Adventure & outdoors
For the adventurous traveller, the natural world beckons, filled with trails, waterways and roads that are invitations to explore and celebrate the planet. Our expert travellers name the best.
Ten of the world's greatest adventure holidays
From mountain climbs to forest cycles and island exploration, set your feet, arms and soul free on this selection of the world’s greatest adventures.
- by Andrew Bain
A cheat’s guide to hiking: 10 of the world’s best shortcuts
While hardcore hikers delight in spending weeks or even months on the trail, the rest of us – short on time, light on knee cartilage – are equally happy with an abridged version.
- by Kerry van der Jagt
Europe doesn’t get more far-flung, or magical, than this breathtaking place
Created by volcanic eruptions and subsequently eroded by glaciers, winds and waves, this dreamlike archipelago sits halfway between Iceland and Britain.
- by Steve McKenna
Fifteen of us set off on the Inca Trail. Only 10 made it to the end
It’s one of the world’s seven wonders, but there’s a heap of things that can go wrong when trekking Machu Picchu – and I should know.
- by Gary Nunn
Aussies are flocking to the real-life inspiration for a Disney hit
More than 30 years ago the chair of Walt Disney Studios went on a safari and the impact of that trip is still felt today.
- by Sue Williams
New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail is truly epic
From the foothills of the Southern Alps to the foreshore of the Pacific Ocean, this trail delivers a spectacular variety of terrain – and you can do it on an e-bike.
- by Rob McFarland
One of the world’s last untouched places is right here in Australia
Indigenous life has an incredibly long history in Arnhem Land, and it feels an absolute privilege to be given a glimpse of it.
- by Sue Williams
The one destination no traveller can ever be fully prepared for
There’s an astonishing prep list before you can even set foot on the White Continent. But, in this harsh environment, even the most prepared can expect the unexpected.
- by Katrina Lobley
A place where water is more valuable than diamonds
Without annual floodwaters, this part of the world would be incapable of supporting life. Instead, it’s teeming with it.
- by Justin Meneguzzi
Five of the world’s most thrilling places to see wildlife
One of the thrills of a visit to the world’s wild places is seeing how the (non-human) locals live.
- by Sue Williams
The world’s first national park is nature’s own Disneyland
Yellowstone is huge and it attracts more than 3.5 million people a year, so it’s best to plan your visit carefully.
- by Caroline Gladstone
Enjoy gobsmacking beauty along these five hot new adventure trails
Derring-do types who thrive on challenging experiences in far-flung places, look no further.
- by Andrew Bain
Austria’s mountains are even more stunning when there’s no snow
A snowflake when it comes to snowflakes, our writer explores things to do in Austria that don’t involve skis.
- by Keith Austin
A place where the sun never sets (though you still might not see it)
Tourism is still a rarity when exploring this part of the Arctic.
- by Jamie Lafferty
Greenland: The island to end all islands
In Greenland, the unknown is part of the attraction, whichever regions you visit.
- by Tatyana Leonov
You only live once: 13 travel experiences that will change you
From showering under waterfalls to epic mountain hikes, these ideas will reignite long-forgotten desires or spark new and unexpected ambitions.
- by Julietta Jameson
Plunging into Antarctica’s freezing waters
Blue skies and placid waters notwithstanding, it's counterintuitive to swim in the inhumanely cold waters of Antarctica.
- by Catherine Marshall
A grizzly bear safari is not like any other safari
When you are hoping to get close to wildlife, the general rule is to keep quiet. For grizzlies, you do the opposite.
- by Ute Junker
Australia and New Zealand’s ‘walking wonderlands’
Here is a selection of Australasian walks that we hope will inspire you to reach for your boots and strike out somewhere new.
Opinion
I turned 50 and decided to become a backpacker again. Here’s what I learnt
Turning 50 is one of those milestone events that can instigate all manner of plans and resolutions. Some buy a sports car or take salsa lessons. I decided to go backpacking.
- by Rob McFarland
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/adventure-and-outdoors-20230314-p5crya.html