Adventure Travel in Australia

Australia is a good place for adventure trips because so much of it is set up for visitors: reef boats leave daily from the Queensland coast, desert walks at Uluru and Kings Canyon are on marked tracks, and Tasmania has walking tracks and huts run by the state parks service. This page groups the main options by region and links to the detailed guides.

For the full list of activities, from skydiving to cage diving, read 15 adventure activities in Australia.

Reef and water: Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays

Snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef are the most-booked adventures in the country. Cairns has the most boats; the Whitsundays add sailing. The U.S. State Department notes that scuba divers must fill in a medical declaration, and some conditions need a doctor's clearance before you dive. Start with our Great Barrier Reef guide.

Near Cairns, the Tully River is known for white-water rafting, sold as day trips from Cairns. Check minimum ages and fitness notes.

Outback: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

The Uluru base walk is about 10 km and flat. Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds is harder. Kings Canyon is about a 3.5-hour drive (306 km on sealed roads) from Ayers Rock Resort, and the Rim Walk starts with a steep climb. Everyone entering Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park needs a park pass; Parks Australia lists adult passes at $38 for 3 days. Read the Uluru and Red Centre guide.

Heat is the main risk. Start walks early, carry plenty of water and check track closures with Parks Australia before you set out.

Tasmania: walking and wild coast

Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the Tasman Peninsula are the main bases. Discover Tasmania lists Hobart to Cradle Mountain at about 4 hours (320 km) and Hobart to Coles Bay, for Freycinet, at about 2 hours 35 minutes (193 km). A national parks pass is required. See the Tasmania self-drive guide or travel by campervan.

Western Australia: Ningaloo and the north-west

Ningaloo Reef, reached from Exmouth and Coral Bay, is known for seasonal whale shark and manta ray tours. The drive north from Perth is long, so most people fly part of it. See Perth to Broome.

Sydney: harbour and coast

The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, coastal walks such as Bondi to Coogee and surf lessons are easy to fit around a city stay. Day trips to the Blue Mountains add bushwalking.

Safety and insurance

• Check that your travel insurance covers the activities you plan, including medical evacuation. Both the Canadian and U.S. governments advise this for Australia.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches. In the tropical north, follow stinger and crocodile warnings.
• In remote areas, mobile coverage is limited. Tell someone your plans.

Plan the trip around the adventure

Pick the one or two activities that matter most, then build the route. The trip quiz suggests an itinerary based on your time and interests, and the best time guide shows which months suit each region.