ABSEILING down rugged cliffs, soaring through the sky – with or without a plane – or kayaking in the dark are all activities right at your doorstep at Somewhere to Stay.
Backpacker adventure lovers need look no further than our own backyard to get the blood pumping – indeed, many thousands of people head here each year from across Australia and overseas to do likewise.
WHAT A RUSH!
ROCK Climbing
5 minutes from Somewhere to Stay and Brisbane’s great
Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
PADDLE POWER
YOU do not need to be an experienced paddler to enjoy kayaking on the Brisbane River, either during the day or at night when you can enjoy the city lights.
Guided tours leave from the Kangaroo Point cliffs (where abseiling also is available), with landmarks along the way including the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, the Maritime Museum and South Bank Parklands, or you can paddle under the Story Bridge to Mowbray Park.
Prices start from $29. Contact Riverlife at 3891 5766 or riverlife.com.au
ON YOUR BIKE
FOR those with the need for speed, head to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast to hire the newest thing in power sports – the Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorbike.
This unique three-wheeled roadster is powered by a 1000cc Rotax engine. You need to have an R class unrestricted and current motorcycle licence.
Cost: Half-day $185, full day $295.
Contact Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorbike hire on the Gold Coast at 0421 069 196 orspyderryder.com.au.
DIFFERENT WAVELENGTH
STAND-UP paddle boarding – or surfing – has been around in Australia for a few years now but hails from the Pacific Islands, where it was invented generations ago.
Anyone can learn to do it. It basically entails standing on a wide surfboard and paddling around. It is also a fun way to keep fit as it is a good work out. There are options to learn up and down the coast and in Brisbane you can paddle on the river. You may even see a dog joining his owner on a board here and there.
Prices vary. A variety of companies hire or sell paddle boards. One in Brisbane isbriskites.com.au
ROPE TRICKS
THE newest adventurous experience to the myriad activities available in Brisbane is the Story Bridge abseil.
It is the only place in the world where those who like a challenge can climb the bridge and choose the new option of abseiling down, even if you have never abseiled before.
Cost: Adults $119, concessions $101.50.
Contact Story Bridge Adventure Climb and Abseil on 1300 254 627 or atstorybridgeadventureclimb.com.au.
TREETOPS
HEAD to the Gold Coast hinterland hotspot of O’Reilly’s to experience the famous treetop walk. This is something you should do at least once in your lifetime activity and is particularly suited to families.
The experience allows you to walk through a canopy of rainforest trees, orchids and ferns while being surrounded by birds and other creatures which live in the treetops. The first in Australia, the treetop walk is 180m-long over nine suspension bridges. Most of the walkway is 15m above the ground, with one observation deck 30m.
Located in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, it’s free. Visit oreillys.com.au or call 1800 688 722.
ON SAFARI
TAKE the kids and jump aboard a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for a few hours. You can go either as a passenger or drive yourself. This way you can do some sightseeing in a unique way while having fun.
ATVs or quad bikes are especially fun to ride through the backroads. One local tour operator takes you through a tour of the Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Cost: Prices start at $49. Contact Gold Coast ATV Tours, Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley, on 0424 940 234oratvadventures.com.au.
MOUNTAIN HIGH
SOMETHING every local should do at least once is visit Mt Tibrogargan, whether to hike it or climb it. For the really adventurous, the volcanic plug boasts some of the longest multi-pitch climbs in Australia. If you have never been to the area before, it’s best to start with a guided climb. Experienced guides will be able to discuss your abilities and the best climbs for you. The easiest but longest climb on the mountain is the Caves Route, but it is well worth the trip for the views. If you are a rock climbing beginner, a great practice spot is Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Contact Pinnacle Sports at Red Hill atpinnaclesports.com.au or call 3368 3335. A guided climb on Mt Tibrogargan costs $175.
WINGING IT
FROM the Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim, another adventurous activity on offer by several companies is gliding.
Become a glider pilot for a day (with the help of a gliding instructor, of course). If you’re looking for high-flying adventure, this could be your cup of tea.
On the Sunshine Coast, gliding companies take off from Caboolture and Maroochydore airports.
Prices start at $190 if booked online at Gliding Adventure Flights at comegliding.com.au or phone 1300 667 042.