From river sledding to e-biking, the concept of ‘soft adventure’ encourages Aussies to embrace the outdoors without the adrenaline overload, and Explorer Kellie is all for it.

 

When I think of adventure, I instinctively picture leaping from a cliff with a parachute or diving with sharks. But when I learnt about soft adventure, in which you don’t need battle-worn bruises or a fearless leap from heights to prove you’ve done something fun, I knew it was my kind of exploration. Soft adventure is about getting the thrill of the outdoors without needing peak fitness, technical skills, or a head for heights – that’s right up my (v)alley!

So, what’s a soft adventure?

Soft adventures are outdoor experiences that involve physical activity but are generally low impact, require little or no technical know-how, and are designed to be inclusive. They’re ideal for people who want to immerse themselves in the natural world, rather than simply observe it from a tour bus. Soft adventure is one of the fastest-growing areas in the tourism industry, with experts predicting this travel style will reach a value of $2 trillion by 2032.

Read more: Is Community Tourism the Future of Travel?

‘Visitors are seeking opportunities to meaningfully connect with nature and each other over the past few years’, shares Liesel Maddock, owner and co-founder of Warburton Adventure Co. in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, which offers river sledding, caving, abseiling, and other outdoor adventures.

 

Image supplied by Warburton Adventure Co.

 

‘Being so close to Melbourne CBD means we’re easily accessible for people looking for a quick nature hit. I think it’s also about giving people choice – providing a guided adventure with extra support, or a self-guided experience where they might just need the right equipment, a few insider tips, and off they go’, she told me.

Read more: Fish, Swim, and Forage in Warburton, Victoria This Summer

Why soft adventure is gaining popularity

Soft adventures hit the sweet spot, and are ideal for those who find lounging too slow and skydiving too much. They still deliver a thrill, while also immersing you more fully in the places you visit. It’s travel that invites movement and curiosity, without the pressure to perform or push past your limits.

Soft adventure is often more sustainable and community-focused. Many operators work closely with local businesses, land custodians, and environmental groups to ensure their experiences tread lightly and give back.

Read more: You’ve Been to Byron Bay, But Have You Experienced Bundjalung Country?

For Explorers, this means not just seeing a landscape but understanding it. Not just ticking off a landmark but creating a memory that stays with you.

‘Soft adventure isn’t about sitting in a plush winery, sipping wine, and admiring nature from behind a window’, says Liesel. ‘It’s about true engagement – immersing yourself in the natural world, disconnecting from technology, and challenging your body in new ways.’

This type of adventuring also suits a wide range of Explorers of all ages, fitness levels, and adventure styles. Dylan Ford runs Bike and Hike Whitsunday, offering guided hikes and Trek mountain e-bike tours. He believes soft adventure works because it doesn’t require training, special gear, or stepping too far outside your comfort zone – it’s a little challenge, a bit of movement, and a strong connection to place.

 

Image supplied by Bike and Hike Whitsundays

 

‘Whether you prefer a relaxed pace with a focus on flora and fauna, or an adrenaline-fuelled ride, we customise the experience to match your adventure style’, he adds. ‘That’s the beauty of e-biking – it gives you range and freedom, but still feels grounded in nature.’

Where to try soft adventure in Australia

River sledding – Warburton, Victoria

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Warburton is a soft adventure playground. Warburton Adventure Co. offers river sledding on the Yarra River, mountain biking, short and multi-day hikes, caving, bush foraging, Indigenous cultural sessions, and abseiling.

‘Everything we do happens within a 30km radius of our township’, the team says. ‘Our strong ties with local organisations and deep knowledge of the area let us tailor each experience – whether you’re a solo traveller or a family.’

 

Image supplied by Warburton Adventure Co.

 

E-mountain biking through rainforest – Whitsundays, Queensland

While the Whitsundays is better known for its reefs and resorts, Bike and Hike Whitsundays runs small-group e-mountain biking tours into lush national park trails few visitors ever see.

‘We ride through one of Australia’s oldest rainforests, with panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands and cultural sites along the way. Guests love the feeling of having these wild locations to themselves, and our top-quality gear and attention to safety help riders feel confident’, shares Dylan.

Read more: 10 Best Adventures in the Whitsundays

 

Image supplied by Bike and Hike Whitsundays

Diving without needing to swim – Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Quicksilver Group offers helmet diving on the Great Barrier Reef, perfect for non-swimmers or those who want a gentler reef experience.

‘You don’t need to swim, you can wear glasses, and you don’t even have to get your hair wet’, says Sonya Clarson from Quicksilver Group. ‘Helmet dives are a great soft adventure dive option for people who wish to experience the reef up close but are a little nervous or unable to participate in scuba diving.’

Read more: Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef Off of Townsville Blew All My Expectations

 

Image supplied by Quicksilver Group

What to Look For in a Soft Adventure

Soft adventures aren’t one-size-fits-all. So how do you choose the right experience?

  • Match the activity to your fitness level and interests
  • Look for operators who provide high-quality gear and expert guidance
  • Choose small group tours for a more personal pace
  • Ask about cultural or environmental insight – the best adventures often connect you to the stories of place
  • Make sure the operator is accredited and insured

Soft adventure shifts travel from ‘I saw it’ to ‘I did it’. Proof that unforgettable doesn’t have to mean extreme.

Soft Adventures We Rate

 

Feature image supplied by Warburton Adventure Co.

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