Time To Get Out & About With Melbourne’s Coolest Outdoor Activities
Sure, we all love flopping on the couch and bingeing our fave shows on Netflix. But why coop yourself up at home when you don’t have to? Take advantage of the sunshine while we still have it, and try one of these awesome outdoor activities.
Horse riding
Ryders Horse Riding Tours
Cost: $50 for an hour to $100 for a day
If you’ve always liked the idea of horse riding but have never been sure where to start, Ryders is the perfect choice for you. They do trail rides of various length for all skill levels, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous time whether you’re skilled in the saddle or you can’t quite tell one end of a horse from the other. It’s based in the tranquil surrounds of Bunyip State Park, and it’s completely supervised by guides who show you all the basics before you begin.
“We had a great horse ride up here recently and our guide was very friendly and patient with us, especially those of us who were beginners. It was very special being in the bush with the horses as we rode along the river. It was a great day for everyone and I just wanted to leave a review to thank you and your guides. I would recommend your business to others, and we will be back for sure.” – zryder
Abseiling
Melbourne Adventure Hub
Cost: $110
Melbourne Adventure Hub is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoorsy and exciting, organising everything from intrepid caving to romantic kayak dates. We’re focusing on the abseiling this time, because it takes place on peaks near the city and it’s bucketloads of fun. You can zip down cliffs like you’re in a James Bond movie, taking in the gorgeous views as you go. The instructors will take good care of you, and the cliffs are very well suited towards beginners and intermediates.
Rock climbing
Melbourne Climbing School
Cost: $140 for a half day, $220 for a whole day (with discounted child rates)
What comes down must go up (that’s how it goes, right?), which is why we’re moving from abseiling to rock climbing. The good people of Melbourne Climbing School are happy to show you the ropes (literally), teaching outdoor rock climbing skill courses at very reasonable rates. They also offer fully guided ‘experience days’, where they’ll give you all the gear and training you need for a whole day of climbing goodness. What better way is there to explore nature?
Lawn bowls
Melbourne Bowling Club
Cost: $20 for two hours, $50 for membership
Not all outdoor activity has to be extreme, so here’s a more laid-back option for a lazy afternoon. The Melbourne Bowling Club is the oldest of its kind in the whole country, and it’s a lovely place to stop by for a few beers and a game of lawn bowls. Barefoot bowling is always worth checking out, and you can buy a relatively cheap membership that gets you discounted drinks at the bar. #winning
Wakeboarding
Melbourne Cable Park
Cost: $20 per session
The Melbourne Cable Park is the stuff Australian summer dreams are made of. It’s a sprawling mass of lush greenery and a shimmering lake, and it’s the ideal spot for some light-hearted wakeboarding shenanigans. The lake features a full cable system and various obstacles so you can pull some fully sick tricks, and you can also try kayaking, paddle boarding or visiting the ‘Aqua Fun Park’. Now that’s a day out!
