Adventure Aplenty

Tasmania has a range of adventure activities from gentle outdoor pursuits to ones with a real adrenalin rush.

Rafting: You can go white water rafting on many of the rivers including the Franklin, Derwent, Picton, Arthur, Mersey and Meander Rivers. The Franklin offers one of the world’s great multi-day adventures with a full trip taking ten days, including a descent of the rapids of the Great Ravine. From Hobart, a rewarding day’s rafting can be had on the Picton River through ancient rainforests.

Jet Boating: To some observers jet boats hooning about a wilderness area is aural and visual pollution but, when you’re on one – what a thrill. Take on the flat water or the rapids on the Derwent, Huon and King Rivers.

Diving: Many people associate scuba diving or snorkelling with tropical coral reefs, but temperate dives can be equally, or even more rewarding. Water temperatures are pretty much irrelevant when you have a good dry or wetsuit on. There are spectacular 30m kelp forests to explore as well as numerous shipwrecks and reefs in a variety of unique marine habitats.

Wilderness flights:Flights can take you over the spectacular natural wonders or drop you into a wilderness or onto a remote beach or river. It’s not cheap, but it’s an excellent, time effective way of getting a feel for the remoteness and rugged beauty that is much of Tasmania.

Horse riding: Pick a ride, any ride… from a gallop on an isolated beach to mountain rides to gentle treks through rainforests, the choice is there. You can ride trails blazed by early cattlemen and visit the huts they built, take multi-day camping rides or even take the Tasmanian Trail from north to south – sea to sea.

Cruising: This is relaxing adventure and a delightful way to explore the harbours and rivers of Tasmania. There are many cruises offered including the rivers in Launceston and Hobart, the sheltered waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon and Gordon Rivers.

Sea kayaking: Sea kayaking is popular, either in sheltered waters or offshore. The coastal scenery is dramatic when seen from the sea and there’s a good chance of meeting a pod of dolphins.

Abseiling/Climbing: Experienced abseilers will be thrilled and novices will be spoiled. The crags and peaks of the mountains and coasts are second to none and while there’s plenty of adrenalin to be had with the air beneath your feet and rugged rock at your fingertips. Guided trips are available in many areas.

Caving: Caving isn’t just for the intrepid – many caves have easy access for the young or old and there’s a wealth of limestone and dolomite caves with caverns, chambers, passages, reflection pools, crystals, underground rivers and constellations of glow-worms.

Cable hang gliding: Yes, there is hang gliding for the experienced, but this is a way of sampling the speed, freedom and thrills of gliding with a guaranteed safe landing. At Lake Trevallyn, near Launceston, you can launch into a 200m flight across a valley with your glider secured to a steel cable. You wont be aware of the cable, but it’s nice to know it’s there!

Cycling/Mountain biking: On your bike! The distances are short, the roads and the locals are friendly and the scenery wonderful. You can hire bikes to tour around Hobart, through the national parks or off the beaten track in the mountains. You can go it alone or join an organised expedition that comes with a guide and a support vehicle.