Escape the city: Australia’s best adventure destinations

Australia is a nation made up of over six million sq km of glorious orange desert, stunning natural beauty, astounding wildlife, friendly locals and miles upon miles of golden beaches and surfing swells.

Here are three epic destinations where you can discover the most exciting adventures.

Coffs Coast

Located along the north coast of NSW, Coffs Coast region with its scenic surroundings boast a plethora of exciting activities, cultural curiosities, rich history and colorful wildlife.

A perfect way to start your Coffs Coast adventure is with a short drive from Coffs Harbour up to Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park.

From here, take a stroll out along the Forest Sky Pier which stands 15 meters above the forest floor. Look out across the landscape with expansive coastal views across the horizon and all the way back along the western hinterland mountains.

From here head back to the coast for a fresh seafood lunch from Fishermen’s Co-Op. Afterwards take advantage of the afternoon sunshine and amble up the steep path on Muttonbird Island to explore the fantastic flora and fauna, including the muttonbird burrows.

The views from up here are stunning, with different perspectives of hinterland and coastal vistas.

Be sure to keep an eagle eye out for whales on their annual winter migration and pods of dolphins surfing the waves. You’ll be amazed by how much you can see from here.

As the Sub-tropical and tropical oceans collide, they entice keen explorers to discover more about the aquatic life of Coffs Coast unique Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Solitary Islands Marine Park offers 75 kilometers of intertidal rocky shores, sub-tidal reefs and over 550 species of marine life, including turtles, giant cuttlefish, molluscs and hard coral. It is a perfect spot for beginners and experienced scuba divers.

Once you’ve discovered the underwater rainbow at the Marine Park, head back to dry land and fuel up at one of the many cafes that use fresh local produce.

Take a stroll along a section of the glorious Solitary Islands Coastal walk or pack a bag and spend four days discovering 60 kilometres of golden beaches, rocky headlands and lush rainforest.

You can even stroll past a mob of eastern grey kangaroos who love to sunbathe at the Look at Me Now Headland in Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.

For use by Coffs Coast Marketing / Coffs Harbour City Council for promotional purposes only.

The region is brilliant for adrenaline junkies too as it’s home to plenty of action and adventure activities such as mountain biking and exploring the intriguing landscapes.

Here you can also try stand-up paddle boarding with a true local on a Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tour and enjoy tasting seasonal bush foods and learning some Gumbaynggirr language through local stories.

If you’re a real daredevil, you’ll be pleased to know that Coffs Coast has the highest skydive in Australia at 15,000 feet, right onto the beach!

If you’re up for a more chilled break, then let your car do the work as you sit back and admire the stunning driving routes. Waterfall Way has been voted one of the best national scenic driving routes.

The drive meanders through five national parks with lush green farm paddocks and of course the picturesque Dangar Falls which are fed by the Bielsdown River.

Coffs Coast also has a colourful calendar of year-round events, including art exhibitions, food markets, workshops, music masterclasses, group ocean swims and festivals.

Coffs Coast truly is a place where you can indulge your adventurous side, explore some of Australia’s most interesting cultural heritage and get up close with unforgettable wildlife.

Port Lincoln

Calling all thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Port Lincoln should be next on your vacation list.

Port Lincoln is in South Australia, on the tip of the stunning Eyre Peninsula. The best way to make the most of the region is to explore it via one of the many tours available.

For the adventurous, have a go at shark cage diving or go swimming with Australian sea lions – probably a little friendlier than the Great Whites.

If you want to stay on land, then visit the local wildlife at Glen Forest Animal Park where you can get friendly with native kangaroos and cute koala bears. You can also take a segway tour here before lighting up the barbeque and feasting on picnic-style delights.

If you want to explore Port Lincoln from the air, then take a bird’s-eye tour on a vintage propeller plane. The recognizable yellow Weaver Aircraft lets you feel the power of freedom high in the sky on a very memorable ride.

If the weather turns or you fancy a break from the glorious sunshine for a few hours, then head over to the renowned Nautilus Arts Center to catch an acrobatic show, theatre performance, art installation, market or crafts fair.

There are even tours on offer when it comes to dinner time. Check out the Fresh Fish Place tour and be guided by experts on the catches of octopus, oysters, prawns, and squid from the Spencer Gulf and the Great Australian Bight, before sitting down to a glass of wine and a fanciful plate of fish and chips.

Townsville

This stunning coastal region won’t give you a moment to be bored. With so much to do, see and explore, you won’t have even finished the last activity before you’re off finding the next adventure in Townsville.

Located on the Northeast coast of Queensland, Townsville offers visitors exceptionally beautifully ocean experiences as well as delving deep into the woodland, filled with incredible creatures.

If you’re an early bird, trek up Castle Hill to catch the sunrise lighting up the sky. From up here, you can see all the way across to Magnetic Island – which is another must see.

Magnetic Island is located just off the coast of Townsville and offers wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to see Australia’s biggest colony of koala bears as well as rock wallabies and other Ozzy cuties.

Tour the island in a colorful topless car and feel the warm breeze whip through your hair.

Once back on the mainland, head to one of the many restaurants and bars in town for a spot of supper.

We recommend The Pier Restaurant and Bar where you can sample the freshest local seafood, from prawns bigger than your hand to crispy fried squid.

From the port-view restaurant, you will be able to see why Queensland is called the sunshine coast as the sunsets and glows up the sky.

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Source: travelwireasia.com