16 Things To Do Down Under That Will Push You Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Go a little further, live a little more.

1. Go bungy jumping.

AJ Hackett Cairns

This was definitely the scariest thing I have ever done and if it doesn't get you out of your comfort zone, I don't know what will. When you stand on the edge, you realise that you're actually going to jump down into nothing. But no matter how scary it is and how hard it is to take the leap, you will leave the site full of adrenaline, with a big smile on your face. I felt extremely pumped afterwards and so proud of myself that I did it.

2. Or try the Minjin swing.

AJ Hackett Cairns

If a bungy jump is a little bit too much for you, you could try a giant swing. It makes you feel like a superhero. After you've been pulled up, you can choose when to pull the leash and start the swing. You’ll realise how high you actually are, but once you unleash the swing, the adrenaline rush takes over and you just have so much fun swinging around the jungle! I couldn't stop smiling and laughing.

3. Ride a hot air balloon over Alice Springs.

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While this might be a cool activity for some, it might take a lot of effort for others to get on a hot air balloon. Jumping over your shadow will be well worth it once you're up in the sky and can enjoy the view.

4. Go indoor skydiving.

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Want to experience skydiving, but aren't ready to jump out of a plane? No problem! Indoor skydiving lets you experience the free fall in a safe and controlled environment. It took me a while to get used to it and I sure had sore muscles the next day, but it’s a unique experience, and a lot of fun.

5. Try a jet boat ride on the Gold Coast.

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What's the best way to get out of your comfort zone? Some action of course! And a jet boat ride provides exactly that. It's full of thrilling spins and slides, during which you can enjoy the scenery of the Gold Coast skyline.

6. Do the Plughole Tour in the Jenolan Caves.

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This tour is a real adventure, full of squeezes, crawls, and climbs. I was nervous about it, because I was afraid of not being able to squeeze through the holes. But you really don't need to be fit, thin, or have any previous caving experience. It is challenging, but an exciting adventure for anyone! And in the end you will be extremely proud of yourself for making it through the tour.

7. Get up close and personal with crocs in Darwin.

Crocosaurus Cove Darwin

Don't be startled by the name. The "cage of death" gives you the opportunity to have a closer look at these fascinating creatures in a safe environment. It definitely takes some courage to be that close to these huge animals.

8. Or other (harmless) Australian wildlife.

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You've got to be pretty brave to hold a snake and let it wrap itself around your body. But once you work up the courage to do so, it might help you overcome any fears of these animals.

9. Go white water rafting on the Barron River.

Raging Thunder Adventures

White water rafting means that it's time to get soaked! And when I say soaked, I mean it. It takes quite some effort, especially when you get stuck and you get the instruction to "jiggle" to boat loose. I was already pretty exhausted after the first few minutes (it might have been because we got stuck quite often), but it was a hell of an adventure and the time went by way too fast!

10. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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This is a Sydney classic. I was quite nervous before the climb, because there are over 1,000 steps, and the top is 130 metres above the water. But I loved every minute of it, the view up there is just breathtaking, and the climb wasn't bad at all. Everybody can do it, no matter the level of fitness.

11. Or the Q1 on the Gold Coast.

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The SkyPoint Climb on the Q1 building is the highest external building climb in Australia. You can climb from the observation deck all the way to the top, and enjoy the 360-degree view across the ocean and the city. It's probably the best way to fight a fear of heights.

12. Kayak down Katherine River.

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A kayak tour down Katherine River is a real adventure and will take a couple of days. You'll have to go without any luxury, but you'll come so close to the Aussie wildlife – there's truly no better way to experience Australian nature.

13. "Surf" through one of the world's oldest jungles in North Queensland.

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The first step off the platform is always the hardest, but once you let go of any fear, you will never want to stop riding that zip line. I did feel nervous before doing it, but it's so much fun and makes you feel free like a bird! You can either slide together with a friend, go upside down, or even race against somebody.

14. Hike El Questro Gorge.

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The Kimberley in north-west Australia has some extremely beautiful gorges, especially El Questro Gorge. It requires a long and exhausting hike to get to, but nevertheless, it is totally worth every drop of sweat. Even better, you can reward yourself by cooling off in an amazing rock pool at the end. I didn't want to leave this place and felt extremely proud of myself after completing the hike.

15. Go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

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It might sound scary to some people at first, since you're quite deep down in the water and have to breathe through a tube. But scuba diving allows you to see completely new things that you'd miss while just snorkelling. And once you get used to everything, you will be fascinated by what you can see and love every minute of it. The time rushes by when you're in the water!

16. Spend a weekend in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

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Getting out of your comfort zone doesn't always necessarily mean that you have to do something full of action or adventure. It could be something as little as spending a weekend outdoors. This YHA, for example, is the perfect time-out place from all the hustle and bustle of Sydney. The secluded spot is only accessible by ferry, has no shops around, and the only water source is rainwater – which means quick, three-minute showers! I found it very quiet and peaceful, and despite the hostel beds I had one of my best nights of sleep ever! Plus, you can get super close to cute little wallabies!

Travel was provided by Tourism Australia. BuzzFeed writers do not guarantee coverage.