New things are scary, and getting creative sounds like too much hard work. Luckily, Brooke’s here to help with her complete guide to the safest, most predictable adventure possible.

Without giving away my age too much (age is wisdom, though, right?) I started exploring ‘The Great Outdoors’ when Instagram was all vignette filters and the word ‘geotag’ had yet to make it into the dictionary. Instead, I had my trusty Lonely Planet and Wild Swimming books that I’d lug around the world and follow to a tee.

It honestly didn’t occur to me that anything existed beyond those pages. So… long before millions started flocking to TikTok-trending spots, I was already an expert in cookie-cutter adventures.

Which means that if you’re in the market for an adventure that’s mind-numbingly safe and extremely dull, you’re in good hands. Follow my steps for an adventure you’ll forget in no time.

Prefer your adventures with more ‘hell yeah!’ than zzzzzz’? I’ve (begrudgingly) compiled a list of tips for you too dear push-beyond-your-comfort-zone Explorer.

 

Cheers to great adventures!

 

And if you follow them well enough, you could secure one of five $10,000 Adventure Fund grants from Stone and Wood to help bring your living-on-the-edge adventure to life.

Ready to Enter? Head over to Stone & Wood’s entry form and pitch your adventure in 100 words or less by 31st of January, 2025, for a chance to win.

How To Make Your Adventure Boring AF

Want to make your adventure as reliably dull, delightfully safe, and entirely forgettable as possible? I’ve got your back. Follow these steps for a yawn-worthy, vanilla experience that’ll fade from memory faster than a trail runner without an energy gel.

 

Why surf waves when you can surf the web for the most obvious destinations… 🙃

 

1. Be a Sheep

See what’s trending on social media, then follow the exact same itinerary as everyone else. Don’t stray from the path – they probably have the right idea.

2. Get the Shot (Again and Again and Again)

You’re not here for the view or to immerse yourself in nature. You’re here for the ‘gram. Remember that. Take 20 identical snaps and move on.

3. Refuse to Try Anything New

Stick to the same campsites, the same hikes, and the same sports you always do. Who said adventure begins at the edge of your comfort zone? No one. Don’t worry about it!

4. Schedule Every Moment

Fun is best when it’s scheduled. Spontaneity? No thanks. Feel the urge to dip your toes in the stream or pause for a sunset? STOP. What does the itinerary say?

5. Avoid Talking to Locals

Listen, locals don’t know what they’re talking about. Ignore them and their charming anecdotes and rely on guidebooks from 2008 or a Google Map link you bought off a random influencer for $49.99.

6. Rush Through Everything

Double-time it through each step, ignore side trails, hidden waterfalls, or anything remotely intriguing. If it’s not in the book, on a Reel, or the top spot on Google when you search ‘infinity pool’, then it’s not worth slowing down for. You have more important things to do, like catching up on life admin.

7. Quit When It Gets Hard

Rain, bugs, annoying hiking partner? Any excuse will do. As soon as things get a bit too hard, someone strays from the plan, or your phone loses service, it’s time to hightail it home.

How to Make Your Adventure One to Remember

Did the list above help you out? You’re welcome. If you’ve got what you came for, stop reading now.

If my tips left something to be desired, read on.

Stone & Wood has five $10,000 adventure grants up for grabs. And if you haven’t guessed already, they’re not looking for boring. Think unique. Think unforgettable. Think so far outside the box that the box is just a dot to you.

From bold ‘firsts’ to wild, quirky goals, here are some ways to make your next adventure truly unforgettable.

 

Swimming with Whale sharks = guaranteed to be memorable

 

1. Go All in with Human-Powered Exploration

Running, hiking, biking, surfing, or even unicycling – there’s something awe-inspiring about going the distance on human power alone. Why not combine a few methods to really keep the boring at bay?

2. Be the First or the Fastest

The first to summit a high mountain, the first to kayak the longest river, the fastest time to complete a crazy ultra trail. ‘Firsts’ have long been the reigning king and queen of adventure. What quirky firsts can you think of?

3. Recreate History with a Twist

Adding a modern spin to a historical Aussie adventure could be just the ticket you need for an adventure that’ll give you bragging rights until retirement. What epic adventure from Aussie history do you want to recreate?

4. Adventure for a Good Cause

Is there a cause you’re passionate about? Maybe a citizen science project you want to get your teeth into? An elusive animal you want to track down? Whatever it is, fusing adventure with purpose adds a memorable layer to your journey.

5. Set a Time Limit

How far can you go in just 24 hours? Pick a route or challenge and see how much ground you can cover, how many peaks you can climb, or how far you can paddle before the clock runs out.

6. Pick a Place No One Has Heard Of

Skip the crowds and head somewhere that’s still off the radar. Australia’s least-visited national park, a quirky Outback town with a strange history… whatever it is, these hidden gems make for stories no one else has. Time for a Google Maps session?

7. Embrace the Weird and Wild

Want to try skydiving in every state dressed as a kangaroo? How about kayaking the Tasmanian coast backwards? Or maybe tandem cycling underwater is more your thing? The more out there, the better!

How Does $10,000 for Your Next Non-Boring Adventure Sound?

Ready to break free from the boring bucket list? Stone & Wood is offering five $10,000 grants through their new Adventure Fund, designed to turn your most epic dreams into reality.

  • Eligibility: Open to Australian residents only. The adventure must take place in Australia
  • Prize: $10,000 to use on gear, travel, or even bringing a friend – you can spend it how you like
  • Additional costs: Anything over the $10K is on you
  • Bonus Prizes: Extra prizes from Wild Earth, Sea to Summit, Sahara, and Dometic are up for grabs at select venues and bottleshops, when you purchase Stone & Wood bevvies
  • How to Enter: Submit an entry in 100 words or less describing your adventure, and let them know where and when you enjoyed your last Stone & Wood beer
  • Content Sharing: Winners agree to share words, videos, and photos of their adventure for Stone & Wood to use

Head over to Stone & Wood’s entry form and pitch your adventure in 100 words or less by 31st of January, 2025, for a chance to win.

 

Photos thanks to Stone & Wood

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