There is a good reason why so many head down under for a gap year or backpacking holiday. Australia screams of adventure. You will never struggle to find excitement in the endless things to do here. From diving to abseiling; over 25,000km of coastline and eight major cities provide something to entertain everyone in Australia. Here are five of the craziest things you can get up to on your holiday to Australia:
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climbed by over 3.5 million visitors, Sydney Harbour bridge is arguably one of Australia’s top tourist attractions. Construction on this iconic landmark began in 1924 and took nine years until the bridge was finally opened in 1932. With a length of 1149m, Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Standing at 134m tall, it should come as no surprise that the bridge offers the most phenomenal adrenaline-fuelled views of the city.
Hire Your Own Yacht
Despite your preconceptions, you don’t need to be loaded to do this, particularly if you split the cost between a group of friends. Many companies are also happy to let you loose after a quick briefing, so you don’t need to bring along an experienced sailor with you, although you should be sure to check that you’re covered by your travel insurance – it’s always best to be prepared! The best place to set sail is the Whitsunday Islands. Off the north-east coast of Queensland, some of the 74 islands making up the Whitsundays are so tiny that they are completely uninhabited. Be sure to stop off for a swim and explore the exquisite marine life of the coral reefs below.
Go Shark Diving
This is not one for the faint hearted and is definitely up there with crazy things to do! There are many fantastic diving spots in Australia but if you want to get up close and personal with the Great White Sharks, Port Lincoln is the place to be. Whilst you might not want to tell your parents until after the experience, Shark diving is actually considered to be incredibly safe, with only a few freak accidents having ever been reported.
Visit the Pinnacles Desert
When visiting the Pinnacles Desert, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped straight onto a Science Fiction film-set. Located within Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is famous for its imposing limestone structures, formed over 6,000 years ago. Exploring this otherworldly landscape will provide you with plenty of eerie photo opportunities to show to friends and family back home.
Cuddle a Koala
You can’t go to Australia and not become immersed in the fantastic wildlife. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is a great place to do just that. The sanctuary began as a refuge to sick and orphaned koalas and is now home to over 130 koalas as well as kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and dingles amongst other wildlife. Here you can get involved with feeding and caring for the animals; a truly rewarding experience.
