Author: Mark Lambert
10th June 2021
No plans for the long weekend? No problem! The options for off-the-grid family adventures and outdoor activities are endless.
Whether it’s a stroll through our magnificent national parks, exploring pristine beaches, or boating the local coastline and estuaries, Seikka is here to share its go-to outdoor activities for adventure lovers looking to flee the crowds this long weekend.
Looking for tranquillity far away from the city? With a wealth of extraordinary national parks at our disposal - there are over 600 parks countrywide – take a road trip and be in awe of the natural wonders our beautiful country has got to offer.
National parks are playgrounds for the adventurous, so take the time to discover your inner explorer and visit the local hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear sink and swimming holes, rugged mountain ranges, breathtaking trekking trails and wildlife hotspots.
From the coast to deep within the wilderness, we’ve selected some of the iconic national parks in Australia to help you plan your next visit:
NSW – Kur-ring-gai Chase, Blue Mountains or Bouddi National Park
QLD – Great Sandy, Whitsunday Islands, or Daintree National Park
SA – Flinders Ranges, Coffin Bay, or Innes National Park
WA – Kalbarri National Park, Cape Range, or Ningaloo Reef National Park
TAS – Freycinet, Mount Field, or Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
NT – Kakadu, Litchfield, or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
VIC – Grampians, Port Campbell, or Great Otway National Park
And the fun doesn’t have to stop there, many of the parks have campsite facilities so why not rent a tent or caravan for those eager to stay for a night or two.
Image: Caravan on remote coastline
Summer is well and truly over. But that doesn’t mean beaches are out of the question. In fact, some beaches up their cool factor in the colder months.
Lace up your walking shoes (and put those swimmers on, if you’re game!) and head straight to the coast to explore untouched beaches and coastal walks for an unforgettable landscape and view. If you’re an early bird, get there for a spectacular sunrise to start your day.
If swimming isn’t your thing, still lagoons and wind-protected coves are perfect to get your SUP or kayak on and ideal for boating, fishing, and snorkelling.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for solitude away from big beach crowds, set up camp with the kids on the water’s edge for the day. Fly a kite, go rock pooling, scour for interesting critters amongst the rocks or search the shores for beautiful shells to collect.
Image: Paddleboard at sunset on pristine waterways
As the temperatures drop, the boating season goes into an unofficial hibernation period after the Easter long weekend. With fewer boats on the waterways, low-season rates, and more fish to go round, if casting off the coastline still tickles your fancy, head out anyway.
From open-sea sailing to lake punting, fun on the water doesn’t discriminate based on the weather. Yes, boating within the summer and winter season differs, so you need to partake accordingly. If you’re keen to get a piece of all the action at sea, book a boat and enjoy some time on the water. Make sure you know the capabilities of your hired vessel, as well as what types of sea conditions it can handle safely. At the first hint of bad weather, assess whether it’s time to return to shore.
And, dress for the water temperature and not the season, rugging up with gloves, beanies, and thermals, as temperatures on the water drop noticeably in winter months.
In summer we’re too busy splashing around in the water to notice the incredible nature around us, so take this time to explore the coast, try your luck at fishing or mix things up with a fun-filled water-skiing session.
Otherwise, if you’d prefer to be more of a spectator, why not tick whale watching off the bucket list this winter. Between May and July, humpback whales start travelling up the east coast of Australia, retreating from the icy waters of Antarctica and wildlife encounters are abundant. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals, flying fish, turtles, and various species of seabirds too.
Image: Kids having the time of their lives jumping into the water
Contrary to popular belief, weekends spent outdoors don’t need to end as the weather cools. Camping is a treasured pastime for many Australians, so thrill-seekers will be happy to know that a night under the stars can be done safely and comfortably in winter, no matter where you’re based.
If the temperature looks like it might be in the low single digits, make sure you don’t go bush with poor quality gear – you’ll thank us later for investing in a decent sleeping bag, thermal sleeping bag liner and a sleeping mat or pad to sleep on.
Although the weather may be a deterrent for some, there are huge pros for camping in cooler months. Depending on where you go camping, the winter season means fewer people at the campsites, fewer insects, and snakes, reduced campfire restrictions (a highlight of camping right?) and off-peak pricing.
If you’re a first timer and dipping your toes into the Outback seems daunting, hire a caravan instead, or retire to one of the camping grounds cabins for a restful night’s sleep.
Image: The perfect view from camping in the great outdoors
Here in Australia, we’re spoilt for choice – so pick your poison and get set among some of our truly beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. And if you’re keen on some real adventure – hire one of our Seikka campervans, motorhomes and caravans and hit the road for a long weekend getaway.
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