Challenge accepted: Australia’s best adventure holidays

Looking to level up your next holiday with a shot of adrenalin? From tackling Australia's tallest mountain to swimming alongside ocean giants, these experiences will have you earning your downtime in a most thrilling way.

By Carolyn Tate

Do you like your holidays to have a touch of challenge to them? Or perhaps you feel like you need to earn those poolside cocktails with a feat of strength or endurance first? Great news: adventure holidays are having a moment, and there are a wide range of options across Australia. 

Our great and diverse continent offers a number of holidays that promise excitement and discovery. Whether you're a nature lover, a cultural enthusiast or an adrenaline seeker, there’s something out there to really light you up. 

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite options that combine stunning landscapes with unique experiences, making them perfect if you want an unforgettable adventure.

1. Pilgrimage along the Murray River, South Australia

Head to the Murray for a modern pilgrims’ walk that's both serene and exhilarating. Great Walks of Australia offers tailored walks, including an “easy” graded 40km walk (it’s all relative!), combined with 70km of boat cruising over 4 days and 3 nights. This adventure allows you to immerse yourself in Australia's natural beauty while enjoying a personal journey of de-stressing and self-discovery.

More info: Great Walks of Australia

2. Hike and camp at Uluru, Northern Territory

Uluru is one of Australia's most iconic spots, and a hiking and camping adventure here is truly magical. Every Aussie should see the sunset over Uluru at least once in their lives.

Adventure Tours offers a 3-day journey from Alice Springs to Uluru, featuring breathtaking sunsets, Aboriginal cultural experiences and elevated camping under the desert stars.

More info: Adventure Tours

3. Swim with ocean giants at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is a dream destination for water lovers and adrenaline seekers. The coastline is teeming with exotic sea life, including the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, the ocean's third largest creatures, with Ningaloo Whale Sharks. 

Coral Bay Eco Tours offers swimming tours with humpback whales, using drones and spotter planes to make sure you head out to the right spot. If that’s not enough excitement for you, you can also swim with the manta rays on a guided tour. The beachfront Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort provides the perfect base for your adventures.

More info: Ningaloo Whale Sharks, Coral Bay Eco Tours

4. Experience the outback via the air, Corner Country, NSW

Citro partner Outback By Air’s Classic Outback Pub Crawl takes you on a pub crawl unlike any you’ve experienced before. Fly in a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan across magical Australian landscapes to reach 11 iconic outback pubs. You’ll trek up Big Red, the Simpson Desert’s tallest sand dune, to watch an endless outback sunset, fly over Kati-Thanda-Lake Eyre and raise a glass with welcoming locals in places like Tibooburra, Wallace Creek and Birdsville – some of Australia’s most isolated towns. Air-tripping means you’ll cover more territory in 5 days than in a month’s worth of road-tripping. 

More info: Outback By Air

5. Immersive Indigenous experience in Broome, Western Australia

The Broome Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition by Broome Aboriginal Tours offers a three-night adventure filled with cultural performances, storytelling, and treks. Join in with traditional hunting and gathering, and - the best part - feasting. Gain deep insights into Indigenous culture and Broome's local communities, and have an adventure you’ll never forget. 

More info: Broome Aboriginal Tours

6. Fishing the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

Tiwi Islands Adventures will take you on a four-day fishing trip with on-land accommodation. The area boasts up to 50 different species of fish, making it perfect for the passionate anglers among us. The tropical climate, friendly Tiwi people, and exclusive access via aircraft from Darwin add to the adventure. The Melville Lodge offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a fully licensed bar, and fresh local food, which means you get to enjoy the adventure, but still enjoy all the mod cons. 

More info: Tiwi Islands Adventures 

7. Chase waterfalls in the Northern Territory

Intrepid Travel’s four-day adventure through three national parks in the Northern Territory includes long drives, semi-permanent camping, and scenic hikes. Explore Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and the Termite Mounds of Litchfield National Park, and take a refreshing dip in stunning natural plunge pools. The walk through Kakadu National Park will lead you past ancient rock art, and you can relax and ease your aching muscles in the natural Katherine Hot Springs on your final day. 

More info: Intrepid Travel 

8. Climb the tallest mountain in Australia

Okay, we’ll concede that Australia isn’t known for its high mountains, but climbing our highest peak is nothing to be sneezed at! Aus Walks offers a 4-day pack-free hike to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko, including lodge accommodation. Travelling light means you can really enjoy the stunning views of glacier lakes, mossy plains, snowy mountains, and beautiful sunrises. The walk is classified as moderate difficulty, but once you make it up, you can catch the chairlift down.

More info: Aus Walks

You might also like:

10 of the best distilleries to visit around Australia

9 of east coast Australia’s best retro motels to visit

Our 7 best houseboats picks for an Aussie holiday on the water