Rising interest in outdoor fitness encompasses devotees of the primal lifestyle, adventure sports, crosstraining, and families – yes, outdoor activities make a welcomed respite from the concrete confines of the gym, work, school and home.
Varied terrains, inspiring vistas, unusual and challenging activities, plus an invigorating atmosphere – make nature the ultimate training environment.
So, what’s on offer in the great outdoors?
Nature provides all you need to get fit, if you know where to find it!
Here is a list of Extreme Excursions in Victoria
Family-friendly activites which develop fitness in fun, exciting ways!
AUSTRALIAN ALPS WALKING TRACK
Where: Alpine National Park
Length: 650 kilometres
Walk: 8-10 weeks one way
Track: Varies
Grade: Steep
Start: Walhalla
Finish: Namadgi Visitor Centre Canberra
Permits/bookings: none required
Best time: November-May
Beginning in the old gold-mining town of Walhalla and ending near Canberra, the 650km trail embraces the best of alpine Australia: the country’s highest peaks, snow-capped mountains and plains, cattlemen’s huts, tall forests, woodlands of snow gum and historical sites. The track is mainly confined to ridges and high plains away from settlements, but can be joined where it crosses mountain roads in Victoria’s national parks. Approved sections are also suitable for trail riding and mountain biking.
Important: the quality of signs on the Australian Alps Walking Track is inconsistent. Please use good maps and make sure your navigation skills are up to date.
MOUNTAIN BIKE SUMMIT 2 SUMMIT
Where: Mt Buller
Distance: 26 km return
Riding time: 4 hr
Gradient: Wide fire trails, plus flowing single track, with steep ascents and descents
Grade: Intermediate
Start: Mt Buller summit
Finish: Mt Buller Alpine Village
Enjoy stunning views from the peaks of Mt Buller and Mt Stirling on this fun and challenging ride. Start out easy with a scenic ride from the Mt Buller summit to the edge of the village. Then check out the skills park before hitting the flowing single track of the Picnic Trail and the wide fire trails of Corn Hill. Head to Howqua Gap before finally taking the magnificent Stonefly Trail to the summit of Mt Stirling.
MOUNT BUFFALO CLIMBER’S HEAVEN
Head to Mount Buffalo, a mecca for climbers and abseilers. The views are unforgettable and beginners (young adventurers wanting to learn the ropes) and advanced adventurers will find a chunk of rock on the sheer granite face of The Gorge, which boasts excellent single and multi-pitch climbing. The North Wall is the place for aid climbs.
WATER SPORTS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
Grab your oars and canoe or kayak around Lake Eildon, and the Ovens and Buckland rivers around Bright. Try your hand at dragon boating at Rocky Valley Dam near Falls Creek and catch the spectacle of professionals competing every January.
A GLOBAL GUIDE
For more ideas checkout the eBook ‘Fun Outdoor Activities’ by Daniel Hardie. Covering extreme sports, activities, hobbies and fun outdoor adventures that you could take up and possible do this weekend.
Source: Visit Victoria / Nothing But Adventure
