From the two-day experience perfect for animal lovers, to a luxurious day on a super yacht, these present ideas will be remembered for many holidays to come.
After months where Australians in multiple states were locked down, unable to spend time together or travel between borders, the desire to share new experience has been a big priority.
According to data from experiences company RedBalloon, once restrictions began to lift, Australians were eager to make up for lost time with unique, one-of-a-kind activities. People were also willing to splash out and treat themselves to luxury events with their nearest and dearest. As it turns out, we were all trying to make up for lost time.
From a truly one-of-a-kind activity that will have you letting off steam, to a lush long lunch in an iconic Sydney venue, here were some of the most in-demand activities Aussies were eager to do once restrictions lifted.
Should you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, a gift voucher makes it the perfect present option that doesn’t rely on shipping cut offs either.
For the animal lover: Overnight Zoo Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo (for two people)
If 2021 gave you too much indoor time, this overnight zoo safari will have you getting closer to nature without giving up your favourite earthly delights. Guests get two full days of admission at Victoria’s famed Werribee Open Range Zoo, which is coupled with a hosted safari experience, animal encounters and exclusive viewing opportunities.
You won’t be roughing it, during your stay either. Expect your walk on the wild side to also come with a stay at a luxury tented room (electricity included), sunset drinks and an African inspired dinner feast.
For the foodie: Luke Nguyen Lunch Menu with Wine at Botanic House (for two)
If fine dining, paired wines and peaceful, plant-packed views of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens sounds like your ideal day, this experience is perfect for you. Dine on a menu curated by the acclaimed Luke Nguyen, who mixes fresh and vibrant South East Asian flavours with Australian produce and native ingredients.
While the menu does change so you get the most seasonal and high-quality ingredients, the kingfish sashimi with finger lime, miso and sesame oil and seared Hokkaido scallops served with an edamame salsa and pineapple dressing are particular stand-outs.
For a day they won’t forget: Super Yacht Cruise with BBQ Lunch and Water Sports
There’s an activity for all interests aboard this four-hour super yacht experience. Explore the Gold Coast’s Broadwater estuary complete with a visit to South Stradbroke Island and an BBQ lunch while you take in the views. While you’d be well off spending the time taking in the expansive views, there’s also a host of water sports and sea life spotting on offer for the more adventurous types. Think: turtles, dolphins and rays.
It’s a day on the water you’ll never forget.
For an extra-special weekend getaway: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley may be known for its many wineries and fine dining locations but a bird’s eye view will have you seeing the abundant and lush green region with a new perspective.
The pre-sunrise wakeup will be well worth it as you go kangaroo spotting as the sun rises around you. And because breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the hour-long flight will be followed by an a la carte brekkie and a glass of sparkling.
For the dare devil: Tandem Skydive over St Kilda
Give your Melbourne city escape a punch of adrenaline with a tandem skydiving experience over the inner seaside suburb of St Kilda. The 60 seconds of chilling free fall is a feeling like no other and once that’s over you can take in the stunning 360 degree views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula as you drift back to earth.
After the experience, all divers are given a personalised certificate and bumper sticker to commemorate jumping 15,000ft from the air.
For something they’ve never done before: Smash and Splash Room Experience
Whether it’s taking a baseball bat to a mug or flinging a cup of paint at the wall to the tune of Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble sounds like an excellent way to de-stress, check yourself into a smash and splash room now. You’ve got full control of the speakers as you create a colour-drenched masterpiece or destroy a television, printer or dining set, for no reason other than you wanted to.
All equipment and gear are also be provided so you, your guest and your clothes are protected.
