Australian’s are known around the world for their outgoing nature, fun-loving spirit and sense of adventure. They’re also known for their love of extreme sports. If you’ve ever considered doing something out of your comfort zone then you’ll be glad to know Australia’s the best place to get involved in some of the world’s most extreme activities.

With so many internal flights to all the major cities, you can get your adrenaline pumping at least once with one of these activities. Here are five of the best extreme sports Australia has to offer. Go on, challenge yourself!

Skydiving

Ever thought about hurling yourself from a moving airplane when it reaches 4,000 meters and flying through the air for just a few seconds before you pull the cord on your parachute and coast safely to the earth’s surface? Although skydiving isn’t specific to Australia, exploring some of the country’s incredible views by air (and not just inside an aircraft) will truly make you appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Not only can you choose a site near the coast, or more inland depending on what you would prefer, but there are so many sights to behold that are unique to Australia that you really can’t pass up an opportunity to skydive here.

Best done in: Byron Bay, Wollongong

Rock Climbing

Australia has some amazing peaks that offer climbers unique views. The mountains in Oz aren’t the world’s highest, some offer views of World Heritage sites, some offer travellers a multi-day adventure, and some give the opportunity to see amazing natural landscapes that are unique to the continent. Some mountains are considered by Australia’s Aboriginal people as sacred, so speak to someone in the area familiar with climbing before setting off on your trip.

Best done in: Mt Kosciuszko, Mt Ngungun, Qld

Hang Gliding

If skydiving isn’t for you, maybe you could consider conquering your fear of heights in a hang glider. A tandem flight in a glider, made of a light frame and fabric wings, which mimics the soaring of birds might make you feel a bit more comfortable. Those new to gliding will have to go in flight with a trained pilot. As with sky diving, gliding allows you to take in some of the most amazing views of Australia from the air, but it allows you to stay in the air for a longer period of time, which can help reduce your fear as you get comfortable with the heights, and you can take in your surroundings at the same time.

Best done in: Byron Bay, Pyrenees region in Victoria

Bungee Jumping

One of the most famous of the Australian extreme sports is definitely bungee jumping which began as an Aboriginal activity in Vanuatu in the Pacific. While vines were used historically, challenge yourself to jump off a structure with just a bit of elastic around your ankles to pull you back up to safety at the last moment. Anyone who’s completed a bungee jump says that it’s impossible to describe the feeling. Does that tempt you to give it a go?

Best done in: Cairns

Australian Rules Football

While Football might not seem so extreme, this Australian variant has been identified as a particularly dangerous pastime to engage in. The pitch can hold 18 players from each team whose objective is to get the ball through their goal. The ball must be bounced or touched to the ground every 15 metres and once tackled, the player in possession of the ball must surrender it. With a number of leagues throughout the country, a trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without trying, or at least watching a match.

Best done in: Melbourne, Sydney