Yes, you read that right. While the little ones are glued to screens it’s your turn to get in a bit of grown-up fun – and by grown-up, we mean high-adrenaline, heart-racing adventures that are way more exciting than a trip to the playground – and might make you rethink a few life choices.
UP, UP AND AWAY
Feel like a Red Bull Air Race champ for a day with Matt Hall himself. This isn’t a scenic flight – it’s high-G, twisting, turning adrenaline in the sky that will leave you dizzy, exhilarated and wondering if screaming counts as a life skill.
www.matthallracing.com
VINES AND VIEWS
Why crawl from cellar door to cellar door when you can zoom there? With Hunter Valley Helicopters take off from Cessnock and land in the heart of wine country for a sky-high tasting adventure. Sip premium Hunter Valley wines while taking in views that start in the clouds.
huntervalleyhelicopters.com
DIRT THERAPY
Swap your sensible weekend shoes for mud-caked boots. Thrill Experiences offers a wild off-road combo in Colo Heights where you zoom through rugged terrain in a V8 buggy and rally car. High-speed drifts, dusty turns and serious grip action await adrenaline junkies who prefer horsepower over yoga mats.
www.offroadrushsydney.com.au
SUMBERGE YOURSELF
If your idea of a grown-up escape involves salty water and fish, Dive Swansea is the scuba centre to know. Whether you’re completely new or a seasoned diver, their guides will take you exploring through reefs, wrecks and maybe even a drift dive through Swansea Channel if you’re game.
www.diveswansea.com.au
PLAY YOUR WAY
For a mix of fun and vineyards, Hunter Valley Play has it all: archery, axe throwing, laser clay shooting and grape stomping – all paired with local wine tastings. It’s a grown-up playground that keeps the corks popping and the laughter rolling.
huntervalley.com.au/play
CLIFF HUGGING
Escape Trekking Adventures offers guided climbs on sandstone walls overlooking Port Stephens. Beginners and seasoned climbers alike can scale, belay and soak in panoramas that are equally breathtaking and terrifying. With your harness on and helmet secure, get ready to feel very alive – and maybe slightly terrified.
www.escapetrekkingadventures.com.au
PADDLES UP
Feel like an Olympic kayaker (or someone who accidentally signed up for one) at Penrith Whitewater Stadium where you tackle rapids that pump out more than 14,000 L/s. Trips last around 90 minutes, leaving you soaked, laughing and possibly considering a wetsuit as everyday wear.
www.sport.nsw.gov.au/penrithwhitewater
ADULTS ONLY
For something completely different, The Wheel 687 in Newcastle West is a luxe, discreet venue for adults to play, explore and connect. Themed rooms, luxury suites and workshops in conscious sexuality turn a night out into a grown-up adventure. Appointments only – because discretion is key.
www.thewheel687.com
