Always on the trail of discovering fun, outdoors activities, I’ve been scouting recommendations when it comes to great active adventures in Australia. Head of my list is Queensland, the sunshine state and the king of tropical treats. It’s all about the outdoors lifestyle here and the healthy, active fun is everywhere. So here are my top picks of active adventures to enjoy in Queensland.
6. Dive the Reef
All Queensland tourists want to enjoy the world class marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, and who could blame them; it is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, a World Heritage Site and the only living thing on earth visible from space! Scuba diving really is the best way to enjoy this marvel spectacle. Day trips and courses are all available from Cairns, but the real adventure is the live-onboard adventure. Here you can spend a number of days on a boat and enjoy multiple dives and some of the furthest and best parts of the reef.
5. SUP in Noosa
Most people head to Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast, to try their hand at surfing, but you can always be a bit different and have a go at Stand Up Paddle Boarding instead. Noosa’s river ways make it a super place to sample this hip new sport and there’s several companies who can help you with lessons. Of, if you’re a bit more experienced, you can always rent a board from as little as $20 per hour and head out onto the ocean to really test your balance skills!
4. Raft the Tully Gorge
The epic white water rafting of the Tully Gorge is the number one rapid site in Australia. Choose from one day or extreme packages and prepare to get wet! Raft through tropical rainforest on 3 and 4 grade rapids for some serious adrenaline-raising fun! North of Townsville, trips leave daily from Cairns and Mission Beach.
3. Hike in the Whitsundays
Known for its deserted beaches and incredible sailing opportunities, did you know the Whitsundays also have some gorgeous hiking trails. Right across the islands and also within sections of the mainland national park, there’s numerous walking paths that take you across sandy coastlines and tropical forest. The Whitsundays Great Walk is one of the longer ones to tackle, but all tracks have some camping facilities along the way or nearby.
2. Skydive Mission Beach
Up in the tropical north of Queensland, Mission Beach is a little beach town at the end of the track. It’s also probably the top place to throw yourself out a plane in Australia, with a beach landing guaranteed every time. At what a beach to land on – with coconut palms and white sand, this is a dreamy spot. Add into that views of gorgeous islands and blue ocean as you hurtle to earth and this place is really hard to beat when it comes skydive spots.
1. Bungee Cairns
26 years old, AJ Hackett is the world’s most famous bungee company. Based out of Cairns, this 50m fall is the benchmark jump you have to make in Australia. AJ’s the bungee master and you better not forget it! Repeatedly voted the best backpacker activity in Oz, you’d be made not to have a go.
With these top 6 active adventures to try in Queensland, you’ll never be short on fun in the Sunshine state.
