No matter where you are in Australia this summer, find out the best activities available near you….
The stunning Figure 8 Pools, Royal National Park, Sydney (photo: Michael Wee).
(Drive south of the CBD along the Princes Highway for about 45 minutes, turning into the “Nasho” Park at Loftus). You’ll find some of the best beaches in the Aussie bush here, such as Wattamolla, which has a sandy unpatrolled ocean beach as well as a sheltered lagoon perfect for young families to wade in. There’s also a picturesque waterfall and a shady grove of trees to fall asleep under after you’ve had lunch. If you really love it – you will! – there is a two-day guided hiking tour along the Royal Coast Track that includes an overnight camp at Wattamolla (see lifesanadventure.com.au). About 10 minutes south of Wattamolla you’ll find Garie Beach (the one on this issue’s cover), which is great for surfing and beach fishing, and has a modern surf club with some of the best public toilet facilities in nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
…for an aerial view of the South Coast beaches and Illawarra Escarpment. skydive.com.au
Which has more than 200 horses and ponies. Visitors can choose from guided or free-range rides, while youngsters can be led.
glenworth.com.au/horse-riding
Winding along the region’s network of scenic fire trails. Rides can range from half-day trips to multi-day adventures that take you from Katoomba all the way to Mittagong.
rdmh.com.au
Within Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, Newcastle. There are more than 90 treetop challenges to try, including various flying foxes and swinging bridges. treetopadventurepark.com.au
Past famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Tours include kayak tuition and a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, which depending on conditions can take place at Watsons Bay, Double Bay or Shark Island. lifesanadventure.com.au
…in a relaxed and safe environment. With courses for both adults and children available, everyone can have a go. byra.org.au
A ship that was deliberately sunk off the coast of Terrigal in April this year to make an artificial reef. The 138m ship is already covered in barnacles and is home to marine life including blue gropers and cuttlefish.
For a scenic summer break on the secluded waterway. Stays can range from two days to a fortnight, during which time guests can enjoy swimming and fishing, or pull over for some nearby bushwalking or shopping. hawkesburyhouseboats.com.au
…and gain an insight into life a century ago. shf.org.au
…with the help of specialist school ProWake Academy. Classes range from half-hour to multi-day and from beginner to professional, with hire gear included.
…is a 59km stroll skirting the bays and inlets west of Sydney Harbour Bridge, including suburbs such as Balmain, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Willoughby and North Sydney. Passing pockets of rainforest, historic landmarks and islands, with plenty of public transport points, it can be completed as a series of shorter walks over several days.
…is a breath-taking 3km trek around the edge of Grose Valley, between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout in the Blue Mountains. It takes about an hour and 45 minutes to complete. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
…is almost 22km in length (taking about nine hours to complete), and can be done on a guided tour. Showcasing some of the best alpine landscapes in NSW, it involves climbing the highest peak in Australia and crossing the renowned Snowy River. wildwalks.com
Baby flips, Loggerhead turtle, Mon Repos beach, Queensland by @laurenepbath
In Bundaberg from mid-November to February. bundabergregion.org
…for the annual six-day Folk Festival, from December 27 to January 1. Music, markets and lazy days in the sun. woodfordfolkfestival.com
Sit, lie down or, for the real adventurous types, try going down backwards. seemoretonisland.com/tobogganing.html
It glides just above the canopy from Cairns to Kuranda, offering panoramic views of the tropical scenery and Barron Falls. skyrail.com.au
Caused by a volcanic eruption some 190,000 years ago, the tubes offer a rare insight into Australia’s geological past. undara.com.au
As part of its WAGS program (Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing). rqys.com.au
Either during the day or at night, and paddle past some of the city’s prominent landmarks such as the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and the Maritime Museum riverlife.com.au
…and dive among the vibrant underwater gardens and sea life. Various packages are available, for everyone from first-time to advanced divers. divingcairns.com.au
…with the added security of a tandem tour. No experience is necessary. paraglidingrainbow.com
…is a 17km walk through Springbrook National Park, just inland from Tweed Heads on Queensland’s border with NSW. It begins at Canyon Falls Lookout and is a trek of five to six hours through pristine subtropical rainforest, featuring numerous waterfalls at which you can cool off. nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/about.html
…or Lawn Hill National Park is situated within Queensland’s remote north-west highlands. It involves a 7km return walk across sandstone cliffs lining Lawn Hill Gorge and down along the creek edge. It is recommended for experienced bushwalkers and best started early morning. nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/boodjamulla-lawn-hill/
…is an 8km one-way trek through Eungella National Park, near Mackay. The scenery is magnificent as the track follows Broken River towards Crediton Creek. Recommended for advanced hikers with a vehicle pick-up at Crediton Creek. brokenrivermr.com.au
Every morning at dawn, more than 30 balloons take off from the lawns in front of the Old Parliament House.
Arrange a ride at sunrise before the summer sun has bite. dawndrifters.com.au
…where there’ll be live bands, activities and rides throughout the morning. Then at sundown head to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin for a spectacular fireworks display to an Australian soundtrack. australiaday.org.au
Grab one and go for a stroll to Lake Tuggeranong, which has walking tracks and a skate park. goodberrys.com.au
Head to mrspokes.com.au for more information.
Head to nfsa.gov.au/arc for more information.
For a faster pace there are also rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking available.
The tour starts at Commonwealth Place on the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin and journeys around new Kingston Harbour and into local wetlands, taking two to three hours to complete. realfun.com.au
…featuring five heated pools and eight water slides. bigsplashwaterpark.com.au
The indoor complex includes 50m and 25m heated pools. ausport.gov.au
The picnic area is equipped with a children’s playground, flushing toilets, fire pits, gas barbecues, picnic tables and a stone shelter.
…near Tharwa, about 25km south of Canberra. It continues 4km to the top of the mountain where there are panoramic views to Canberra to the north, the Brindabella Mountains to the west and the Australian Alps to the south. australianalps.environment.gov.au
It begins at Smokers Gap, just 20km south of Canberra, and is a walk of one to two hours through high-country bush. The highlight is Square Rock – a prominent outcrop of granite boulders that offer expansive views over the upper Cotter and Tidbinbilla. Take caution as there are some stone steps, steep cliffs and steel ladders along the way. tams.act.gov.au
…just south of the city is a 14km trek for advanced hikers stretching from Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool. It largely follows the river through native scrub, but also veers into open grazing country and high above the river. It takes about eight hours and is only suitable as a one-way walk. tams.act.gov.au
‘Sunset over Port Philip Bay, Melbourne, Australia. View from Half Moon Bay, near Black Rock.’
For more information and to book, visit fallscreek.com.au
…through the Victorian High Country and surrounding national parks. Rides range from an hour and a half through to five-day camping trips and cater for various riding abilities. springspur.com.au
…and return at night to see the resident glow-worms in action. visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
Flat, sealed and passing many local food producers, it’s suitable for a range of fitness levels and ages. murraytomountains.com.au
For more information, head to riverlandbar.com
Linking two of Victoria’s magnificent coastal regions: the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula. The daily ferry service with Searoad Ferries transports both passengers and cars so you can get out and explore at your own pace before jumping back on board. searoad.com.au
An area renowned for unique sea life. dolphinswims.com.au
Once you’ve mastered the art, you can test your skills at Bells Beach near Torquay – home of the Rip Curl Pro Surf Tour. gorsurftours.com.au
It’s a freshwater fisherman’s paradise, with the region home to brown and rainbow trout, redfin, Murray cod and silver perch, among other species. www.visitvictoria.com
Stop off and explore the townships along the way from Corryong to Mildura, or enjoy fishing, swimming or canoeing from the boat. murrayriver.com.au/houseboats
It’s a 17km stroll past cool creeks, gullies and eucalypt-covered ridges, graded moderate to easy. It can be undertaken from either direction, starting from the townships of Sassafras or Emerald, and can be broken up into shorter sections by stopping at picnic areas along the way. parkweb.vic.gov.au
It links three of Hotham’s historic huts – Spargo’s, Derrick and Silver Brumby – and encompasses a range of landscapes such as shady forests, damp gullies and waterfalls. mthotham.com.au
…through Hattah-Kulkyne National Park follows the route used by camel riders to transport salt from Sunset Country to the Murray River over 100 years ago. It is a gentle 10km walk from Hattah General Store to Lake Mournpall campground, and is abundant with wildlife, especially native birds. visitvictoria.com
Barnbougle Dunes, Tas.
Said to be the best public golf course in Australia, it is spread across 200 acres of undulating coastal dunes in Bridport, on Tasmania’s northern coastline, overlooking Bass Strait.
It’s the highest commercial abseil in the world. But if you’re not ready for the 140m drop, there are other choices between 30m and 50m. aardvarkadventures.com.au
A celebration of Tassie produce including salmon, oysters, cheese and wine. Running from December 28 to January 3 at the Princes Wharf, it will coincide with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – the finish line is a ten-minute walk up the wharf. hobartsummerfestival.com.au
Expect to see nocturnal natives such as Tasmanian devils and quolls. natureworld.com.au
Such as Tidal Whispers in Boat Harbour on the north-west coast of Tassie. It features panoramic ocean views, two bedrooms, outdoor decks and steps leading directly from the house to the water. Bliss. rent-a-home.com.au/accommodation/tas/
35km north-west of Hobart. The 12-seater jet boat was designed and built in Tasmania especially for Derwent River conditions, allowing it to skim over exploding white water and between exposed rocks. deviljet.com.au
Rich in trout, summer is said to be one of the best times for the sport, when fish can be easily spotted, rising to the surface to feed on plentiful summer insects. troutguidestasmania.com.au
Expect to see some of the tallest cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and an abundance of sea life, such as dolphins, seals, seabirds and migrating whales. pennicottjourneys.com.au
The Franklin, located in Tasmania’s rugged south-west. raftingtasmania.com
Dip into the nearby thermal pool which is fed by an ancient spring. Alternatively, walk along the Hot Springs Track to the point where two streams converge, and feel the warm current from one stream meet the cold current of the other. parks.tas.gov.au
It’s a half-day, medium-graded trek through the Tarkine wilderness in Tasmania’s north-west. The mainly gravel track meanders through open myrtle forest and grassy plateaus, past rivers and up Mt Donaldson. At the top, vast views extend from the West Coast Ranges to the sea. discoverthetarkine.com.au
It takes in spectacular views from the Hazards Mountains of the ocean surrounding Freycinet Peninsula, and along the white sandy shores of Wineglass Bay. A banquet of fresh local produce is also included as part of the tour. discovertasmania.com.au
…in the state’s north showcases the Jurassic landscape of this national park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It includes stunning views of dolerite peaks, lakes and caves and takes up to nine hours to complete. Recommended for experienced bushwalkers, as there are limited facilities within the park. parks.tas.gov.au
Wine valley in Barossa region, South Australia
In the east of the state, home to more than 100 known fossil deposits. Discover them solo or join one of many tours available for a deeper insight. environment.sa.gov.au/naracoorte
Visiting the region’s renowned wineries and food producers along the way. barossabikehire.com
On the southern coast of Kangaroo Island. It’s well worth it! tourkangarooisland.com.au
Museum and brewery tours available. coopers.com.au
– perhaps the Australia-India Test? cricketsa.com.au
Cruises run all day (including sunset) seven days a week, and passengers can indulge in some Australian sparkling wine along the way. adelaidegondola.com.au
For more information head to it sharkcagediving.com.au
The tour also includes an informative commentary from the guide. adventurekayak.com.au/
For a summer getaway with a difference. A variety of locations and packages are available. murrayriver.com.au/paddleboats
Which offers perfect conditions for the sport. xtremekitepaddle.com.au
It traverses the picturesque Clare Valley wine region and was one of the first rail-trails to be developed in South Australia. Starting in the township of Clare and ending in Auburn, it passes many local cellar doors and covers 27km. The trail is also well compacted and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and prams. southaustraliantrails.com
…through Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park is located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island. Approximately 40km south-west of Kingscote. The hike follows an old fire access track that skirts the edge of Murray Lagoon (the island’s largest freshwater lagoon), and climbs Bald Hill, offering great views over the lagoon. southaustraliantrails.com
It’s a 5.3km loop through Morialta Conservation Park, situated at the base of the Adelaide Hills, 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Adelaide. Although there is a steep hike at the beginning to reach the rim of Morialta Gorge, hikers will be rewarded with views of tumbling waterfalls and scenic valleys. southaustraliantrails.com
Blue heaven: Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island, WA
For more information head to armadalereptilecentre.com.au
Created by massive tidal movements through a narrow inlet. Located within the Buccaneer Archipelago on the northern WA coast, this phenomenon has been described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”. derbytourism.com.au
Swim, cycle, sunbake and indulge in all sorts of summery goodness. rottnestexpress.com.au
There are barbecues, playgrounds and public toilets available, as well as a nearby dual cycleway-walk trail and a regular ferry service from Barrack Square. westernaustralia.com
…sampling locally-produced wine, beer, chocolate and cheese. margaretrivertours.com
Head to northstarcruises.com.au for more information.
From December to April, the population of blue manna crabs explodes, making it an ideal time to catch them and cook up a summer delicacy. bluemannaboathire.com.au
To see unique Australian wildlife such as sea lions, fairy penguins and a pelican colony. capricornseakayaking.com.au
45 minutes south of Perth (closer than Monkey Mia!) through the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. dolphins.com.au
30 minutes south of Pert, the park encompasses five manmade freshwater lakes across 150 acres, as well as barbecues, showers and a café. bonneyswaterskipark.com.au
It’s a 10km, moderately challenging trail that passes through magnificent old-growth karri forests in the state’s far south-west It follows the Warren River (which you can swim in), and features sweeping views, fast rapids at Heartbreak Crossing and scenic picnic areas. toptrails.com.au
It’s a moderate track through Lesueur National Park on the Coral Coast. At the summit, walkers can soak up expansive views over the surrounding park, agricultural land and out to the sea. Although the first 250m is a wide bitumen track that is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, the remainder of the 4km trail is sandy. toptrails.com.au
It’s is an easy loop trail through Dryandra Woodlands, about 190km south-east of Perth. The woodland is a conservation area for rare and endangered animals so walkers are bound to encounter native wildlife. The 5km walk takes just two hours to complete and there are several picnic areas along the way to enjoy lunch at. toptrails.com.au
Anangu Waai’s Flying Camel Tours take you through the Outback in ecclectic style. Image by Tourism NT
Featuring the spectacular Jim Jim Falls in flood. kakaduair.com.au
…and watch the evening storms roll in over the harbour. dwnsail.com.au
After the heat of day has subsided, and see the sunset over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. cameltracks.com
They include a variety of arts and crafts on sale, plus food and entertainment. rapidcreekshoppingcentre.com.au
Tours are available from early February and are specifically designed to showcase the best of the wet, featuring waterfalls, hikes, Aboriginal bush tucker education sessions and ancient rock art. kakadu4wdsafaris.com
Replenished by the summer rain, and swim in the mighty Ellery Creek Big Hole, Big Rankine Waterhole or the Big Bend Waterhole. nt.gov.au
…in the safety of a cruise boat on the Adelaide River. Cruises start on the Adelaide River Bridge, located 67km south-east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway, and run for an hour in total. jumpingcrocodile.com.au
…with its sandstone carved by the Katherine River.
You might also find yourself with front-row seats to some spectacular wet season thunderstorms – popular among locals. streetercruisers.com.au/
It has a range of different waves up to 1.7m in height, and is suitable for the whole family – from boogie board riders to toddlers. waterfront.nt.gov.au
Located 140km west of Alice Springs, is a circuit of three to four hours around the scenic slopes of the pound and Ormiston Gorge. After heavy rainfall some waterholes throughout the gorge may require swimming or wading through, so pack swimmers. During summer it is advised hikers start the walk early in the morning (ie 5am) and carry water, as it can be very hot. nt.gov.au
…through Kakadu National Park is a 12km circuit through rugged country. There is no formed path, but the route is indicated by orange triangular markers. Weather can be hot and humid at the end of dry season forcing closures, so check ahead for local conditions. Once the Wet sets in, the walk is spectacular for seeing seasonal plants and wildlife. environment.gov.au
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