14 incredible Queensland adventure experiences for a rush like no other

Fear of heights just not your style? Why not jump head-first off a 50-metre tower in the middle of the rainforest at Australia's only bungy. AJ Hackett helped launched bungy jumping into the world, and at Skypark Cairns you can choose from an entire bungy menu (like riding a BMX off the edge) as well as a giant swing and Walk The Plank. 

2. Dive with sharks at Osprey Reef

Get up close and personal with Queensland’s shark population at Osprey Reef. Considered one of the world’s best dive sites, the reef is home to a bevy of deep-sea residents, from barracuda and mackerel to grey whaler sharks and hammerheads.

Found in a remote corner of the Great Barrier Reef, Osprey Reef is accessed by liveaboards such as Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spirit of Freedom, which depart Cairns regularly for 4-7 day expeditions to the Coral Sea.

While the cage-free experience is not for the faint of heart, it isn’t without ample safety precautions – the expert team offers safety briefings and plenty of advice so you can enjoy every moment with these majestic marine creatures.

3. Conquer whitewater rapids through World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest

What better way to get to know a UNESCO World Heritage site than being right in the hot seat? In this case, it's wrestling whitewater rapids down the Wet Tropics' fast flowing rivers - surrounded by ancient rainforest.

Those with an adventurous streak can take their pick of experiences here. South of Cairns in one of the state’s wettest regions, conquer Tully River by raft with Raging Thunder Adventures; tackle rapids on a sports raft with Wildside Adventures, or ditch the rafts altogether for a canyoning trip that'll have you jumping off waterfalls and abseiling down rockfaces.

4. Helimuster on an outback station

Immerse yourself in life on the land with a heli mustering experience at Shandonvale Station in Outback Queensland, 45 minutes north of Barcaldine. Jump aboard the low-flying helicopter to help the resident team muster herds through the endless stretch of paddock that belong to this working station - there's a treetop artesian bath waiting when you return. 

5. Clamber up Queensland’s tallest mountain

Grab your hiking boots – you’re headed for the top of Mount Bartle Frere. Queensland’s tallest mountain at 1622 metres, the vertical landmark stands among World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest, and is a trek to remember. There are two different routes to choose from to reach the mountain’s summit; climb the Bartle Frere Trail accessed via Josephine Falls, or head west via Atherton Tablelands.

If you need a warm-up, head to these nearby summits first.

6. Mountain bike Queensland’s toughest course

If you’re an avid mountain biker you’ll no doubt be familiar with Smithfield, home to the world championship downhill course. Sitting just 20 minutes outside of Cairns, the bike trails here wind their way along volcanic clay trails through dense rainforest, and attract the best riders in the country. But those less experienced need not fear; there are plenty of different biking tracks to choose from, ranging from the beginner-friendly to the double black diamond for more advanced adventurers. 

Ready to up the ante? Join Cape York Mountain Bike Adventures for the tour of a lifetime, traversing through Australia’s most iconic and remote terrain to reach the northernmost tip of the continent. 

7. Feel the G-force on Dreamworld's Steel Taipan

The Gold Coast is the undisputed home of Australia's best theme parks. It’s here you’ll find Dreamworld, where new rollercoaster Steel Taipan is ready to hurtle you along the track at speeds up to 105km/hr, through four heart-racing inversions. Sit in the rear 'Tailwhip' for the biggest adrenalin rush - these seats spin 360-degrees throughout the ride.

8. Skydive over the Great Barrier Reef

Skydiving is one of the most popular adventure experiences in Queensland, and there are a number of destinations where 'seeing the sights' means throwing yourself out of a plane at some 15,000 ft - with an instructor, of course.

But if you're searching for the most memorable experience, take to the air with Skydive Mission Beach and you'll be freefalling between two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. 

9. Swim with whales

Ever wanted to swim with some of the biggest creatures on the planet? You can splash about with the giants of the deep in their natural habitat as they migrate through Queensland waters. Just remember to time your trip appropriately; you’ll be able to see humpback whales frolic along the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast from June through November, while the small but elusive dwarf minke whales congregate in the waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Cairns in June and July.

10. Trek one of Queensland’s great walks

Some of the best adventure experiences in Queensland are done on foot. Explore our biggest natural wonders through its bounty of walking trails, which wind through the state’s national parks. There are countless to choose from, with a track to suit every preference and fitness level. Stand-outs include the five-day Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (be sure to book well in advance), the idyllic Ngaro Sea Trail spread across the Whitsundays, and the 102-kilometre Cooloola Great Walk which stretches along the sandy beaches and trails north of Noosa. For an inland adventure, immerse yourself in the sandstone wilderness of Carnarvon Gorge. 

11. Go wild camping on an island

Island time feels even more serene when you’re not keeping time at all. If you’re seeking off-the-grid solitude where you can spend daylight til dark with your toes in the sand, these Queensland islands are the perfect spot to pitch your tent on.

Don’t fret if you’re travelling without your backpacking gear, as local tour operators can help with all the supplies you need, including island transfers. Scamper is your ticket to a life-changing Whitsundays Island experience, while over on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) there are countless ways to get off-road on the world’s largest sand island, including guided 4WD/camping trips.

12. Paddle through an outback gorge

Formed over 10,000 years of water carving through the rugged outback landscape, Cobbold Gorge is a must visit along Queensland’s Savannah Way – and exploring its narrow, winding waterways is even better by stand up paddleboard. Embrace the quiet of breaking the water’s surface with your paddle and the chatter of birds above as you marvel the sandstone formations that loom above – it’s a totally different side of the outback, and one that’ll leave you floored by nature’s beauty. 

13. Scale Australia's highest external building climb

The Gold Coast’s iconic skyline sparkles even more at the top of Skypoint Climb, which soars 270–metres above the beaches and ‘burbs of our southern city at the peak of Q1 in Surfers Paradise. Don your bodysuit and harness before climbing to the crow’s nest: you’ll be rewarded with 360-degrees of views from the coast to the hinterland – then head back down to SkyPoint Deck the bar to linger a little longer.

Try these other adventure experiences while you’re here, and if you’re fond of climbing landmarks, make your way an hour north to Brisbane to take a twilight tour to the peak of the Story Bridge.

14. Embark on an eco adventure in the Torres Strait Islands

Cultural immersion meets remote adventure in the Torres Strait, where some of the world’s oldest Indigenous ways of life still thrive. Located off the coast of Cape York, this collection of islands overflows with natural beauty that still feels undiscovered – but it’s the people who welcome you that make a trip here so special. Your friendly adventure guide at Torres Strait Eco Adventures, Dirk Laifoo, blends his local knowledge with a focus on environmental and cultural understanding as he introduces you to his Torres Strait – personalised tours of Thursday Island, Prince of Wales Island, Goodes Island, or perhaps a dedicated fishing charter where you might spot dugongs, dolphins and green sea turtles along the way. 

It's one of the many ways to connect with Indigenous cuture in Queensland, from camping expeditions to discover ancient rock art, or stargazing at Australia's largest salt pans.