Australia may have a reputation for being home to some of the deadliest creatures and some of the most unforgiving country on the planet, but it’s also home to some pretty hairy tourist attractions that are ideal for anyone looking for a thrill.
The Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne
The best views of Melbourne are from the Eureka Skydeck 88 right on the edge of the CBD. But protruding from the side of this building is The Edge, a glass box 300m high that you can enter and, if you dare, look down at all those ant-sized people going about their business.
If you’re not keen on getting into the glass box, you can always have your photo taken at Eureka Vertigo – which is a specially constructed photo set that gives you the illusion that you’re holding on for dear life 285m above the ground. Novel, no?
Open daily 10am to 10pm. Adults $20 Concession $15.50
The Sydney Harbour ‘BridgeClimb’, Sydney
Named the top single travel experience by YourLifeChoices members in our Australian Travel Inspirations 2018 survey, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb may not look super scary, but you’ll probably change your mind once you’re at the apex and even the lightest breeze is blowing. All things look small and beautiful from 134m in the air, and it helps that you’re above looking over one of the prettiest harbours in the world. You can do it during the day or at dawn or twilight, and the more adventurous climber can traverse the outer arch which takes three-and-a-half hours, or for the more timid, try the inner arch climb which takes half the time.
Book your climb at www.bridgeclimb.com
Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin
Who would think that lowering a guest into a cage with crocs would be high on anyone’s wish list? And yet, Crocosaurus Cove, smack bang in the heart of Darwin, offers exactly this kind of terrifying experience. Lucky it’s right near a bunch of bars – you may need the ‘liquid courage’ to get into the Cage of Death to go toe to toe with the 3.5 monster croc Chopper, with only a strip of Perspex between you and 66 teeth and what can only be described as ‘eeeeeeeeeeek!’
Open daily from 9am to 9pm. Cage of Death tickets start at $170.
The Pemberton Climbing Trees, Western Australia
What began life as fire lookout trees in south-west Western Australia are now open to anyone daring enough to live out the ultimate childhood fantasy and climb a super tall tree.
Climbers can head to the Pemberton Visitor Centre, purchase a climbing ticket and tackle the spiral of climbing pegs spiralling the tall Karri trees in the nearby National Parks. Build up your confidence with the Diamond Tree, which is only 51m high, then work your way up to the Gloucestor Tree (61m) before hitting up the big bug – Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree – which stands a whopping 75m tall. These trees could be up to 250 years old and, so far, no one has died while climbing the trees, but two people have had heart attacks after climbing them.
Pemberton Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Adelaide River, Darwin
Adelaide River is home to so many species of birds, including eagles and kites, which makes it popular for wildlife watchers. It’s also home to dangerous beasties, and a regular site of croc attacks, including serial offences by an albino croc nicknamed ‘Michael Jackson’.
So, if you’re keen on seeing the river’s goodies, our advice is to take a Jumping Crocodile tour with Adelaide River Tours. In a river cruise with a twist (literally), a shaded boat will wend you down the winding river, where you’ll see territorial crocodiles at very close range. You’ll also see spectacular birds and other wildlife close by, so keep your camera at the ready.
Tours operate four times daily during the dry season. To learn more about tour times and availability, visit www.adelaiderivertours.com.au
Do you know of any dangerous or scary tourist attractions in Australia?
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