Tasmania is a haven for thrill seekers, with practically every adrenalin-pumping activity you could ask for found somewhere on the island.
There’s no time to lose – rent a car from Hobart or Launceston and kickstart your epic adventure throughout the state, checking out all the Tasmania activities on offer and jumping from one extreme activity to the next!
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1. Rafting on the Franklin River
The Franklin River is a major waterway in the central highlands, and rafting it is one of the best things to do in Tasmania.
The trip is approx 125 kilometres and is estimated to take 10 days, although you can opt to take a shorter trip if you don’t have the time.
Rafting in Tasmania includes heart-pounding white-water rapids, as well a slow and gentle cruising on immense stretches of the river. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and will certainly be a memorable one.
2. V8 car rides near Launceston
Make your way to the Symmons Plains Racetrack near Launceston and get your race gear on for the drive or ride of your life.
Buckle up as you receive a briefing from a professional race car driver before getting behind the wheel and speeding around the track at break-neck speed just like a pro. Or, opt for an even faster ride and take a passenger seat to let the professionals show you how it’s done.
You can even get the best of both worlds by booking a ride and drive experience, and you’ll be glued to your seat the entire time!
3. Rock climbing
Tasmania has the most mountains of any Australian state, and amongst them lies some of the best rock climbing locations in the world. In fact, there are more than 1,800 established routes within 90 minutes of Launceston.
The largest sport climbing area in Tasmania can be found at Hillwood with no fewer than 15 distinct crags. The Cataract Gorge is also highly popular and a favourite Tasmania must see, and Ben Lomond is known as Australia’s premier crack climbing location.
Experts can make a beeline to these areas, but if you don’t have the knowledge, experience, or gear, the easiest ‘route’ is to join a Tasmania tour group to quite literally show you the ropes.
4. Mountain biking
If barreling down a mountainside, riding over roots, rocks, and keeping your wheels straight across narrow bridges isn’t extreme, then what is?
Mountain biking is one of the best adventures in Tasmania, and is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Australia. You’ll get a great workout, and enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views in the state. There are mountain bike tracks across Tasmania, and if you already have the gear, you’re good to go.
Even if you’re an experienced rider, there’s nothing like having a local around to show you the best rock rolls and most exhilarating berms, so taking a guided tour is a must-do. For beginners, you’ll learn ten times faster with a pro guiding you and coaching you on gear control, dropping your seat for downhill riding, and keeping your eye ahead rather than two feet in front of you.
5. Skydiving
There are few things that will get your heart pounding quite like jumping out of a perfectly good plane, so if you crave adrenaline, this is one Tasmania experience you don’t want to miss out on.
You have a handful of operators to choose from, such as Skydive Wynyard, which is on the north coast a couple of hours from Launceston.
Your experience will include a beautiful flight to help you reach altitude – which you may or may not be too nervous to enjoy – a thrilling minute of freefall, and a USB filled with pictures and video from your jump.
Not only is skydiving one of the most thrilling adventures activities in Tasmania, it is also a wonderful way to see the state’s beauty from above.
For more inspiration and tips for your road trip in Tasmania or anywhere in Australia, be sure to check out the latest on the SIXT Magazine.
