Sure Melbourne is the culinary capital of Australia (we don’t make the rules), but it’s also home to some truly epic adventure activities—the kind that draw in thrill-seekers and intrepid travellers from all over the county. From 4WDing amongst exotic animals to tackling river rapids, there’s no shortage of active experiences to fill your calendar with.
Go Wild With The Animals
Make like you’re in Africa and get up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible wildlife at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Climb aboard the 4WD safari bus and traverse savannah grassland to explore sprawling plains, home to everything from giraffe, bison, rhino and zebra who roam freely on the grounds. During the 40-minute tour you’ll also hear about the conservation efforts to protect these endangered species. If you can’t get enough of the animals, stay overnight with the safari slumber experience. Staying in a luxury lodge you’ll get to explore the zoo after dark, enjoy an African-inspired dinner and fall asleep to a symphony of animal sounds. They've just welcomed a herd of elephants and baby rhino too.
Smash It Up
If you prefer to get your thrills indoors, book in for sesh at The Smash Room. Themed in '80s retro, the neon-soaked smash rooms are where you can really work up a sweat, essentially smashing the hell out of everyday discarded items like laptops and playstations with a baseball bat. You can even bring in your own items to destroy—we’re not NOT saying those old picture frames of your ex could be a good starting point. A session here is a surefire way to get your pulse racing and even better lots of the items are donated and then recycled.
Skydive Over St Kilda
Picture this: free falling at 15,000 feet for 60 seconds (that is guaranteed to feel like longer) before your parachute kicks in. Equal measures terrifying and totally exhilarating, see St Kilda from a different perspective with Skydive Australia. Take in Luna Park, the MCG, and Port Phillip Bay from above as you cruise onto the sand with your expert tandem instructor. This is what bucket list dreams are made of.
Zip Through The Forest
Experience nature on a super-charged adventure at Live Wire Park (which is fuelled totally by solar power). Home to Australia’s most extreme zipline, strap yourself into the Shockwave Zip Coaster and hold on tight. You’ll fly through the lush canopy of otway trees on a 525-metre joy ride packed with twists and turns that'll leave you breathless. Post ride, you can keep the adrenaline pumping with the super circuit featuring 53 mid-trails, suspended bridges, tree-scaling activities and a tarzan swing.
Go Caving
Explore the depth of the Earth, wading through subterranean rivers with The Adventure Merchants. On their guided caving adventure tour you’ll navigate your way through a labyrinth of giant granite boulders and hidden caverns home to shimmering glow worms. There’s tight squeezes to manoeuvre, rocks to scramble over and chasms to negotiate in the dark that will get your heart racing in no time.
Tackle The River Rapids
If you like your thrills on the water, try white water kayaking on the Yarra River. Taking off from Wonga Park, climb aboard a two-man inflatable kayak and navigate the twists and turns of the river on grade-2 rapids, carving your way through native bush land and beautiful gorges. Total beginners are welcome too, with an expert guide leading the way.
Hit The Tracks
If you’re sick of pounding the city pavements, get your calf burn on with Melbourne’s best trail running tracks. Just starting out? Hit up the Princes Park Loop to begin with. A mix of gravel and asphalt, the 3.2km circuit is a great way to get used to running on an uneven surface. The 9.5km Yarra Bend Loop will make you feel like you’ve left the city behind as you run through bushland fringing the river. Further afield, jump in the car and head to the East Sherbrooke Forest Trail in the Dandenong Ranges. The 6.6km circuit is the perfect place to fill your lungs with fresh air and run amongst lush greenery. Experienced trail runners should try Werribee Gorge. The challenging 8.5km circuit is filled with tree roots, loose gravel and rocks.
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