Ready to dial up the excitement on your next holiday? From hot air balloon rides to swimming with crocodiles, Australia has no shortage of thrilling adventures to choose from - and all against a backdrop of extraordinary scenery and natural beauty. Here’s a guide to some of our favourite heart-pounding experiences across the country to help you plan your next big adventure.
Soar over Canberra in a hot air balloon
Nothing beats taking in the sunrise from the skies in a hot air balloon! Image from Tourism Australia
For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of Australia’s capital on a magical sunrise balloon flight. Canberra is famous for its colourful hot air balloons with the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular held in March, but you can enjoy this exhilarating experience all year round. Float on a gentle breeze over Canberra’s expansive landscape, dotted with lakes and lush greenery, and see iconic landmarks like Parliament House. Top it off with a champagne celebration with your fellow passengers afterwards.
Where to stay
After your hot air balloon Canberra experience, relax in modern, well-appointed accommodation in the heart of Canberra at Quality Hotel Dickson.
Snorkelling in Cairns
Take a dive into the Great Barrier Reef! Image from Tourism Australia
For a view of a different kind, dive into a vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural wonders and one of the best places to snorkel. Boat tours depart from Cairns each day, the closest city to the Reef, taking you out to different sites, where you can go snorkelling straight off the boat or from an island or pontoon.
Where to stay
After a big day out on the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, relax in bright and inviting accommodation at the Comfort Inn Cairns City, with lush tropical surrounds and Queenslander-style balconies.
See turtle hatching in Bundaberg
Watching the turtles hatch is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Image from Tourism Australia.
There are not many wildlife encounters as special as watching baby turtles emerge from their sandy nests and make their way to the sea. Mon Repos Conservation Park in Queensland is a critical nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle, and ranger-led encounters allow you to witness this incredible event. Turtle hatching season in Bundaberg is typically from January to March, when the tiny hatchlings leave the nest after dark and make their perilous journey to the sea.
Where to stay
Econo Lodge Park Lane is conveniently and centrally situated in nearby Bundaberg, and features a large outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Calling all thrill seekers, this one is for you! Image from Tourism Australia.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is a bucket-list experience that combines interesting history, breathtaking views and more than a dash of adrenaline. Take a guided tour up the iconic arches to the top of the world’s largest steel arch bridge, 134 metres above sea level, and be rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views of sparkling Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, and the city skyline. There are also tours with a First Nations Storyteller, providing Bridge and Sydney history commentary from an Aboriginal perspective.
Where to stay
You’ll find plenty of quality accommodation options in Sydney, from boutique and historic hotels to apartments and hotels with home comforts.
Waterhole hopping at Litchfield National Park, Darwin
It's time to go waterhole hopping with friends and family! Image from Tourism Australia
Escape the tropical Northern Territory heat with a refreshing plunge into crystal clear Litchfield National Park waterholes. A short drive from Darwin, this magnificent national park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush monsoon forests. Spend the day hopping between swimming spots, such as Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole, marvelling at the magnetic termite mounds, and enjoying the serene ambience. These natural waterways are only accessible at certain times of year after the wet season so check for closures before you visit.
Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin
Will you take the risk and swim with a croc? Image from Tourism Australia.
While you’re visiting the Top End, don’t miss Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of Darwin for a truly unique and heart-stopping experience: swimming with crocodiles. Bring your bathers for a safe dip alongside juvenile crocodiles, or dare if you will to enter the famed Cage of Death. Not for the faint-hearted, the Cage of Death is a transparent enclosure that carefully lowers you into the water with a saltwater crocodile for 15 minutes, bringing you face-to-face with these ancient predators.
Where to stay
Whether you’re swimming in waterholes in Darwin or with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, enjoy modern, resort-style accommodation conveniently located minutes from the airport at Quality Hotel Darwin Airport.
RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval
Did you know, you can watch the footy ON the Adelaide oval? Image from Tourism Australia
Another thrilling climbing experience, the RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval is a must. A highlight of any visit to Adelaide, this famous stadium offers more than just epic cricket and football matches; its heart-stopping roof climb provides sweeping views over the city to the picturesque coastline and foothills. Walk across the iconic Western Stand to the Riverbank Platform high above the pitch and hear stories of Adelaide’s history. Twilight and nighttime climbs add a touch of magic with the city lights twinkling below.
Where to stay
Find the perfect holiday accommodation in Adelaide to enjoy your Adelaide Oval roof climb experience, from comfortable inns and suites to stylish and historic boutique hotels.
Surfing at Bells Beach, Victoria
Time to hit the waves at Bells Beach, an iconic surf beach in Victoria. Image from Tourism Victoria.
A mecca for surfers, Bells Beach is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Located on Victoria’s wild southern coast on the Great Ocean Road, Bells hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro over the Easter weekend, a legendary surfing event that draws elite surfers from across the globe. An unpatrolled beach best suited for experienced professionals, Bells Beach surf offers powerful waves and often challenging conditions, surrounded by stunning coastal cliffs and scenery.
Where to stay
Quality Hotel Bayside Geelong is located on the Esplanade in nearby Geelong and offers amazing water views. It’s the ideal base for exploring Victoria’s surf coast and Bells Beach.