Uncovering Australia’s Under-the-Radar Adventure Opportunities

7 December 2020
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With its dramatic landscapes, diverse outdoor pursuits, and striking natural wonders, Australia has long attracted thrill seekers from across the globe. A spellbinding land of extremes, the country offers a spectacular medley of adventures suited for any wayfarer in search of the ultimate adrenaline rush. 

It’s impossible to say exactly how many Australian escapades were postponed in light of COVID-19, but while borders shuttered near and far, the world watched as Australia swiftly implemented public health measures to curtail the spread of the unprecedented pandemic—further reinforcing the country’s longstanding reputation for safety. Since then, Australian tourism operators and businesses have established a range of COVID safe programs and initiatives to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff.

As groundbreaking medical advancements continue developing day-by-day, travelers are eagerly dreaming about their next grand getaway for when the time eventually comes. Safety and security will undoubtedly be paramount factors when considering future sojourns, and with all its aforementioned attributes, Australia seems impeccably poised to remain in high demand amongst the international jet set. Suddenly, the factors that might have once felt like barriers (like its sparsely populated pockets and remote retreats) seem more inviting than ever.

While the majority of first timers venturing Down Under tend to flock to the same points of interest (think: Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru), post-pandemic travel will likely unlock new opportunities for Australia’s tourism industry. Luckily for those curious holidaymakers, the megadiverse country is teeming with off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. 

Of course, some experiences simply cannot be missed, like carving out time in New South Wales to visit the Sydney Opera House (which officially reopened to the public in early November).But instead of limiting itineraries for clients or your own trip to the confines of the city, consider heading 90 minutes west for a heart-racing excursion in the Blue Mountains. For example, High and Wild Australian Adventures offers a range of canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing, and bush survival courses set against a backdrop of staggering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and towering eucalyptus forests.

Canyoning Adventure - High and Wild Australian Adventures

Other examples of out-of-the way itineraries include:

In Queensland, be one of the first to experience the new Pumicestone Passage collaboration between G’Day Adventure Tours and Ferryman Cruises. Launched in October, the tour combines ultimate beach driving with morning, lunch, and sunset cruises through the narrow waterway, which provides refuge to incredible wildlife including dolphins, turtles, and more than 350 species of birds. 

Sunset Cruise - Photo Credit: Ferryman Cruises

Ramblers can relish the beauty of Tasmania during a soon-to-debut three-day experience with the Tasmanian Walking Company. The Three Capes Track combines stunning secluded seascapes with dense rainforests and exclusive access to two sections of the breathtaking trail—not to mention private accommodation at posh architect-designed lodges.

Over in Victoria, visitors can gain a new perspective of the Yarra Valley during a unique adventure with Melbourne Private Tours. Their Ballooning and Barrel Tasting experience highlights the region’s panoramic vistas and tantalizes taste buds with coveted varietals produced by local boutique wineries. 

Ballooning and Barrel Tasting - Melbourne Private Tours

For serious gourmands, SeaLink Kangaroo Island and Gastronomo have joined forces to develop The Enchanted Fig Tree. The brand-new series of bewitching wilderness dining events will run from mid-December through the end of April and feature a menu curated by some of South Australia’s most renowned chefs. SeaLink will provide transportation to and from Kangaroo Island accommodation and ferry service to the pop-up restaurant located in Middle River on the island’s North Coast. 

For a truly far-flung escape, wander into the northernmost section of the Northern Territory and spend five days on Intrepid Travel’s Top End & Arnhem Land Adventure. The trek covers an impressive portion of the Top End, and includes outback camping, ancient First Nations rock art, and the otherworldly landscapes of three remarkable national parks (Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park). 

Top End and Arnhem - Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel

During a Western Australia exploit, spend the day on the Toodyay Discovery Sunset Tour, a new experience created by Lumineer Adventure Tours. Uncover this hidden gem (not far from Perth) while visiting a camel dairy, enjoying a rustic sunset dinner in the paddock, and listening to time-honored aboriginal stories while gazing at galaxies overhead from their mobile observatory.  

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