In 2023, Australians were named the most adventurous people in the world in a global analysis. Spend enough time with an Aussie or in the land Down Under, and you’ll soon start to see why in this Australian adventure guide.
The country’s oceans, sand dunes, and mountain ranges create a natural playground for adrenaline junkies. These landscapes offer the perfect stage for extreme sports like hiking, surfing, and scuba diving, some of the most-searched activities among Aussies.
But where did Australians’ taste for adventure come from? What are some of the most exhilarating experiences and events the country has to offer, and where can you find them?
Find all these answers and more in the guide below.
The Legacy of the Land: Australia’s Cultural Spirit of Adventure
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s First Peoples, have been connected to these lands for more than 65,000 years. Long before Australia became an adrenaline hotspot, these cultures approached adventure differently. For them, adventure wasn’t a matter of spectacle. Instead, it was a matter of survival, guided by a deep-seated spirituality and connection to the land.
Specifically, Aboriginal Australians believe their ancestral spirits come from the earth and sky. They also define themselves by the conditions of their homelands. People from the coast are “saltwater people”. People from river areas are “freshwater people”. And people from central regions are “desert people”.
This connection to the land was partly what drove Aboriginal communities to explore Australia’s vast terrain. At this time, the lands were so untouched that no one knew what awaited them. Yet still, they forged ahead. For thousands of years, they travelled, hunted animals, sourced water, and adapted to weather patterns. Living off the land required environmental mastery, just as modern-day adventure sports like surfing, snowboarding, or rock climbing do.
But how did these modern pursuits come about? Put simply, they were made possible by increased infrastructure and technology. Now, Aussies can embark on adventures that past generations could only dream of, from skydiving to shark diving.
One thing that hasn’t changed: Australians still see the land as their stage for adventure. Riding the raw power of the ocean. Conquering the staggering heights of a mountain. Getting up close with some of the world’s fiercest predators. Aussies don’t shy away from testing their skills, resilience, and nerve against the elements around them — both natural and manmade.
Daring Activities Down Under: Australia’s Extreme Sports
True to their thrill-seeking roots, Australians dive headfirst into adventure activities. Here are some of the extreme sports they love most, and the top settings for these pursuits.
Skydiving
Among locals and tourists alike, skydiving has become one of the most popular extreme sports Australia has to offer. Again, the country is chock-full of incredible scenery. What better way to soak up these views than from above?
Although you can skydive in several different areas, some of the top spots include:
- Rottnest Island (Western Australia).
- The Great Ocean Road (Victoria).
- McLaren Vale (South Australia).
Surfing
Home to some of the world’s best beaches and iconic swells, Australia is a haven for surfers. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that it’s long been a beloved pastime among Aussies.
The earliest instances of surfing in Australia predate the 20th century. In these days, many people used their bodies to ride waves instead of boards. But surfing as we know it today rose to prominence throughout the 1900s. Several surfing organizations were founded, including Surf Life Saving Association and Surfing Australia. Innovations were made, particularly in board technology. And many competitions were launched, such as the Australian Surf Championships.
Now, the sport is a fixture in Australian culture, with an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million active surfers on Aussie shores.
Some of the premier surfing destinations in Australia are:
- Noosa Main Beach (Queensland).
- Bells Beach (Victoria).
- Byron Bay (New South Wales).
- Kalbarri (Western Australia).
Rock Climbing, Abseiling & Canyoning
Many Aussies have taken to rock climbing in recent years, with interest in the sport rising after its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In addition to the outdoor landscapes, Australia is home to many indoor climbing gyms. According to Sport Climbing Australia, their gyms attract over 300,000 Aussies.
A few of Australia’s best locations for climbing are as follows:
- Blue Mountains (New South Wales).
- Grampians National Park (Victoria).
- Tasman Peninsula, home to the world-famous Totem Pole (Tasmania).
Skiing & Snowboarding
Because Australia is best known for its heat, sunshine, and beaches, it’s not often considered a go-to destination for extreme snow sports. But in reality, the nation has multiple ski resorts with world-class runs suited to skiers of all skill levels. Aussies most often flock to these locations during the winter months, June through August, when the conditions are best.
Due to the region’s climate, the eastern states are where you’ll find the majority of these ski resorts, including:
- Thredbo Ski Resort (New South Wales).
- Perisher Ski Resort (New South Wales).
- Mount Hotham Alpine Resort (Victoria).
Shark Diving
Australia is renowned for its diverse wildlife. Sharks are some of the most creatures, from gentle giants like whale sharks to apex predators like great whites. And Aussies have embraced the thrilling chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
In fact, Australia is one of the few countries that offer shark diving, namely in areas like:
- Port Lincoln (South Australia).
- Exmouth (Western Australia).
- Cairns (Queensland).
Laid-Back Enjoyment: Leisurely Adventure Activities in Australia
Australians know that not every adventure has to spike your heart rate. Beyond the rush of skydives and ski runs, there’s a whole world of laid-back pursuits that offer their own kind of enjoyment.
Bushwalking & Hiking
Australia’s diverse landscapes serve as the perfect setting for walks and hikes. Across the nation, there’s an array of national parks, coastal trails, and alpine treks ready to explore. For many Aussies, these outings don’t just offer a slow-paced, quiet thrill. They also help them connect more deeply with their local environment.
Although there are thousands of trails scattered across the country, some of the best are:
- The Great Ocean Walk (Victoria).
- The Border Track (Queensland).
- The Australian Alps Walking Track (Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT).
Hot Air Ballooning
Despite the extreme heights, hot air ballooning is actually incredibly tranquil. As you float over misty farmlands and watch the sun rise, you’ll enjoy a moment of stillness that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.
To experience it yourself, explore hot air ballooning in regions like:
- Melbourne (Victoria).
- Gold Coast (Queensland).
- Hunter Valley (New South Wales).
- Alice Springs (Northern Territory).
Bridge Climbing
Bridge climbing falls right on the line between an extreme and a leisurely activity. Though slower paced, bridge climbing remains a favorite among thrill-seekers. Depending on the elevation and steepness of the climb, the physical challenge can offer an unforgettable rush.
Australia’s top bridge climbs are available on:
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge (New South Wales).
- The Brisbane Story Bridge (Queensland).
- The Mataragarup Bridge (Western Australia).
Kayaking
Kayaking allows Aussies to explore the nation’s waterways, whether it’s an urban quay, a secluded river, or one of the surrounding oceans. Despite being as immersive as other watersports, kayaking is more relaxing — ideal for low-key adventurers.
While you can technically kayak on nearly any body of water, the most desirable locations in Australia include:
- The Whitsundays (Queensland).
- The Noosa Everglades (Queensland).
- The Sydney Harbour, featuring views of the legendary Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House (New South Wales).
Enjoy from the Stands: Extreme Events to Attend in Australia
In Australia, you don’t have to participate in the adventure to get enjoyment from it. Sometimes, watching from the sidelines is just as exciting. From racing to endurance competitions, these are the events uniting thrill-seeking Aussies.
F1 Australian Grand Prix
Held annually at Melbourne’s Albert Park, the F1 Australian Grand Prix is a cornerstone of extreme motorsports. As one of the early races of the season, it sets the stage for heart-pounding, high-octane action all year long for the world’s most renowned drivers.
Every year, the turnout is massive, and more Aussies are tuning into the action with each passing year. In 2025, a whopping 465,498 spectators visited over the course of the four-day race weekend (an uptick of roughly 10,000 from the 2024 figures).
Santos Tour Down Under
Every January, Australia’s premier cycling race takes over the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia. As the largest Festival of Cycling in the Southern Hemisphere, the competition attracts world-class talent. It also features associated events like street parties and live musical performances, adding to the thrills.
With that in mind, it’s no shock that Tour Down Under draws thousands of Aussie fans each year — and much like the Australian Grand Prix, its fan base is growing. The 2025 race recorded its largest crowd in seven years, attracting 807,900 fans during the 10 days.
HellsBells 24hr Adventure Race
Grueling, intense, relentless. These are just a few of the ways you could describe the HellsBells Adventure Race. Held every year on the Sunshine Coast, this multi-discipline race sees teams compete in trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. Not to mention, as the name suggests, it all takes place over a 24-hour, nonstop period.
Spectators can follow competitor progress online in real time via the HellBells website.
Melbourne Cup
Known among Australians as the “race that stops a nation”, the Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in Australia. The event takes place every November at the Flemington Racecourse, offering glitz, glamor, and edge-of-your-seat action.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the most treasured extreme events in the nation. In 2025, more than 286,000 people attended the race in person, while millions tuned in from other parts of the country.
Bathurst 1000
Set on the Mount Panorama Circuit, the Bathurst 1000 is a touring car race that sees elite drivers cross 1,000 kilometers of track. Known for its steep climbs, high-speed straights, and tight corners, the track is notoriously challenging. As a result, the excitement ramps up even further.
While it’s been a beloved event since the 1960s, Aussies’ love for the Bathurst 1000 (and extreme motorsports in general) is on the rise. The 2025 race reached 5.5 million Australians, the biggest audience since 2016.
Australia: The Global Adventure Capital
Australia’s reputation as one of the most adventurous places on Earth isn’t a matter of hype or circumstance. In reality, the country and its people’s commitment to adventure is deep-rooted in its culture, both past and present.
From Aboriginal exploration to modern-day extreme sports, Aussies have always embraced adventure. Whether it’s jumping from planes, paddling along a serene river, or watching the action from the sidelines, adventure in Australia looks different for everyone. No matter what kind of adventure you dream of, Australia is the perf
