Guest Post by Sam Russel at The Adventure Lab

Melbourne is best known for its sport (especially Aussie Rules Footy), magnificent art, and a large cafe and bar culture that gets the local Melburnians socialising at all hours. However, the great city of Melbourne certainly holds its own in terms of adventure, with a diverse range of activities for both the young and old.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure close to the Melbourne CBD or a couple of hours away in the beautiful countryside of Victoria, travellers are spoilt for choices in many facets when looking for outdoor activities, whether it be for individual purposes or group travellers. After all, this is Australia, the land of adventure.

In this article, we look at some of the best adventure activities in Melbourne to inspire you for your next visit.

Beautiful Melbourne is an adventure inside and outside the city.

An Adventurer’s Guide to Melbourne in Stunning Victoria

If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, you should check out Melbourne in the beautiful state of Victoria. This city offers much, from thrilling activities to stunning natural beauty. There are many options for adrenaline junkies, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and hot air balloon rides.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can explore the city’s many parks and gardens or take a scenic hike in the nearby mountains. Melbourne is also known for its vibrant art and culture scene, with numerous museums and galleries. Whatever your interests, you will find something to satisfy your sense of adventure in Melbourne and its surrounding areas.

Rock Climbing at great heights

Melbourne is known for hosting some of the best indoor climbing walls in the country, which are perfect for both kids and adults. Hardrock Climbing is one such place in the CBD, offering traditional rope walls that are a whopping 16m in height! Moreover, the numerous bouldering gyms in the inner suburbs provide a wide range of options for those who prefer to climb without harnesses.

For outdoor climbing enthusiasts, The Grampians is your ultimate destination. Although unsuitable for a day trip, planning a night or two in the area is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. The Grampians is renowned for its world-class sandstone rock climbing, which provides an excellent challenge for climbers of all levels.

Not only that, but it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking walking trails, lookouts, and waterfalls in the country, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Go to great heights with indoor rock climbing.

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk

The Werribee Gorge State Park is a hidden gem about an hour northwest of Melbourne. It offers two options for walking: a short and a longer loop, which is pretty challenging and provides a range of sights.

One of the walk’s highlights is the beautiful Needles Beach, a popular spot to stop for lunch, especially during the summer months when the cliffs provide shade along the path from the beach to the car park, an old water channel from the 1920s used to irrigate the surrounding area.

Please note that the tracks include cable traverses and rocky sections, so it is essential to wear appropriate footwear. Also, avoiding this area after heavy rainfall is crucial since the river tends to swell, making the trails dangerous or impassable.

Both tracks start at Meikles Point Picnic Area. For more information on these day walks, please visit the adventure lab.

An adventure in the great outdoors.

Studley Park

You could spend weeks in Melbourne without realising this fantastic park was on your doorstep. Located about 5km northeast of the CBD, this 260-hectare park includes walking and biking tracks and two golf courses.

Lush Australian bush makes way for the winding Yarra River, which enters the park in the northeastern corner and exits to the south before flowing into the CBD.

The park is also home to the famous Studley Boathouse and cafe, where locals stop for post-walk coffee or rent out row boats to take on the river during summer.

The Abbotsford Convent is another highlight of the park. Located in the southwest corner, the convent is set amongst beautiful gardens and has several cafes and restaurants. Walk from the convent towards the river, and you will come across the Collingwood Children’s Farm, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to take children. On the weekends, you will also often find farmers’ markets here.

Be sure to take some form of map when you enter the park as the area is much larger than it first seems, and it can easily get lost.

Surfing the Victorian Coast

If you are a fan of surfing, then a short drive down either side of the bay from Melbourne will take you to some of the world’s best surf breaks. Although surfing is impossible in Melbourne, the surrounding coastal areas offer some of the most exciting and challenging waves that every surfer dreams of riding.

Bells Beach, located in Torquay, is one of this area’s most famous and iconic surf spots. This beach is known for its stunning cliffs and huge waves, reaching up to 10 meters high. It is a popular destination for experienced surfers worldwide to experience the thrill of riding these waves.

Fairhaven Beach, located on the Great Ocean Road, is another excellent spot for surfing in this area. This beach is ideal for surfers of all levels, with waves perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. It is also an excellent spot for families, with plenty of facilities for picnics and barbeques.

Cape Woolamai is another popular surfing spot located in Gippsland. This beach is known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear water. The waves here are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers, with long and consistent swells that can get up to 6 feet high.

Overall, the coastal areas around Melbourne offer some of the world’s most exciting and challenging surf breaks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, there is something for everyone to enjoy along this stunning coastline.

For the surfing enthusiasts, there are plenty of options in Melbourne.

The Dandenong Ranges

Located about an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Dandenong ranges offer some of the best hiking tracks in Victoria. A vast range of tracks is available to suit all ability levels.

The 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk is the most popular, short, but steep trail featuring historical information commemorating Australian soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War 2. This track is, however, frequented by both fitness junkies and tourists, so be ready for crowds, especially if visiting at the weekend.

Another great option is to head to Grants Picnic Ground, which is the starting point for the popular Sherbrooke Forest trails and also features a bird sanctuary.

Serious adventurers should check out the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. This 17km trail showcases the best the Dandenong Ranges offer, winding through eucalyptus forest and featuring several swing bridges. Starting from the townships of either Sassafras or Emerald, you will need to arrange transport at the other end.

Check out Parks Victoria for more info.

An Adventurer’s Guide to Melbourne.

* The Adventure Lab has provided all photos in this article.

It’s the mystical land down under, a vast, expansive country where natural wonders are a common theme. A great Aussie road trip is constantly active with stunning attractions. Be it a thunderous waterfall, an epic coastline, or picturesque mountain scenery, you’ll encounter many breathtaking charms when you explore the natural wonders of Australia.

For an Australian holiday in the great outdoors, you’ll need your camera to be ready because you’ll want to capture the distinctively unique and gorgeous scenery upon viewing the fascinating wonders of Australia. You can be assured there are many incredible sights to see in this land’s corners.

An escorted tour of Australia is a great way to experience this fantastic country and many, if not all, of these natural wonders in one holiday. See the famous landmarks whilst travelling alongside knowledgeable tour leaders who will provide expertise and answer any of your burning questions.

When researching your perfect Australian holiday, ensure it includes as many must-see natural wonders as possible. They are a feast for the eyes! Let’s explore some of them now.

Five must-see natural wonders in Australia you must check out.

Five must-see natural wonders in Australia you must check out

I highly recommend checking out these five beautiful natural wonders in Australia. You won’t regret it – they’re truly breathtaking!

1.      Uluru – Ayres Rock – Northern Territory

Uluru, one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks, is at the heart of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory. Known as Ayers Rock, this natural wonder stands at a height of 348 metres and is a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide. Uluru is essential to Indigenous Australians, who consider it sacred. It’s believed that the rock formation began more than 550 million years ago and holds great spiritual significance for the local Anangu people.

Visitors can engage in a variety of activities when visiting Uluru. One popular activity is rock climbing, but it’s essential to note that climbing the rock is considered disrespectful to Indigenous Australians and is discouraged. Instead, visitors can opt for walking tours around the base of the rock, which is approximately 9.4 km in circumference. These walking tours offer visitors a chance to admire the rock’s natural beauty, learn about the local flora and fauna, and hear the stories of the Anangu people through various interpretative displays.

For those interested in the culture and history of the local people, attending Dreamtime stories told by Indigenous Australians is highly recommended. These stories are an integral part of the local culture and provide visitors with an insight into the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the Anangu people. Visitors can also visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where they can learn more about the Indigenous Australians’ art, culture and history through various exhibits and displays.

In conclusion, visiting Uluru is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to witness this iconic Australian landmark’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

Uluru- Ayres Rock in the Northern Territory.

2.      The Great Barrier Reef – Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts tourists worldwide. It has a vast and complex system of coral reefs, islands, and cays stretching over 348,700 square kilometres, making it the world’s most extensive coral reef system.

While the Great Barrier Reef’s origins are still a mystery, some legends suggest it may have come from space due to its colossal size. Regardless of its origins, the reef is home to abundant marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 600 types of coral, and numerous other animals, such as turtles, dolphins, and whales.

There are plenty of exciting activities to experience at the Great Barrier Reef, including scuba diving and snorkelling, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the colourful fish and coral. For those who prefer to stay above water, a reef cruise offers stunning views of the reef and its surroundings. Visitors can also take a scenic helicopter flight over the reef for a bird’s-eye view of its majesty.

Finally, after exploring the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can indulge in a delicious buffet lunch overlooking its beauty and grandeur. The Great Barrier Reef is truly a natural wonder that is not to be missed by anyone visiting Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland Coast.

3.      The Pinnacles Desert – Nambung National Park – Western Australia

The Pinnacles is a unique and fascinating natural attraction located in Western Australia. They are not just thousands of rocks appearing from the desert sands but limestone formations that have been shaped over centuries. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is a great place to learn more about these incredible formations and their history.

Sightseeing is the main activity when visiting the Pinnacles. A fee of $12 per vehicle is required to enter the area. Once inside, you can explore the area on foot or take the driving track and see the limestone formations from the comfort of your car. You don’t need a 4WD vehicle to explore the area.

Walking through the desert is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the formations. You’ll be able to see the intricate details of the limestone structures and appreciate just how unique and awe-inspiring they genuinely are. Alternatively, driving through the area allows you to cover more ground and see more formations in less time.

Regardless of how you choose to explore the Pinnacles, it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget. So be sure to add it to your list of must-see attractions and plan a trip to Western Australia to witness their beauty.

The Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia.

4.      The 12 Apostles – Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The 12 Apostles are a breathtaking natural wonder formed by the relentless erosion of the limestone cliffs along the Victorian Coastline. These majestic rocks jut out of the ocean, creating a stunning backdrop for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. The Apostles comprise 12 limestone rock formations linked together by the shore near the Port Campbell National Park.

Although only eight Apostles remain standing today, each is a unique and awe-inspiring sight. These towering structures rise to 45 meters above the sea and feature intricate patterns and formations sculpted by wind and waves over millions of years.

Visitors will be amazed by the sheer beauty of this natural phenomenon, considered one of Australia’s most beautiful places. The Apostles provide an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning photos of the southern coastline of Southern Australia. Those lucky enough to witness the Apostles in person will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The 12 Apostles in Victoria.

5.      The Blue Mountains – New South Wales

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The rugged highlands offer breathtaking scenery and an array of exciting activities for visitors.

One of the best ways to experience the Blue Mountains is by hiking through the forests. The trails offer spectacular views of cliffs and dazzling waterfalls. The Three Sisters is a famous rock formation that attracts many visitors with its stunning beauty.

Apart from hiking, there are numerous other activities in the Blue Mountains. The Scenic Skyway is a popular attraction that offers panoramic views of the region. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, you can also go canoeing, horse riding, or abseiling through the waterfalls.

Wildlife spotting is another exciting activity that you can enjoy in the Blue Mountains. The region has many unique animal species, such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. You can also visit the spectacular gardens in the area, such as the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, to explore the diverse flora and fauna.

In summary, the Blue Mountains in New South Wales is a destination that promises to offer a busy and unforgettable experience. With its extraordinary scenery, hiking trails, exciting activities, and wildlife, it is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Australia.

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales.

A Recap of the Five Natural Wonders in Australia to Check Out

Australia is home to many natural wonders, but if you’re short on time and want to experience the best of the best, there are five must-see natural wonders you shouldn’t miss.

First on the list is The Pinnacles, located in the Nambung National Park, Western Australia. The Pinnacles are towering limestone formations that rise out of the desert, creating a surreal landscape. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take a scenic drive to marvel at these unique natural wonders.

Next up is the Blue Mountains, located just outside of Sydney. This stunning mountain range is covered in eucalyptus forests and dotted with waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can take a scenic train ride or hike one of the many trails to experience the breathtaking views.

Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, is a massive sandstone rock formation in the heart of the Australian outback. This iconic landmark is sacred to the indigenous people of Australia and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the rock’s cultural significance or explore the area independently.

The Twelve Apostles, located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, are towering limestone stacks that rise from the ocean. These natural wonders have been shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years, creating a stunning landscape. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road or explore the area on foot to experience the beauty of the Twelve Apostles up close.

Lastly, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. This underwater ecosystem is home to thousands of species of marine life and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the reef or take a scenic flight to see it from above.

These five must-see natural wonders in Australia will leave you in awe of the beauty of nature.