One of the major appeals of travelling to a foreign country is having the chance to reinvent yourself. Stepping out of your comfort zone is difficult when you’re surrounded by the context and familiarity of home. While you’re abroad, why not try something completely out of character? Even if you don’t ever do it again, at least you’ll know what it feels like; and you’ll have a cool story to tell when you get back home.
Surfing
Australia has a massive surfing scene, and it’s not hard to see why. The island nation is gifted with some of the most picturesque coastlines and pristine beaches in the world. Surfing is definitely not everybody’s cup of tea, but if you’re going to try it, Australia is the place to do it.
Australia is one of the few countries in the world to have access to three different oceans: the Indian Ocean to the West, the Southern Ocean to the South, and the Pacific Ocean to the East. The waters of the Indian ocean are famous for their barmy temperatures, so if you’re sensitive to cold, head to the Western city of Perth. From there, you will be able to navigate your way to some of the country’s best surf spots.
Shark Cage Diving
This one is not for the faint of heart, as Australia is renowned for its diverse and fearsome range of shark species. Some of the most notable species to found include the great white, tiger shark, bull shark, whale shark, and the great hammerhead.
There are several tour operators along the coast that will be happy to take you out for a once-in-a-lifetime, up-close encounter with some of nature’s deadliest and most majestic predators.
Australian waters are teeming with marine life, so you may get to see other animals such as sea lions, sea snakes, whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Bungee Jump
Just North of Cairns lies a lush rainforest that has built a reputation for being one of the best places to go bungee jumping. The view from the top of the 50-meter tower alone makes it worth the trip – from the top, you will see uninterrupted stretches of indigenous forest, waterfalls, and wildlife. The park also has a giant swing if leaping headfirst off a tower is not quite your idea of fun.
Snorkel
Just off the coast of Queensland lies the Great Barrier Reef – the largest coral reef in the world. Partaking in a guided snorkelling tour here is an unmissable opportunity if you find yourself in the area.
The reef is home to thousands of wondrous marine species, including several that are seriously endangered. Here, you will be able to observe sea turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, rays, seahorses, and over 1500 species of fish.
The sprawling beds of multihued coral are a truly magnificent sight to behold, although climate change and overfishing are threatening the great ecosystem. Paying a visit to the reef is a stunning way to spend a day, and may inspire you to speak up for its protection.