14 Adrenaline Rushes Every Thrill Seeker Needs To Try

Whip up once-in-a-lifetime memories with the country’s best thrill-seeking adventures.

Tackling new terrain by foot is absolutely rewarding but living life on the wild side often leads to purely exhilarating escapades. From up-close encounters with our gnarliest underwater creatures to marvelling in scenery from dizzying heights, Australia’s most awesome adrenaline rushes provide holiday memories you’ll never forget.

1. Arro Jet on the Gold Coast, Qld

Slice and dice the Gold Coast’s twinkling Broadwater onboard Arro Jet , a 28-seater jet boat that skims the surface as it cranks out 360-degree doughnuts, sharp twists and high-speed charges.

passengers having fun on the Arro Jet, Gold Coast, Qld — Be exhilarated onboard the Arro Jet.

You’ll be strapped in for around 30 glorious minutes as trained drivers expertly navigate the waters surrounding SeaWorld, one of the Gold Coast’s best kid-friendly non-negotiables, and beyond. Don’t wear anything fancy because salty spritzes come on tap, offering fast-paced, giggle-worthy thrills.

an aerial view of Arro Jet on the Gold Coast, Qld — Experience Arro Jet’s 360-degree doughnuts.

2. Swim with Ningaloo whale sharks in Exmouth, WA

Home to the mighty Whale Shark, the world’s largest fish, Ningaloo on the Coral Coast in Western Australia’s Exmouth is best explored offshore.

swimming with Ningaloo whale sharks — Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Ningaloo Whale Sharks run tours along Ningaloo Reef where you’ll be perfectly poised for an epic whale shark encounter in pristine waters. They guarantee you’ll spot one or some, and offer a complimentary follow-up tour if you don’t, and swimmers of any proficiency are welcome.

a Ningaloo shark encounter — Prepare for an epic whale shark encounter. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Bungy jump at Skypark Cairns, Qld

Stopping over in Cairns? Extend your trip to take advantage of Australia’s only bungy jump at Skypark Cairns , an adventure park set in a tropical rainforest.

bungy jumping into the lagoon at Skypark Cairns — Skypark Cairns is Australia’s only bungy jump. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

It’s a 20-minute drive from the city and its bungy looms 50 metres above a beautiful lagoon you’ll skim at full extension. If the full hog is too intimidating, there’s also an elevated plank to walk and several other jump experiences.

the elevated plank for bungy jumping at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett — Stretch your limits to greater heights at Skypark Cairns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Climb or abseil Mount Arapiles, Vic

Towering at 230 metres above ground level, Mount Arapiles in Victoria’s Grampians is a rock scaler’s dream. Whether you’re keen to climb up or abseil down, more than 3000 routes provide plenty of options as dramatic cliffs and picture-perfect peaks beckon in every direction.

Local rock climbing guides are your safest bet if you’re just getting started so look into Arapiles Climbing Guides and The Climbing Company for an adventure that’s made for you.

rock climbing Mount Arapiles, Vic — Conquer the dramatic cliffs of Mount Arapiles. (Image: The Climbing Company)

5. Go canyoning in the Blue Mountains, NSW

Navigate your way safely down spectacular cascading mountain streams with a canyoning expedition in NSW’s Blue Mountains.

abseiling at the Grand Canyon, Blue Mountains National Park — Blue Mountains Adventure Company run tours for beginners and advanced canyoners. (Image: Destination NSW)

The team at Blue Mountains Adventure Company run tours for beginners and advanced canyoners where swimming, jumping, abseiling, hiking and climbing combine to provide the ultimate thrill-seeking experience amid untouched natural scenery.

navigating down Empress Falls, Blue Mountains — Cascade down the scenic Empress Falls. (Image: David Hill)

6. Raft the Franklin River, Tas

Guaranteed to set pulses racing, white water rafting is a thrill from beginning to end. Tasmania’s Franklin River is one of Australia’s most spectacular, and wildest, waterways, making your bucket list adventure even more memorable.

rafting the Franklin River, Tas — Get your adrenaline pumping with Franklin River Rafting.

Sign up with a local tour company like Franklin River Rafting, for the safest and most rewarding (quoll and platypus spotting, anyone?) experiences.

the foggy nature trail at Franklin River — Be surrounded by stunning nature as you raft through the rapids. (Image: Stu Gibson)

7. Skydive the Vines in McLaren Vale, SA

Savour wine country from a whole new perspective by signing onto Skydive the Vines in South Australia’s McLaren Vale. Thrill seekers kick off their skydiving adventure at Leconfield Wines where the team take guests through extensive training before leaping out of a plane above Aldinga Airfield. A six-minute descent over lush vineyards is followed by vino and a cheese platter once everyone’s back on solid ground.

8. Skydive the coastline at Rottnest Island, WA

Prefer water to winery views as you’re freefalling through the sky? Tick off your bucket list with a skydiving journey over Rottnest Island in Western Australia. You’ll jump from around 15,000 feet above ground level with Skydive Geronimo , catching views all the way out to Perth city and all that spectacular coastline, before landing on one of the island’s Instagram-perfect white sand beaches.

landing on a white-sand beach with Skydive Geronimo — Experience Skydive Geronimo and land on a picturesque white-sand beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

9. Dive with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, NT

Face off with one of the world’s most feared predators, safely, in the heart of Darwin. Enormous saltwater crocodiles can be spied underwater through Crocosaurus Cove ’s Cage of Death experience where thrill seekers are seated in a glass cage and lowered into the water for 15 breathtaking minutes.

the Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death experience — Enjoy up-close encounters with giant crocs at Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death. (Image: Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught)

Even crazier, the crocs are fed while you’re down there so their infamous wide-mouthed snaps are guaranteed.

a woman at Crocosaurus Cove, NT — Befriend the crocs at Crocosaurus Cove. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

10. Reach new heights at Melbourne Skydeck, Vic

Soak up our culture capital from an all-new perspective. Melbourne Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, sitting pretty at 300 metres above ground and offering unbelievable views across the city.

sunrise viewed from Melbourne Skydeck — Catch the sunrise from Melbourne Skydeck. (Image: Visit Victoria)

There’s a bunch of experiences to choose from but daredevils should head straight to the Edge, a glass cube that’s suspended off Skydeck to provide the most dizzying of capers.

city views from Melbourne Skydeck — See the Melbourne city skyline from new heights. (Image: Visit Victoria)

11. Race cars at Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW

Adrenaline junkies should hot-foot it to Sydney Motorsport Park to get their high-speed hit.

Star cars at the World Time Attack Challenge Media Launch — Get fascinated by the star cars at Sydney Motorsport Park. (Image: World Time Attack Challenge)

Home to a range of training and experiences including the Fastrack V8 Race Experience alongside a professional race car driver and the Supercar Drive Experience within a luxe Lambo, Ferrari or Lotus, the state-of-the-art park is a car lover’s ultimate paradise.

race cars at Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight — Catch the racing cars’ spectacle during the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight. (Image: Mark Horsburgh, Edge Photographics)

12. Bike the desert with Outback Motorcycle Adventures, NT

Tear it up in the country’s red centre with one of several motorcycle-based escapades in the Northern Territory. Outback Motorcycle Adventures offers everything from multi-day two-wheeling Simpson Desert and Uluru tours to expert navigations of the famous Finke Desert Race, a dirt biker’s ultimate ride. Camping gear and meals are also included with some of the options so investigate thoroughly for a perfect bucket list fit.

13. Hang glide over the Huon River, Tas

Been there, done the Huon Valley? Probably not like this. The stunning Huon River, which runs through Tasmania’s esteemed food and wine region, provides ideal conditions for a spot of hang gliding, a precious factoid Tahune Adventures have well and truly cottoned onto.

The team operate a three-to-four-minute Eagle Hang Glider experience that lifts you 50 metres into the air as it propels you 400 metres across the idyllic waters. Short, sweet and utterly sensational.

aerial view of Tahune Adventures, Eagle Hang Gliding — Glide atop the idyllic waters with Tahune Adventures. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

14. Jet ski Stradbroke Island, Qld

Flanked by Moreton Bay and the Coral Sea, North Stradbroke Island is a haven for picture-perfect water sports. And arguably the most thrilling activity of all? Tackling it via a jet ski.

a couple riding a Jet ski across Stradbroke Island, Qld — Zoom around Stradbroke Island on a jet ski.

Soar across the surface at lightning speed with expert guidance from Jet Ski Safaris , a company that specialises in jet ski tours in addition to offering all the equipment you’ll need.

an aerial view of Jetski Safaris, Stradbroke Island, Qld — Soar at lightning speed withJet Ski Safaris.

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

14 adrenaline rushes in Australia every thrill seeker needs to try