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.

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty — Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray — Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray — Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria — Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray — Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.

14 adrenaline rushes in Australia every thrill seeker needs to try