It’s easy to get off the beaten track and get adventurous when you live in Canberra. With beautiful rivers, proximity to the ocean and extensive bushland nearby, action-packed activities are never too far away. So if you’re looking for day trips that explore Canberra’s wilder side, here are some of our favourite ways to get your Bear Grylls on in and around the ACT on land, on water, and in the air.
Rafting in the rapids
Rafting in fast-flowing river rapids is an awesome way to get an adrenaline rush. Close to home, take a rafting tour with Alpine River Adventures. The Murrumbidgee River tour sets off from Pine Island reserve and cuts through the spectacular Red Rock Gorge, giving you a superb perspective on some stunning bush scenery. No matter whether you’re new to rafting or are an experienced adventurer, the fast-flowing rapids will get your heart pumping.
Further afield, Alpine River Adventures also do longer guided wilderness paddling trips on the Snowy River. They have all the gear you need and have comprehensive knowledge of the best rapids and the ones to avoid.
Swim or snorkel with seals
For a unique day of fun, grab your snorkel and flippers and head down to Narooma for some time frolicking with Montague Island’s resident seal colonies. The island is around half an hour’s boat ride and you’ll need to book one of several tours on offer. You’ll often see dolphins, whales, penguins and other sea life before you reach the seal colony.
Extreme whale watching
Head to Jervis Bay for whale watching on steroids that promises tons of fun for thrill-seekers as you travel into the open ocean on high-speed vessel Eco Extreme. Its 4 x 350HP V8 4 stroke outboard motors are the lowest emission engines in their category in the world, and while the boat ride is full of thrills and action, you’ll approach the whales at slow speed in respect of the massive creatures.
Rock climbing
Canberra offers plenty of places to enjoy some rock climbing, like Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park. Or if you prefer to put yourself in expert hands and try out rock climbing, abseiling and caving plus other outdoor challenges check out K7 Adventures, who lead guided rock climbing trips in the Canberra district and nearby at the Snowy Mountains and South Coast.
Go sky high
How does taking to the sky in an all-metal, fully aerobatic Yak 52 plane for an adventure flight with Capital Warbirds sound? You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Canberra as the pilot loops, rolls and swoops the plane across the skies in the full Top Gun experience, or you can choose the option of a more sedate flyover if you prefer.
Get on your bike
It’s not far from the centre of Canberra, so Stromlo Forest Park is an easy adventure day trip destination. No matter what your level of expertise, you’ll find something suitable at one of the six cross country paths, plus there are dirt jumps of different levels to try out as well as a downhill track and The Playground which is a great place to test out your new skills or practice your moves.
Key details
- Recommended for: anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, next big challenge, or wanting to push their bodies to the next level.
- More information: Check out Visit Canberra for more outdoor activities for the adventurous.
Have you had any adventure experiences in the Canberra region that you can recommend to others?