Down Under from up above, and other new ways to experience Australia’s great outdoors this spring

 In this month’s round up of what’s new in Australia, we highlight five different and creative ways to explore Australia’s landscapes – from flying through the sky at 220km/h to visit a vineyard, to gazing up at the stars from a dark sky reserve. There’s always something new in Australia, and these experiences have everyone from adventure junkies to history buffs and visitors with accessibility needs covered.

A person in skydiving in the air

Freefall for wine. Credit: SA SkyDiving

 

Bremerton Wines, around an hour’s drive south of Adelaide/Tarntanya, South Australia, has teamed up with SA Skydiving to offer thrill-seekers a freefall over Langhorne Creek vineyards. After the adventure, guests are hosted in Bremerton’s renovated cellar door for a well-deserved tasting experience with the winemaking team.

Parasailing offers a bird’s eye view of the magnificent humpback whales as they navigate the waters of the Indian Ocean. Credit: Cicerello’s Jet Adventure

 

Meanwhile, Cicerello’s Jet Adventure in Freemantle Harbour, Western Australia, allows you to parasail over the humpback whale migration from Western Australia to Antarctica. Located a short 30-minute drive from Perth/Boorloo, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a popular day trip for locals and visitors, and is best known for its panoramic water views and fresh seafood.

Spend an evening camping under the stars in the dark sky sanctuary of the Flinders Ranges. Credit: Tourism Australia

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, South Australia’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, now offers a camping experience with unobstructed views of the star canopy. Located in one of the most remote points of the northern Flinders Ranges, around five hours’ drive north of Adelaide/Tarntanya, Akaroola is committed to preserving the flora, fauna, geology, and dark, star-filled skies. 

Explore the 400-year-old red-tingle trees of one of WA’s oldest forests. Credit: Trails WA

 

One of Western Australia’s oldest forests, the Valley of the Giants, is now accessible to wheelchairs and strollers thanks to a major upgrade of infrastructure. The Ancient Empire Walk is a short but magical journey through the ancient landscape. Guests are guided inside the hollows of the giant tingle trees, including the famous Grandma Tingle - one of the tallest trees in Western Australia.

Darumbal elders share the history of the land and their connection to it. Credit: Explore Rockhampton

 

A new self-guided tour from Explore Rockhampton and Darumbal Enterprises in Queensland explores the physical, spiritual, and emotional relationship that has existed between the Darumbal People and their land for thousands of years. “On Country” offers three self-guided tours through Tunuba (Fitzroy River), Nurim (Mount Archer) and Mugul (Moores Creek).

 

Karen Saw, Country Manager of Malaysia at Tourism Australia says Malaysians have a strong appetite for stepping out of their comfort zone and rank the highest globally for their interest in soft adventure experiences.

 

“Not only is Australia the perfect setting for anyone looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure – from its rugged nature, fascinating wildlife, to starry skies – Australian travel operators have also demonstrated their creativity in developing novel experiences for Australia to bring a whole new perspective on our natural wonders, and that’s what sets us apart from other holiday destinations,” she says.