Thrill-seeking and Adrenaline Rushes in the Cultured City
Most travellers, and even a few Melbournians, would only picture art galleries, kitsch alley-way bars and stylish cuisine when they think of the Victorian capital.
It’s true that Melbourne’s cultured and refined characteristics are definitely work checking out and give the city a reputation to be proud of, but did you know that Melbourne has its share of adrenaline and adventure too?
From the CBD to the suburbs, there’s something to get the blood flowing for all the adventurous types out there. Read on to find out about some of Melbourne’s more heart-pounding, exhilarating fair!
Hovering in a Helicopter
So we all know that Melbourne has some beautiful architecture and surrounds, and many travellers choose to see these aspects of the city by foot or by car. But, if going around in a tour bus seems a little mundane, why not try a helicopter ride that’ll give you a real eye-in-the-sky perspective of all Melbourne has to offer?
With travel and adventure companies such as Melbourne Joy Flights and RedBalloon offering helicopter packages to cover areas all around Melbourne, you can get that cinematic widescreen view of Melbourne and its suburbs firsthand. And of course, you get to go around at quick speed in a helicopter!
Skydiving Surprises
Victoria has long been known as a state of green pastures and verdant farmland, and the areas just outside of Melbourne are of course no exception.
Interestingly enough, it is in these beautiful rural areas that Melbourne’s blossoming skydiving scene can be found. Ride by plane through the Melbourne skies and plunge from heights of up to 14.000 feet for a fast-paced thrill. It’s quick, but boy will it leave you wanting more.
All activities are safe thanks to the efforts of the well-trained and professional staff working for Melbourne’s skydiving companies, but it would be a good idea to take out travel insurance just to be extra safe.
With dives happening in areas only an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the city of refinement is sure to let you get your adrenal kicks in as well!
Tank-driving Fun
Of course, what list of adventures and thrills would be complete without a subtle nod to driving in a tank? If getting round in the old sedan or hatchback has never really satisfied you, perhaps its time to upgrade your hardware to something a little more…heavy duty.
Melbourne 4x4 offers those brave enough the opportunity to hop into a WWII era beast of a tank that weighs in at over 50 tonnes, is protected by 140mm of solid steel and uses a V12 engine to cart itself around.
If you’ve ever wanted the experience of assailing tough terrain like a hardened tank driver, you can have your wish by getting out to Werribee, which is only 30 minutes’ drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
For those who want something a little lighter to get from A to B, there are also plenty of tour companies who offer dune buggy, quad bike and dirt bike rentals to interested adventurers in farmland just outside of Melbourne’s centre. So no matter what your vehicular fix is, you’ll get it by coming to the hub of refinement and sheer action that is Melbourne city!
Stay safe
Whether you’re jumping out of a plane or flying around in a helicopter, remember to put your safety first. Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with, and make sure to get travel insurance from a company like Southern Cross Travel Insurance. That way, you can experience adrenaline rushes with (relative) peace of mind!
Michael is a chronic adrenaline junkie. He wants to share his knowledge of Melbourne’s fast-paced secrets with all the travellers out there.