Get out into the Outback – way out – on these epic Australia adventures. Swim with whale sharks, 4WD through otherworldly, red-earth landscapes, visit towns where the population is just 10 hardy souls, snorkel world-famous reefs, kayak through gorges and swim under crashing waterfalls. Explore the World Heritage-listed wilderness areas for which Australia is famous, from Fraser Island to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Australia simply screams adventure and we’re certain you’ll find thrills to remember throughout this rugged, sun-splashed country.
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Fraser Island, Queensland
Spend a few exhilarating days on the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island in Queensland. There’s a – get this! – 75-mile beach, more than 100 freshwater lakes, rain forests, a huge array of wildlife, from kangaroos to flying foxes, dolphins and whales, a shipwreck, the bubbly Champagne Pools, The Cathedrals, Rainbow Gorge and more. This World Heritage-listed island is off the coast of southeast Queensland and is famous for its 4WD experiences. Feel the wind in your hair as your cruise down 75-Mile Beach, dodging dingos as you go. Careen past the cliffs of The Cathedrals and stop to check out the hulking rusted remains of the Maheno shipwreck. Go hiking, fishing, mountain biking, birding and swimming and get your rest at night either in remote campsites or plus five-star resorts. (For the best chance at seeing humpback whales, try to visit between August and October.)
Spend a few exhilarating days on the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island in Queensland. There’s a – get this! – 75-mile beach, more than 100 freshwater lakes, rain forests, a huge array of wildlife, from kangaroos to flying foxes, dolphins and whales, a shipwreck, the bubbly Champagne Pools, The Cathedrals, Rainbow Gorge and more. This World Heritage-listed island is off the coast of southeast Queensland and is famous for its 4WD experiences. Feel the wind in your hair as your cruise down 75-Mile Beach, dodging dingos as you go. Careen past the cliffs of The Cathedrals and stop to check out the hulking rusted remains of the Maheno shipwreck. Go hiking, fishing, mountain biking, birding and swimming and get your rest at night either in remote campsites or plus five-star resorts. (For the best chance at seeing humpback whales, try to visit between August and October.)
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Cape York, Queensland
At The Tip, the northernmost point of Australia, Cape York offers untouched natural beauty, secluded beaches, the famous Overland Telegraph Track (OTT), waterholes and waterfalls for refreshing swims, fishing, meeting Aboriginal tribes and so much more. From here, it’s easy to hop on a ferry to Thursday Island and visit Lakefield National Park. The best time to visit is May through November.
At The Tip, the northernmost point of Australia, Cape York offers untouched natural beauty, secluded beaches, the famous Overland Telegraph Track (OTT), waterholes and waterfalls for refreshing swims, fishing, meeting Aboriginal tribes and so much more. From here, it’s easy to hop on a ferry to Thursday Island and visit Lakefield National Park. The best time to visit is May through November.
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The Red Centre
Known worldwide for its iconic Ayers Rock (Uluru), the massive red monolith of The Outback, the Red Centre refers to the area of Central Australia at the southern end of the Northern Territory. Adventure is a way of life here – plan to spend time at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings CAnyon and the Garden of Eden, the Tanami Track with its Aboriginal art, Watarrka National Park and its impressive gorges and in the MacDonnell Ranges. You can ride a camel through the Simpson Desert, swim, meet Aboriginal people in their villages and watch for abundant native wildlife. This is the heart and soul of Australia – for the coolest temperatures, consider visiting in June and July. November through March, the temperatures are in the high 90s and above.
Known worldwide for its iconic Ayers Rock (Uluru), the massive red monolith of The Outback, the Red Centre refers to the area of Central Australia at the southern end of the Northern Territory. Adventure is a way of life here – plan to spend time at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings CAnyon and the Garden of Eden, the Tanami Track with its Aboriginal art, Watarrka National Park and its impressive gorges and in the MacDonnell Ranges. You can ride a camel through the Simpson Desert, swim, meet Aboriginal people in their villages and watch for abundant native wildlife. This is the heart and soul of Australia – for the coolest temperatures, consider visiting in June and July. November through March, the temperatures are in the high 90s and above.
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Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia
Snorkelers and divers flock to Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest fringing barrier reefs in the world (this means it has an entirely shallow backreef zone or none at all). Compared to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find smaller crowds, giving you a peaceful environment in which to swim through 200 species of coral and with close to 500 species of fish, as well as dugong, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. The Ningaloo Reef comes with 100 yards of shore, so it’s easy to just step off the beach and into your marine adventure. If you’re seeking to swim with whale sharks (the world’s largest fish), come between April and August; if it’s humpbacks you’re after, come between June and November. Rare turtle species hatch in January and February. Oh, and if you surf, come for the incredible breaks at the Murion Islands.
Snorkelers and divers flock to Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest fringing barrier reefs in the world (this means it has an entirely shallow backreef zone or none at all). Compared to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find smaller crowds, giving you a peaceful environment in which to swim through 200 species of coral and with close to 500 species of fish, as well as dugong, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. The Ningaloo Reef comes with 100 yards of shore, so it’s easy to just step off the beach and into your marine adventure. If you’re seeking to swim with whale sharks (the world’s largest fish), come between April and August; if it’s humpbacks you’re after, come between June and November. Rare turtle species hatch in January and February. Oh, and if you surf, come for the incredible breaks at the Murion Islands.
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Great Barrier Reef
We can’t overlook the granddaddy of reefs – the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and perennially one of Australia’s top tourist attractions. There are adventures on land and at sea. Head out on a boat for the day to explore some of the 2,900 separate reefs that make up this World Heritage-listed natural phenomenon. Swim with colorful coral and tropical fish, giant cod and giant clams and schools of shark. Get there sooner rather than later, if you can – the Great Barrier Reef is suffering unprecedented bleaching.
We can’t overlook the granddaddy of reefs – the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and perennially one of Australia’s top tourist attractions. There are adventures on land and at sea. Head out on a boat for the day to explore some of the 2,900 separate reefs that make up this World Heritage-listed natural phenomenon. Swim with colorful coral and tropical fish, giant cod and giant clams and schools of shark. Get there sooner rather than later, if you can – the Great Barrier Reef is suffering unprecedented bleaching.
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Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park
If you’re an extreme kayaker, or even an amateur one, the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park makes for the ultimate paddling experience. You’ll pass through steep, red-rock gorges, past paperbark forests and through placid pools in between rapids ranging from gentle to challenging. The safest kayaking season runs May through November. Keep an eye out – you might see a freshwater croc or two lurking in the water. If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are several led by Aboriginal guides, including riverside picnics and introductions to the ecology, geography and culture of the area.
If you’re an extreme kayaker, or even an amateur one, the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park makes for the ultimate paddling experience. You’ll pass through steep, red-rock gorges, past paperbark forests and through placid pools in between rapids ranging from gentle to challenging. The safest kayaking season runs May through November. Keep an eye out – you might see a freshwater croc or two lurking in the water. If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are several led by Aboriginal guides, including riverside picnics and introductions to the ecology, geography and culture of the area.
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Gibb River Road, The Kimberley
Another epic 4WD adventure, the Gibb River Road in The Kimberley is as remote as it gets. Stretching more than 410 miles deep into this legendary region, the track passes red-rock cliffs, Windjana Gorge National Park and rugged mountainscapes. Locals call it the “Gibb,” and it runs from Broome or Derby on the west coast of the state to Kununurra or Wyndham on the east coast. Drive it yourself – with a 4WD, of course – or hop on one of the many multi-day guided tours that are available. Add in hiking, swimming, fishing for barramundi, soaking in naturally fed hot springs and scenic flights over Mitchell Falls or the bizarre Bungle Bungles and this has all the makings for a once-in-a-lifetime Australia adventure.
Another epic 4WD adventure, the Gibb River Road in The Kimberley is as remote as it gets. Stretching more than 410 miles deep into this legendary region, the track passes red-rock cliffs, Windjana Gorge National Park and rugged mountainscapes. Locals call it the “Gibb,” and it runs from Broome or Derby on the west coast of the state to Kununurra or Wyndham on the east coast. Drive it yourself – with a 4WD, of course – or hop on one of the many multi-day guided tours that are available. Add in hiking, swimming, fishing for barramundi, soaking in naturally fed hot springs and scenic flights over Mitchell Falls or the bizarre Bungle Bungles and this has all the makings for a once-in-a-lifetime Australia adventure.
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Oodnadatta Track
You’ll feel like a genuine Australian Outbacker as you 4WD your way through the scorching red earth of South Australia along the Oodnadatta Track. Get away from everyone – and we mean everyone – along this 385-mile unpaved track along ancient Aboringinal routes, across an inland seabed and past remains of the Old Ghan railway. Get to know the locals in William Creek, with a population of 10, and visit Anna Creek, the largest cattle station in the world. Dig for gems in the opal mining town of Cooper Pedy. You can even sign up to be part of the Cooper Pedy to Oodnadatta One-Day Mail Run, helping deliver mail to remote cattle stations.
You’ll feel like a genuine Australian Outbacker as you 4WD your way through the scorching red earth of South Australia along the Oodnadatta Track. Get away from everyone – and we mean everyone – along this 385-mile unpaved track along ancient Aboringinal routes, across an inland seabed and past remains of the Old Ghan railway. Get to know the locals in William Creek, with a population of 10, and visit Anna Creek, the largest cattle station in the world. Dig for gems in the opal mining town of Cooper Pedy. You can even sign up to be part of the Cooper Pedy to Oodnadatta One-Day Mail Run, helping deliver mail to remote cattle stations.