jackson Bay covering Middle Harbour, North Harbour and the Lane Cove and Paramatta Rivers, offering secluded beaches, amazing scenery and pristine sailing conditions. Find flights to Sydney
- Discover the West Coast by boat and experience historical Freemantle or dock at nearby Rottnest Island for swimming and snorkelling. Find flights to Perth
Snorkelling and diving
Whether you prefer diving and going deeper or snorkelling along the surface of the water, Australia is undeniably a mecca for underwater marine life.
- The Great Barrier is one of the most well-known and beautiful natural phenomena in the world. A highlight, the Low Isles off Port Douglas, is a four-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reefy brilliant turquoise water with an abundance of sea life and coral. Find flights to Cairns
- Montague IslandOpens in a new tab or window, a protected nature reserve on the South Coast of New South Wales is home to a colony of fur seals and thousands of little penguins. Find flights to Sydney or Merimbula
- The Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia houses over 500 species of fish, graceful manta rays, and turtles to view as you glide over 300 varieties of coral. It's also one of the few places to swim with whale sharks, a truly memorable experience. Find flights to Exmouth
Hiking
Multi-day hikes
From the desert to the tropics or the beach to mountain peaks, Australia offers pristine guided and unguided hiking opportunities.
- The Larapinta TrailOpens in a new tab or window starting near Alice Springs is a renowned trail covering 223 kilometres offering single, overnight or multi-day hiking options. Experience the vast outback whilst viewing spectacular mountain ranges, gorges and waterholes. Find flights to Alice Springs
- Offering seriously spectacular views over Cape Pillar and Cape Huay, the 46 kilometre Three Capes TrackOpens in a new tab or window on Tasmania’s East Coast won’t disappoint. With limited hikers each day, it's perfect for self-hiking or organised walks with Great Walks of AustraliaOpens in a new tab or window Find flights to Hobart
- Seven Peaks Walk is a spectacular guided hike through Lord Howe Island's World Heritage-listed island offering views to the island peaks, palm forests, freshwater creeks, sea cliffs and coral platforms. Find flights to Lord Howe Island
Single day hikes
With stunning natural landscapes along with an endless spectacular coastline, Australia is a hiker's paradise.
- If up for a challenge, the Mount Warning Summit TrackOpens in a new tab or window in the Northern Rivers hinterland in New South Wales is an 8.8 kilometre grade 4 return hike. Walk through the rainforest while taking in the magnificent 360-degree coastal views stretching from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Find flights to Gold Coast or Ballina (Byron)
- It's hard to go past the Blue Mountains and Sydney for hiking. The Blue Mountains is a must for adventure lovers, known for its rugged and dramatic scenery. With many hiking optionsOpens in a new tab or window to choose from, it’s easy to see why this is a popular and ideal paradise for hikers. Sydney and its surrounding areasOpens in a new tab or window offer many options for walks to suit all ages and levels. From the popular Bronte to Bondi coastal walk, to the many walks scattered around the harbour and the spectacular Royal National Park, you won't be disappointed. Find flights to Sydney
Cycling
Cycling
From the inner city to the remote bush, Australia has some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes, often best viewed on a bike.
- If wanting a challenge, the 16 kilometre climb to Mount Buller in Victoria is one of the most picturesque rides in Australia with amazing views and landscapes, ending in the quaint Alpine Village. Find flights to Melbourne and drive approximately 3 hours to Mount Buller.
- For a leisurely island experience, Rottnest Island near Perth is a family-friendly option with over 60 stunning beaches to discover. Find flights to Perth Rottnest Island is a 25 minute ferry ride from Freemantle or 90 minutes from Perth.
- The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a challenging but rewarding ride, stretching over 243 kilometres and offering breathtaking beach, rainforest and cliff views via the coastal towns. Find flights to Melbourne and drive approximately 1 hour to access the Great Ocean Road.
Mountain biking
With so many great trail options, it’s easy to understand why mountain bike riding in Australia is growing and great recreation for all adventure lovers.
- Blue DerbyOpens in a new tab or window in North-East Tasmania consists of over 125km of loop trails. The terrain is a biker's dream with a good mix of narrow paths, steep descents, rocky terrain, jumps, and sharp corners. Find flights to Hobart or Launceston
- ThredboOpens in a new tab or window in New South Wales not only caters to skiers but offers numerous trails from the highest mountain peak in Australia - Mt Kosciuszko - to beautiful Lake Jindabyne. With a chairlift option, this summer resort is a prime destination for bikers. Find flights to Canberra
- Mt Stromlo in the ACT is a must for adrenaline lovers. With extensive 50 kilometres of trail options, the trails offer obstacles like ramps, jumps and sharp turns. Find flights to Canberra
Adrenaline Activities
Hang gliding
If it's exhilaration you're after, hang gliding is for you. Whether you're an experienced glider or keen to tick this experience off your bucket list, get ready to take in a bird’s eye view around Australia.
- Bald Hill at Stanwell Park, south of Sydney is one of the renowned and most popular locations with spectacular coastal views of the Illawarra escarpment. Book a flight and enjoy this unforgettable experience. Find flights to Sydney
- Rainbow Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast offers spectacular ocean views and is renowned for its smooth flight with a safe launch and landing. Find flights to Sunshine Coast or Brisbane.
- The Rex Lookout, between Cairns and Port Douglas, is one of the world's most beautiful hang gliding sites, offering experiences for all levels. Find flights to Cairns
Jet boating
If it's speed and water you enjoy, jet boating is for you. An exciting experience offered in popular and unique parts of Australia, not for the faint-hearted.
- Horizontal Falls near Broome is a remote and natural phenomenon created by two narrow openings between two escarpments. The white waters are thrilling to experience by jetboat, often combined with a scenic flight tourOpens in a new tab or window Find flights to Broome
- The family favourite Gold Coast offers jet boat thrills with full 360 degree spins and high-speed drifting, whilst taking in the scenery along the popular waterways on the Gold Coast. Find flights to Gold Coast
- What better way to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House than by jet boat. Experience the thrills of speed and excitement on the stunning harbour with different tour optionsOpens in a new tab or window Find flights to Sydney