RIGHT TIME TO ENJOY LITTLE TREAT

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES, AND TRAVEL IS NO EXCEPTION. TOUR OPERATORS ARE OFFERING MICROADVENTURES CLOSE TO HOME FROM BEAUTIFUL TASMANIA TO THE WILDS OF THE TROPICAL TOP END

We may have our wings clipped but that doesn’t mean curious travel folk can’t still make new discoveries. Say hello to micro-adventures: small, easily achievable jaunts close to home – or hotel.

They can be as simple as following a neighbourhood path you’ve never traipsed down or heading off for a weekend of hiking with a best mate.

These tiny escapades satiate mind, body and ever-altering travel conditions.

To help you on your way, here are some of the best micro-adventures in Australia.

1. THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD BY PLANE, VIC

You may have road-tripped this famous Victorian touring route, but have you seen it from above?

Hop aboard a private plane in Melbourne and let Australian Air Safaris whisk you over the curves and coastal countryside of the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles.

The flight includes a picnic at Peterborough and – get this – every passenger has a window seat. From $665. AUSTRALIANAIRSAFARIS.COM.AU

2. HIGH COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKING, VIC

Victoria’s High Country has a great reputation for zipping along forest trails, and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a top location post-winter.

Only two hours from Melbourne, mountain biking at the resort is an accessible half-day adventure. There are a handful of trails around 2km long, as well as the 28km single-track Cascades route to Marysville.

LAKEMOUNTAINRESORT.COM.AU

3. TALL SHIP SAILING, NSW

Hoist the sails and scale the mast on a Sydney Harbour Tall Ships tour. If you’re new to sailing or are a history buff, this is the microadventure for you.

Hop aboard for a lunch or twilight sail but for something to write home about sign up for the Soren Larsen Overnight.

You get the best of both worlds – wine and canapes with a convicts tour and bunk sleeping.

SYDNEYTALLSHIPS.COM.AU

4 BLUE MOUNTAINS CANYONING, NSW

The Blue Mountains is home to a stellar range of canyons for active families.

Blue Mountains Adventure Company runs an introductory Empress Canyon Explorer tour that’s four hours of scrambling, swimming and jumping.

Who could say no to that? One of the best things about this company is they’re happy to take children as young as six on a case-bycase basis.

BMAC.COM.AU

5 CONQUER MT KOSCIUSZKO, NSW

If you’ve always wanted to tackle Australia’s highest peak but haven’t had anyone to go with, a four-day Women Want Adventure tour is for you.

This is a fully supported hiking trip just for women, with numbers capped at 12. The itinerary includes three hikes, all meals and accommodation in Thredbo Valley.

It’s a challenging trip but rest assured you’ll have plenty of other gals cheering you on.

WOMENWANTADVENTURE.COM.AU

6. EXPLORE WELLINGTON PARK, TAS

If you’d rather stay within sight of the city skyline, exploring 18,000ha Wellington Park is a must and only 20-minutes’ drive from Hobart. Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) is 1270m above sea level. At the summit, you’ll find lookouts with views over the city, and to the east and west coasts. There are also plenty of walking trails, as well as opportunities to go rock climbing, horse riding and mountain biking. Take your pick.

WELLINGTONPARK.ORG.AU

7. KAYAKING CLIFFS AND CAVES, TAS

The water may be chilly most of the year, but one of the best ways to enjoy Tassie’s raw beauty is in a kayak and Tinderbox Marine Nature Reserve is a great location only 20 minutes from Hobart.

Award-winning Roaring 40s Kayaking can take you there (and loan you all the gear) on a full-day tour.

You’ll get to explore sea caves, paddle around cliffs and pull into sandy beaches, and, hopefully, meet dolphins and seals. ROARING40SKAYAKING.COM.AU

8. MOUNT LOFTY NATURE ESCAPE, SA

The best thing about micro-adventures is that they can be as simple and small as you want, and Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is the perfect morning destination for anyone in Adelaide.

There are numerous walking trails across the 97 hectares, as well as a lake that makes an idyllic picnic view.

Lakeside Trail is an accessible route with sculptures, braille and an audio story.

BOTANICGARDENS.SA.GOV.AU

9. LITCHFIELD CAMPING, NT

One of the easiest and most enjoyable holidays is a weekend of camping, and the best place to pitch a tent near Darwin is popular Litchfield National Park.

The park is home to waterholes you can swim in during the dry (winter) and at the top of your list should be Florence Falls.

The small 4WD-only campground nearby promises back-to-basic magic.

Cost is just $10 per adult per night for camping.

10. ALICE SPRINGS OASIS, NT

If you’re keen to see the outback but want the comfort of travelling with a trusted company, check out AAT Kings.

Most of their tours are upwards of 10 days but they also have one-day add-ons.

So, if you’re in Alice Springs (or plan to be), join the Palm Valley Outback Safari by 4WD.

You’ll follow Finke River, visit an Aboriginal community and see the spectacular valley oasis.

AATKINGS.COM

11. WRECK SNORKELLING, QLD

We are a nation of ocean lovers, so it’s no surprise we have plenty of natural and man-made watery attractions worth dipping into.

One of the most accessible and impressive is Tangalooma Wrecks, off Moreton Island, not far from Brisbane.

The best part about these wrecks is that you don’t need scuba gear – a mask, snorkel and flippers will open up a wonderful world of more than 200 species of fish.

Make the most of your visit by joining a guided snorkel tour offered by Tangalooma Island Resort.

TANGALOOMA.COM

12. BRISBANE BIKE RIDING, QLD

If you’re holidaying in Brisbane or are chasing a staycation, explore the city on two wheels. Brisbane by Bicycle runs a 3.5-hour morning tour around Brisbane river, away from traffic.

Don’t worry if you’ve let your gym membership lapse, it’s a cruisy tour with plenty of stops, including at a cultural attraction and for morning tea. BRISBANEBYBICYCLE.COM.AU

13. SEA KAYAKING, WA

Swap the surfboard for a sea kayak on a penguins and sea lions island tour off Perth. The full-day Rivergods adventure, which includes city pick-ups, will see you set off in a double kayak from Shoalwater Bay.

You’ll get to see sea lions in their natural environment and visit fairy penguins for their daily feeding.