From a thrilling skydive over Rottnest Island to an exhilarating speedboat ride along the Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls, we round up the top adrenaline-pumping experiences across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Helifishing, NT
Two outdoor adventures collide in this heart-pumping Northern Territory experience. Helifishing involves a scenic flight over the outback, with doors removed for unparalleled visibility. Travelling by chopper gives you access to some of the best fishing spots in the region, unreachable by other modes of transport. For a chance to catch the region’s famous barramundi, Helifish flights tour the Top End for daytime or afternoon sessions. You can even charter a two- to five-day fishing adventure.
Horizontal Falls, Kimberley WA
Talbot Bay is home to an entirely unique natural phenomenon that sees intense tidal currents hurtle through the Kimberley’s narrow coastal gorges to create an astounding sideways waterfall effect. Experience the world’s only horizontal waterfalls on a speedboat thrill ride or take a swim with friendly sharks (cage included). If you fancy a bird’s-eye view, Horizontal Falls Adventures offers scenic seaplane flights.
Hot air balloon over the MacDonnell Ranges NT
Floating high above the MacDonnell Ranges in a hot air balloon, witness a spellbinding sunrise as bright rays illuminate the desert plains and its wildlife. Outback Ballooning, one of the oldest companies of its kind in Australia, operates out of Alice Springs. They fly almost every day of the year. After your sky-high wake-up call, they’ll start your day right with an Aussie-style champagne breakfast.
While you’re in the area, consider taking on the Larapinta Trail and exploring the MacDonnell Ranges on foot.
Wilderness safari through Arnhem Land NT
Unspoiled wilderness and sprawling wetlands teeming with wildlife define this special corner of the globe. A safari here with Outback Spirit will introduce you to the Gove Peninsula of the Yolngu people and the ancient cave systems of Mount Borradaile. The company’s partnership with the traditional owners of the land means you might be lucky enough to be schooled by a local Indigenous guide. You’ll be blown away by the knowledge they share, built up over 50,000 years in the region. It’s one of the most impactful and education adventures you can have with our country’s First People.
Swim with whale sharks and humpback whales, Ningaloo Reef WA
One of Australia’s best-preserved coral reefs, Ningaloo also ranks as one of the best spots in the world to swim alongside whale sharks. Between March and August, around 300 to 500 of them gather along the World Heritage-listed reef to feed on plankton. These gentle giants share the waters with manta rays, dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish. The phenomenon provides an unparalleled opportunity for diving and snorkelling with Ningaloo Discovery tours. And from August to September you can mingle with pods of graceful migrating humpback whales and their calves.
Desert driving, The Binns Track NT
An epic four-wheel-drive adventure, the Binns Track winds all the way from the South Australian border to the remote Northern Territory township of Timber Creek. Traversing north for 2230 kilometres, the track begins at Mount Dare and heads to the western fringe of the Simpson Desert, before journeying through the ancient East MacDonnell Ranges, abandoned gold rush towns, the towering granite boulders of Devils Marbles and the famed ‘barra country’ of Judbarra/Gregory National Park.
Skydiving over Rottnest Island WA
Accelerating from zero to 200 kilometres per hour in just 60 seconds, imagine rocketing in freefall toward the turquoise reefs of Rottnest Island. Western Australia’s only island skydiving experience begins with a 20-minute scenic flight over the coast. Then, an 8000–15,000-foot plunge from the plane, with instructor in tow. Back on safe ground, be sure to take a selfie with the island’s ever-smiling resident quokkas. Further afield, Sky Dive Geronimo also offers tandem skydiving adventures in Busselton and Broome.
Camel ride around Uluru NT
Make like the early pioneers and explore the Red Centre on camelback. With 60 friendly desert animals in their care, Uluru Camel Tours offers insightful journeys around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. For an extra special experience, choose between their sunrise and sunset tours to soak up the first or last light of the day against a rich, earthy landscape, before finishing up with refreshments. The accompanying camel farm is open year-round and visitors are welcome to a short ride and a wander through the camel museum and saddlery.
To experience a different sort of adrenaline, check out these wacky festivals and events from across the country by clicking here.
