Walk, cycle or abseil into the wilderness, far from the maddening crowd – there can be no better way to see what our beautiful country has to offer. Plenty of adrenalin-charged activities await you, so let the adventure begin!

Happy trails
Great Ocean Walk, VIC
This has to be one of the most spectacular walks in Australia. We’ve all heard about the Great Ocean Road in south-west Victoria being a beautiful scenic drive, but did you know you can also hike part of it?

The Great Ocean Walk heads west from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead just out of Port Campbell, hugging the spectacular coastline. Best of all, the walk enables hikers of almost any ability to step on and step off the trail, complete a circuit walk or a return walk.

The 91km trek passes through the Great Otway National Park and the Port Campbell National Park, where you’ll find the magical Loch Ard Gorge, named after the ship that ran aground nearby in 1878. It also overlooks the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, where you can view the majestic limestone pillars carved away from the mainland through thousands of years of erosion.

You’ll find seven purpose-built ‘hike-in’ campsites along the Great Ocean Walk, at Elliot Ridge, Blanket Bay, Cape Otway, Aire River, Johanna Beach, Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen. The distances between the sites range from 10km to 15km, and as the total capacity is 168 people, bookings are required and fees apply.

There are also four ‘drive-in’ campsites, located at Blanket Bay, Parker Hill, Aire River and Johanna Beach. These sites are for both hikers and car-based campers and, again, you need to register before arriving.

TO GO: Find out more information and download trail maps for short walks and day hikes at www.greatoceanwalk.com.au.

INSIDER’S TIP: Between June and September, female Southern Right whales return to the waters of Warrnambool’s Logans Beach to calve. These magnificent whales often swim within 100m of the shore.

Bibbulmun Track, WA
Stretching 965km from the Perth Hills to the historic whaling town of Albany on Western Australia’s south coast, the Bibbulmun Track is another of the world’s great walking trails.

This truly is a natural wonderland, and you hike past towering karri and tingle forests, bubbling brooks, wildflowers and waterfalls.

The dedicated walking track is named after an Aboriginal group from the south-west of the state and is signposted with yellow triangular markers symbolising the ‘waugal’ (rainbow serpent of the Aboriginal dreamtime).

You can choose to take it as a gentle day stroll – and the track runs close to the coastal highway, which makes it easy for trekkers to attempt sections of the track without having to tote camping equipment. There are excellent camping and caravan sites along the way too.

TO GO: Find out more information about the treks at www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au.

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t miss the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, and grab a bird’s-eye view of a forest of gigantic tingle trees from a spectacular lightweight bridge through the forest canopy. The bridge gently ascends into the treetops some 40m above the forest floor. The walk is located in Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness Area, about 430km south of Perth and 100km west of Albany.

On your bike!
Tasmania
This leisurely cycle tour is the perfect way to see the Apple Isle. The compact nature of the island offers cycle routes across varied landscapes – and with the short distances between towns and lightly trafficked roads, Tassie’s the spot to discover on two wheels.

The west coast is rugged, mountainous and not for novices. But the highlights are many and include Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls, which can be reached by following a disused railway track, and the magnificent Lake St Clair.

Seeking an easier jaunt? Embark on the east coast route, as there are fewer hills and the weather is milder. You’ll see Freycinet National Park and its aptly named Wineglass Bay, the lavender farms north of Launceston and the Little Penguins at Bicheno.

TO GO: Find out more information and download maps of cycle routes at www.discovertasmania.com. For relevant road rules and other handy information, visit www.biketas.org.au.

INSIDER’S TIP: Camp for free. There are at least 90 free campsites in Tasmania. For a detailed list of locations and amenities, visit www.free-camping-australia.com.

South Australia
This part of the country offers an array of opportunities for the novice and experienced cyclist, from wine regions to coastal trails.

If the former appeals, take a cycling wine tour of Clare Valley along the Riesling Trail. Riesling from here is generally accepted as Australia’s finest and there are numerous cellar doors to visit. The trail runs for 27km along an old railway line.

Also tour the Encounter Bikeway on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about one hour from Adelaide. There are three-hour rambles, day trips and longer rides, and whales can be seen from the cliffs at Middleton and Port Elliot. The bikeway is shared by pedestrians, rollerbladers and skaters, so give way and use your bell when approaching from behind.

TO GO: Find out more information at www.southaustralia.com and www.southaustraliantrails.com.

INSIDER’S TIP: Take to the River Torrens Linear Park, a 35km cycling trail that runs from the sea through the centre of Adelaide to the Adelaide foothills. It’s ideal for those wanting a short ride that’s suitable for children and people of all fitness levels.

Rock climbing
Blue Mountains, NSW
You’ve hiked, you’ve cycled… there’s only one way to go, and that’s up! Try rock climbing, where you can elevate your adrenalin levels and challenge your body and mind.

Learn to climb or experience the rush of abseiling in the Blue Mountains with River Deep Mountain High adventure tours. You’ll learn basic techniques on the two-day rock climbing experience and how to climb sheer cliffs. The fully tested Blue Mountains abseiling site in Katoomba has superb views to the world-famous Three Sisters. All anchor bolts on the site have been load tested and comply with the Australian Standard for Industrial Rope Access, ensuring your safety.

TO GO: For River Deep Mountain High tours, visit www.rdmh.com.au. Check out the Blue Mountains Tourism site at www.visitbluemountains.com.au.