People and groups engage with the local outdoor environment for recreation and adventure in a variety of ways. Australia’s diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to forests, mountains, and rivers, offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Here are some specific examples in NSW:
Mountains and hilly areas– The Great Dividing Range that spans the length of NSW offers a huge variety of adventure tourism activities. From skiing and mountain biking in the Snowy mountains, rock climbing and canyoning in the Blue Mountains through to bushwalking in the Warrumbungles, there is something for everyone. The adventure tourism market is a rapidly growing part of the tourism sector, a reflection of people’s desire to take risks in an ever more controlled daily life.
Coastal activities– With the biggest coastline in the world, Australian’s have long had an affinity for our beaches and waterways. Areas such as the beautiful Great Lakes have a myriad of different waterways that are used for different leisure activities. Surfing, swimming, fishing, stand up paddle boarding and sailing are just some of the many different activities on offer. Many tourists flock to the coast during the holidays to experience these activities, providing a huge boost for the local economies of these towns. Many businesses, such as the Great Lakes Surf School, capitalise on those seeking out adventure.
Inland Areas: The areas away from the coast offer a huge variety of adventure and recreation activities that are increasingly attractive to tourists, a response for the need to look for something different to their everyday life. Some examples include 4WD adventures. The outback region where NSW meets South Australia and Queensland, known as Corner Country, is a popular destination for 4WD enthusiasts. Tracks like the Cameron Corner route take travellers through the remote desert, with iconic landmarks like the Sturt National Park offering rugged 4WD tracks.
Iconic inland rivers such as the Murray and Murrimbidgee offer a range of activities from fishing for species such as the famed Murray cod to water skiing. Again, in summer time these areas are extremely well visited and enjoyed by a wide range of tourists.
Aboriginal Adventures and tourism– An ever- growing tourism sector is the cultural experiences offered by Aboriginal groups, showcasing the history and traditional knowledge of our First Nations people. Mungo National Park is famous for its geological formations as well as for its rich Aboriginal history. Visitors can join guided tours led by traditional custodians, learning about the cultural significance of the park, its ancient burial sites, and the deep connection to the land.
