Jayco names best Aussie adventures

With summer around the corner, Australia’s biggest RV manufacturer has nominated its top-10 great Aussie road trip adventures.

According to Jayco the list is based on feedback from Jayco buyers, which number as many as 10,000 a year if you believe the statistics.

“Adventure travel is in the eye of the beholder and we’ve learnt that from our customers sharing their own adventure travels,” said Jayco CEO, Garry Moore.

“No matter what adventure means to you, Jayco believes there is a summer adventure awaiting all of us and that’s why we’ve pulled together our top 10 list of Aussie adventures,” he said.

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling

First cab off the rank is snorkelling in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world - the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

As one of world's largest coral reef structures, Jayco said it’s one to definitely put on your short term bucket list, especially as coral bleaching is making vast sections of the reef less appealing as the years go by….

Savannah Way road trip

Known as Australia's adventure drive, the 3700m route links Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the famous pearling town of Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley.

It’s a long drive but the beautiful landscapes, national parks, world heritage areas, ancient gorges and stunning wildlife make it all worthwhile, Jayco reckons.

 Mount Kosciuszko climb

It’s not something many grey nomads will want to – or can – do, but if your legs are up to it a hike along the Kosciuszko National Park Summit Walk is another great option for nature lovers.

Known as one of the best walks in the world, the grueling trek gets you to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak located in the beautiful NSW Snowy Mountains.

Tassie rainforest rafting

Located in the beautiful Tasmania, the Franklin River is home to a number of gorges and canyons which create some of the best white water rafting rapids in the country.

However, unless you’re a gun kayaker or paddler, best to organize an all-included guided tour down the snaking river with a local tour company.

Nagamabie skydive

Famous for its waterways, wetlands and wildlife, not to mention wineries and well-equipped caravan parks (some of which are owned by Jayco founder Gerry Ryan), the rural town of Nagambie also appeals as it’s only a relatively short 90 minutes drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

If you're feeling fearless, Jayco suggests trying a tandem skydive at 14,000ft, the highest in Victoria and one that allows you to enjoy a picture postcard view of Nagambie from above.

Ningaloo Reef whale sharks

Between March and August each year (not quite summer but still pretty hot by southern Australian standards!), the world's biggest fish, the whale shark, gather along the Ningaloo Reef on West Australia’s Coral Coastline.

Snorkel alongside these beautiful and gentle creatures during the whale shark season and experience something truly unique – and without the threat of getting eaten!

Oodnadatta Track road trip

This 617km route located in South Australia is mostly gravel and pretty bumpy in parts, following the track of the Old Ghan line to provide a history tour as well as fun and dusty adventure.

While you’ll need a proper 4WD and off-road caravan to ensure a safe journey, there are some great camping grounds along the way including Marla Roadhouse, Arckaringa Homestead, Pink Roadhouse, Halligan Bay Campsite, William Creek Hotel, Coward Springs, Muloorina Waterhole and the Oasis Town Centre Caravan Park.

Lake Mungo National Park

A few hours drive from Melbourne (and probably a bit hot to visit in the height of summer), Lake Mungo National Park is a great place to learn about some of our ancestors, including those of the dinosaur variety.

Explore the magnificent landscape of ancient dry lake basins rich with Aboriginal history, and get a glimpse of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. This area remains very important to the Ngyiampaa, Mutthi Mutthi and Southern Paakantyi Aboriginal people, and a guided tour from one of the local rangers is highly recommended.

Northern Territory croc diving

There are approximately 140,000 saltwater crocodiles in Australia, and about 80,000 of them are found in the Northern Territory.

While you can ignore the signs and go on your own croc ‘adventure’, most tourists opt for 'the cage of death' at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, which allows you to safely get among some big crocs. A cheaper option is to check out the 5.1m long, stuffed ‘Sweetheart’ at Darwin’s Museum and Art Gallery.

12 Apostles chopper flight

There might be a few less now than the sign suggests, thanks to erosion, but the famous rock formations along Victoria’s 100-year-old Great Ocean Road still provide a view you’re unlikely to forget.

Jayco reckons cashed-up travelers should seriously consider a breathtaking helicopter flight over the popular stop-off, as much for the aerial views as to avoid the crowds trying to get a ‘selfie’ on the viewing platform below.