Oz adventure: 40 summer outings
From skydiving to riding a mechanical dolphin, these trans-continental adventures have every thrill covered
Riding a horse around the Snowy Mountains is a part of Aussie folklore and a great way to experience the "real" Australia.
In Australia, you can sip on cocktails in funky bars and explore the outback on horseback or by four-wheel drive.
All in the same day.
In such a big country, even natives can get disorientated when traveling.
That's why we've made it easy for you with this ultimate Australian adventure.
40. Horseback riding: Snowy Mountains
In the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Snowy Wilderness is a privately owned sanctuary for wild horses, known as "brumbies." They remain, many years after their generations-ago sires and mares played a part in colonials staking land claims.
While you’re not allowed to ride a brumby (even if you're a gifted horseman), you can observe these majestic creatures from the saddle of a mountain-fit stock horse on a guided tour through the 3,000-hectare property.
Tours offered by www.snowywilderness.com.au
39. Dance with horses: Perth
More than 20,000 people are expected at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse for this year's New Year’s Eve party.
Trackside entertainment varies from fashion shows and a la-di-da Moët Luncheon to music headlined by Australian R&B artist DJ Havana Brown.
Tickets start from $35, www.perthracing.org.au
38. Ride a mechanical dolphin: Byron Bay
Tim on his favorite toy -- the Seabob.
“It’s like nothing you’ve ever done before,” says Tim Hochgrebe of Underwater Australia. “It’s like flying underwater."
Seabobs retail for about $20,000 a pop, but Tim will take you out for $300.
Underwater Australia, Byron Bay, +61 (0)403 803 083, www.underwater.com.au
37. Swim with dolphins: Rockingham Bay
A short cruise from Rockingham, you can zip up your wetsuit and jump in the water with a group of dolphins in their natural habitat. Don't worry, no previous snorkeling experience is necessary on this guided tour -- just be as friendly and relaxed as the resident mammals.
Prices start from $74, Rockingham Wild Encounters, 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater, WA, +61 (0)8 9528 1715, www.dolphins.com.au
36. Take in a concert in the vines: Hunter Valley
Two hours' drive from Sydney, the wine district plays host to the stars.
Until April, century-old vineyards like Hope and Bimbadgen estates wil see the likes of Dolly Parton, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Chisel on stage.
For the complete schedule, see www.thehunterblackboard.com.
35. Catch rockabilly and cowpunk: Tamworth
Rated among the top 10 country music festivals in the world, Tamworth in northern New South Wales caters to more than just those two diverse American musical styles -- country and western.
Tamworth serves up folk, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, yodeling, twistabilly, rockabilly swing, cowpunk and more.
The lineup includes bush poet John Williamson, Golden Guitar winner Jerry Road and singer-songwriter Amber Lawrence at venues around Tamworth.
Tamworth Country Music Festival, January 20-29, www.tcmf.com.au
34. Drink wine while others sweat and scream: Adelaide
Cyclists sprint through the Barossa -- perfect place for a glass of Shiraz.
“Spectators can position themselves along the route and watch the race while they enjoy a glass of wine and something to eat with family and friends,” says Jason Gillick of the Tour Down Under.
A glass of wine in the Barossa or Clare valleys beats pedaling a bike uphill any day.
33. Trinket markets near an old whaling fleet: Hobart
The rows of sandstone buildings in Salamanca -- part of Hobart’s historical dockside precinct -- have been converted into restaurants, boutiques, galleries and pubs.
Hobart’s old whaling fleet sits at anchor alongside the adjacent docks.
The best time to visit the strip is between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any given Saturday, when the Salamanca Markets comes to town.
Some 300 stallholders sell Tasmanian Iron Bark Honey, leatherwork, secondhand books, jewelry made from spoons and forks, Turkish kebabs and all kinds of other stuff.
32. Swim at a fake beach: Brisbane
South Bank's Streets Beach is really fake.
South Bank's Streets Beach is an artificial lagoon-style swimming pool complete with white sandy beaches, bubbling creeks and a shady tropical garden.
As corny as it sounds, it’s a great place to escape Brisbane’s relentless summer heat and check out the markets and museums.
Entry is free.
31. Kayak from the ocean to a mountain: Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast between Currumbin Village and Palm Beach, Currumbin Creek runs 24 kilometers inland to Mount Cougal.
Its waterscape changes from a soft surf break and shallow lagoons at its mouth to lush jungle surroundings in the interior.
Hire a kayak, paddleboard or small motorized flatbed boat; prices start at $10 an hour.
Boatshed Tackle & Bait, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin, +61 (0)450 268 568
30. Feed crazy schools of fish: Darwin
Darwin fish know where to get a good feed.
This feeding ritual began in the 1950s when local fisherman threw leftover bait at schools of mullet.
Word got around the local fish population. Now, dozens of species including catfish, barramundi and bream join the skirmish for a feed.
www.aquascene.com.au29. Be a yogi in a steel city: Newcastle
Newcastle, "The Steel City" turns spiritual for Australia’s first-ever yoga, music and healing festival.
The two-day event features a stellar lineup of international and local gurus, yoga practitioners and devotional music sounds.
Speakers include Sacred Earth, Sri Prahlada Deva Premal, Jai Uttal and the "Emperor of Yoga" Yogacharya V Venkatesha.
The Bodhi Yoga Festival, Newcastle’s Abode of Peace on the corners of Hunter and Perkins streets, February 24-26, www.bodhifestival.com.au
28. Watch cinema in the pale moonlight: Various cities
Moonlight Cinema is as much a place to hang with friends as see a flick.
Venues for the 2011-12 summer season -- starting in the second week of December -- include Sydney’s Centennial Park, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Adelaide’s Botanic Park, Brisbane’s New Farm Park, Perth’s Kings Park and Port Douglas’ Rydges Sabaya Resort.
Drinks are served and bean beds are available for hire.
“It’s as much a social experience as it is a night out at the movies,” says Jillian Bowen of Moonlight Cinema.
27. Watch Australian Open tennis on the grass: Melbourne
Few international players competed in the Australian Open when it started as a grass court tournament back in 1905.
Today the hardcourt Grand Slam tennis tournament is a little better attended.
Nadal, Federer and tennis' biggest names will compete at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from January 16 to 29.
A ground pass (from $19) grants entry into outside courts or you can watch matches on the lawn’s big screen, www.australianopen.com
26. Dirt bike through wilderness: Cape York
The running water around Cape York comes from the mountains and it's cold -- refreshing after dirt-biking in tropical heat.
Cape York Motorcycle Adventures offer a range of two- to 10-day trips through the remote region. Prices include motorbikes, food and camping accommodation.
“We’ll get into the real Cape York, ducking and weaving through ant hills and all the low-lying areas through the coast,” says director Roy Kundra. “It’s a lot more exciting than seeing it from the back of a bus or four-wheel drive.
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