Arnhem Land, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
3 epic experiences to make memories with your mates
Stop talking about your dream adventure with your mates over Friday night beers and make it happen.
By Krysia Bonkowski
Wide open roads, wild landscapes, opportunities for adventure and your crew by your side: these are the things boys’ trips are made of. And Australia has the first three covered – all you need to do is bring your mates. Let the pros help with the planning and get ready for some serious stress-free bonding time with your bros on these epic trips.
Get reel in Arnhem Land
Dhipirri Barra & Sportfishing Lodge, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Where: Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
On the north-eastern fringe of the Northern Territory, where rainforest and red cliffs meet the turquoise Arafura Sea, Arnhem Land is about as close to the edge of nowhere as you can get. You won’t find many other people out here, but you will find fish – and lots of them. Because in Arnhem Land you’ll have the fishing trip of your lives.
Your ticket into this anglers’ paradise is an accredited tour like Dhipirri Barra and Sportfishing Lodge, with guides leading you to the best spots in this Aboriginal-owned wilderness. Drop your lines and soak up the serenity, with only the sound of lures hitting the water, until the fish start biting and it’s all hands-on-deck. At night by the fire, share tall tales with old mates and the local “salty dogs” (fishermen) over a few cold ones as your barramundi bakes over the coals.
How to experience it: Visit during March and April – the best time of the year for barramundi fishing.
Hop on your bike in Canberra
Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra, ACT © Auroroa Images
Where: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
Upgrade your usual weekend ride with your cycle-mad mates by finding out why the nation’s capital is also becoming known as the cycling capital of Australia. From the heart-starting downhills of Stromlo Forest Park to the single tracks winding through Mount Majura, the well-planned cityscape and the long, smooth highway rides, Canberra has trails for cyclists of all speeds.
Mulga Bicycle Tours offers multi-day trips around the Australian Capital Territory. Start out from Canberra and explore a rural landscape dotted with bird-filled bushland, wineries and friendly country towns. With accommodation sorted and a support car carrying all of your kit, you’ll be free to enjoy the ride and each other’s company against a varied and exciting Aussie landscape.
How to experience it: Mulga Bicycle Tours offer customised adventures for private groups – do your research and pick your favourite spots to visit.
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Paddle down the Murray River
Canoe Adventures, Berri, South Australia © Canoe Adventures
Where: Berri, three hours north-west of Adelaide on the Murray River in South Australia.
More than 2,500 kilometres (1,553 miles) long, the mighty Murray River winds its way through three southern Australian states. And one of the most memorable ways to experience it is to gather your crew and paddle out on a canoe camping trip along its twisting backwaters in South Australia’s Riverland.
Based in Berri, Canoe Adventures will equip you with canoes and all the gear you need for an adventure on Australia’s longest river, steering you towards the best routes and most scenic spots to make camp for the night. Explore the glassy curves of the river at your own pace, paddling beneath stately river red gums and red-tinged cliffs, looking out for emus, kangaroos and waterbirds of every feather. As the blaze of sunset lights up the water, pull your canoes up on the grassy banks and camp out under the canopy of stars.
How to experience it: Bring a dry bag with you to store your phone. You’ll want to capture those epic landscapes and life-long memories.
