From jumping out of a plane 15,000ft above the Great Barrier Reef to canoeing around the Noosa Everglades, if you’re looking for a trip with a mix of chill and active vibes, look no further than the Australia’s East Coast.
I went on the Beaches and Reefs Contiki trip along the East Coast from Sydney to Fraser Island. It was jam-packed with adventurous activities helping me to jump out of my comfort zone. And I mean literally jump! But I found the trip was also filled with plenty of relaxing and wellness activities, that made me feel refreshed and rejuvenated at the same time.
Feeling inspired? Here are eight good reasons why Australia’s East Coast is the best destination to rest and recharge…
There are so many active adventures to choose from…
1. Skydiving in Cairns
If you’re looking for a challenge that will push you, wow about skydiving from 15,000ft above Cairns with a 360-degree panoramic view of everything Cairns has to offer? I found that skydiving was a real soul-cleansing activity. During my jump, all I was thinking about was that exact moment. All of my fears and troubles seemed to melt away as I experienced the ULTIMATE thrill.
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2. Bungee jumping in Cairns
Want to feel ALIVE?! Then bungee jumping is the one for you. In Cairns, you’ll have the best opportunity to do so. After climbing up the stairs to the platform, leaning over the edge and looking out with views of the water towards the Great Barrier Reef, I took a small pause and then just jumped. There was no feeling like that adrenaline rush as I swung to the bottom, dipped my head in the water and heard the whole crew cheer me on!
3. Harbour Bridge climb in Sydney
Once I arrived in Sydney, I was busy getting the perfect shots of the Opera House and trying to fit in the whole city. But trust me on this one, the best views of this incredible city are from the top of the famous Harbour Bridge. We jumped into the Harbour Bridge climbing suits and walked all the way to the top of the bridge, feeling the wind whistle past us. Oh and obviously I took the best photos…
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4. Sydney Harbour jet boat ride
Once you’ve seen Sydney from above, jump on a Jet Boat and see it from the water. We glided along the harbour with spins and turns that got us drenched. It was the perfect activity to do on a hot, sunny day in Sydney.
And there are plenty of wellness vibes to balance you out…
5. Hiking Blue Mountains
There’s no better way to take care of yourself than being amongst nature. And the East Coast of Australia has no shortage of this, especially in the Blue Mountains which are only an hour out of Sydney. Here we were dropped off to hike along one of the tracks, which is all about the amazing views, fresh air and Aussie wildlife. Spending quality time in the great outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety, and definitely helped me feel more chill.
6. Byron Bay Surfing
Australia is known for its amazing beaches and professional surfers, so why not put the two together and give surfing a go in the world-famous Byron Bay? I signed up for the Byron surf lesson and found it SO much fun just jumping into the crystal-clear waters and trying to get barrelled. Coming out of the water, I’d never felt more alive, satisfied and refreshed.
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7. Noosa Everglades Canoeing
Hidden within the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, the Noosa Everglades are a tropical wetland and one of only two everglades systems in the world. It’s also one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems, boasting over 40% of the country’s bird species.
So, naturally we jumped aboard a boat that took us right into the middle of the Everglades. We paired up, hopped into canoes and paddled through the water spotting all the wildlife. This was a great opportunity to switch off and explore nature in such a peaceful area where the only sounds we could hear were birds chirping, the wind and the paddles of our ore.
8. Sail the Whitsunday Islands
I took the opportunity to turn my phone off and switch off in the Whitsundays. Taking a moment to be present and enjoy time with my fellow travelers was dreamy, as we sailed through the Whitsundays for two nights.
We snorkelled around the amazing reefs, checking out the diverse coral life. Unsurprisingly, we also picked up some sailing skills and visited the stunning Whitehaven Beach – we saw the whitest sand and the clearest water ever. Oh, and we also swam with a stingray. Bliss.
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