ride the rapids when you go White Water Rafting

Adrenalin Tropical Challenge - Cairns

Tackle some of the best adrenalin experiences available in Tropical North Queensland, with the Adrenalin Tropical Challenge! Prepare to take on three awesome challenges: Whitewater Rafting on the Tully River, the Minjin Jungle Swing and Quad Biking in Kuranda. Whitewater Rafting…the Tully River is certain to provide you with more than enough whitewater rafting excitement to satisfy your thirst for adventure! This full day 12km white water adventure on the Tully River will have you tackling up to 45 action packed rapids as you pass through World Heritage rainforest and waterfalls that cascade down the gorge walls. The Tully River is rated moderate to challenging offering mainly grade 3 and 4 rapids. Minjin Jungle Swing - From the inventors of Bungy.... comes MINJIN - the jungle swing! You will find youself hanging high amongst the rainforest nestled in the trees ready to soar at speeds of up to 100kms! Once you get your harness on (similar to a hang-gliding harness), the Swing Operator hooks you to the rack (either by yourself or with 1 or 2 friends). You are then winched 40m above the rainforest canopy. The Swing Operator will signal when it is time to pull the release cable. Gravity then takes over and the fun begins. Riding your own 4 wheel motorcycle (ATV) through the unique Australian bushland and mountain trails is an exciting way to experience the stunning scenery. You will be given instruction and a complete rundown by the guides at the training track on how to handle the Quad Bikes before you hit the tracks which follow many different types of terrain. The bikes are Honda TRX 250cc All Terrain Vehicles which are easy to ride from the beginner through to the experienced rider. If it's adrenalin you are looking for in Tropical North Queensland … look no further! These experiences can be done over two or three days. Accommodation is not included.

Awesome Foursome: Raft Bungy Heli & Jetboat - Queenstown

Queenstown is the 'Adventure Capital of the World' and the reputation is well earned. Queenstown has everything that the adventure seeker could ever want, including the very popular Awesome Foursome adventure combo! This combo includes a spectacular helicopter flight, white water rafting down the Shotover River, high speed jetboat ride and the ultimate 134 metre bungy jump from The Nevis Highwire. Want to start your day with the latest bungy sensation? The Nevis Highwire Bungy 134 metres high, (440 feet) is purpose designed and built purely for Bungy jumping with 30 different patents this award winning structure has to be seen to be believed. The jump pod is suspended by high-tension wires that span 380 metres across The Nevis River; access is by cable car for jumps & spectators alike. You're next thrill is the Shotover Jet experience. It's an adrenalin rush you'll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenalin hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the Shotover River canyons! It's an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, and your driver skilfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders. Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, and you grip the safety rail for comfort and reassurance and then let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spins the boat around in its own boat length — wow, you've just experienced the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360 degree spin! You'll stop briefly while your driver points out interesting landmarks or points of interest. Duration 25 mins Heli-raft, start your next thrill with a spectacular Helicopter flight to the rafting launch site deep in Skippers Canyon and prepare yourself for white water rafting down the Shotover River. Step across this great frontier and meet the challenge of rafting the Shotover River, experience the rugged beauty and unspoilt

Franklin River Wilderness Rafting

The Franklin River carves its way through some of the most beautiful, rugged and inaccessible country in the world. On your expedition you will experience surging rapids, tranquil gorges and pristine forests of myrtle, leatherwood and the ancient Huon pine. Negotiating the untamed waters of the Franklin is one of the world�s true adventures.

Gelato Tasting & Appreciation Workshop

Indulge your senses and let your taste buds explore the wonders of gelato at its finest in this gelato appreciation workshop. Let us take you on a journey of sensory discovery, from selecting the purest of ingredients to the precision of creation, and the pleasure of taste. Spoil your sweet tooth and lead your own adventure of flavour. Discover the passion and richness of genuine artesian gelato, masterfully and meticulously created?by you! Learn how gelato came to be and how it fits in to past and current Italian cultures. Our gelato maestros will take you through: * The history of gelato: Who created ice cream? Where did gelato come from? How is it made? * Italian culture: What is passeggiata? How do Italians enjoy their gelato? Understanding the importance of gelato in Italian culture, * Gelato sampling: Embark on an adventure of the senses by sampling several flavours from the gelato range and complete this taste experience by choosing your favourite three flavours with our gelato tasting palette, accompanied by a coffee of your choice, and finally, * Gelato creation: Be a Gelato Maestro yourself, and learn the finer art of preparing, garnishing and serving your favourite Italian dessert. Perfect for family and friends, or team building with colleagues, our gelato tasting and appreciation workshop is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. You?ll also leave with just that little bit more spring in your step, because we believe in ?passione per la vita? ? passion for life!

Getaway And Peninsula Adventure - 2 Nights For 2

This beautiful estate makes a luxurious base from which to explore the Mornington Peninsula. You will arrive at 2pm for a warm welcome, before checking in to your Garden Room for your two night stay. Your accommodation comes complete with a queen bed, ensuite, garden views, TV and decadent waffle robes. Spend your day exploring the estate and making use of the tennis court, indoor spa pool, billiards room or row boat on the lake. If you're looking for something more relaxing, you might want to book in at the spa retreat for a massage (additional cost) or laze by the lake on the day beds, have a drink on the terrace or curl up with a good book by the fire in the drawing room. In the evening you will enjoy a two-course dinner in the Brasserie Restaurant, followed by a gourmet breakfast the next morning. Included in your package is a special treat. Choose your favourite activity or one you?ve never tried before ? A luxury sailing adventure on Port Phillip Bay or a thrilling Ocean Rafting ride to see the Phillip Island seals up close on Westernport. Or perhaps you'd prefer a horseback ride through the scenic Peninsula wineries. One of these three hour adventures is included for two guests. Back to the Estate for some rest and relaxation. Dinner this evening is free time so choose from the wonderful local dining options or stay in at the Estate and try a change of scenery by dining on the Terrace or in the Formal Dining Room. On day three awake to a delicious gourmet breakfast and an a late check-out at 12 noon.

Ocean Rafting Adventure

This trip offers the excitement of high speed on the water together with coastal cruising...and some fun swell encounters...taking in incredible scenery, as well as the area's fantastic marine & sea bird life, including Australian Fur Seals and dolphins. The experience begins as the captain warms up the motors in the bay, taking you through a series of twists and turns which will have you hanging on tight. Your destination is either Seal Rocks, Australia's largest Fur Seal colony or the scenic Cape Woolamai, home of the famous pinnacles and granite quarry. At Seal Rocks you will be in awe of the natural spectacle surrounding you as you drift amongst up to 12,000 fur seals, who regularly swim over to the boat to have a closer look at YOU! The boat drifts within metres of the colony enabling you to witness their natural environment unobstructed and unhindered, as it should be! . If you head to Cape Woolamai you are more than likely to spot a few friendly seals sunning themselves on this side of the island. After leaving Cowes jetty take in the east side of the island, which includes the exclusive Silverleaves beach and the quaint fishing village of Rhyll with its amazing wetlands where hundreds of Black Swans feed and nest. Then its past historic Churchill Island and under the San Remo bridge. You will be blown away by this unique secretive part of Phillip Island with its towering pinnacles, dark caves and sheltered blue waters. Make sure you take your camera to capture the old granite quarry, the huge cubes of stone cut and left years ago after the quarry unexpectedly ceased operation. Whether its Seal Rocks or Cape Woolamai you will then embark on some awesome swell jumping and surfing between the breakers as this the captain cuts loose with skilful and safe precision. This is the ultimate adventure wildlife package and a fantastic way to appreciate Phillip Islands wonderful wildlife and scenery.

Rafting - Avon River

Experience the thrill and excitement of white water rafting Enjoy half a day on grade 3 rapids through the Avon Valley. Starting from Walyunga National Park we descend the river for an exciting finish at Bells Rapids. This trip is a great introduction to rafting and is ideal for families or people who have a time limit. Challenging rapids, scenic jarrah forest and a whole lot of fun We are by far the most experienced people rafting these rivers and we have an excellent safety record.

Rafting - Avon River

Experience the thrill and excitement of white water rafting Enjoy half a day on grade 3 rapids through the Avon Valley. Starting from Walyunga National Park we descend the river for an exciting finish at Bells Rapids. This trip is a great introduction to rafting and is ideal for families or people who have a time limit. Challenging rapids, scenic jarrah forest and a whole lot of fun We are by far the most experienced people rafting these rivers and we have an excellent safety record.

Rafting - Murray River - Adult

Experience the thrill and excitement of white water rafting An hour and a half south of Perth is the majestic Murray River. Get ready for a big day out as you float through peaceful jarrah forest, then plunge down grade 4 rapids with names like Termination, Gobbleguts and Time Warp. This is WAs most popular raft trip and is a must for the adventure seekers. Wet suits, a picnic lunch and transport from Perth is supplied.

Rafting - Murray River - Adult

Experience the thrill and excitement of white water rafting An hour and a half south of Perth is the majestic Murray River. Get ready for a big day out as you float through peaceful jarrah forest, then plunge down grade 4 rapids with names like Termination, Gobbleguts and Time Warp. This is WAs most popular raft trip and is a must for the adventure seekers. Wet suits, a picnic lunch and transport from Perth is supplied.

History of Rafting

Traveling on water was one of the first adventures for mankind. From the earliest times, man traveled on rafts to gain access to areas that couldn't be reached by foot.

This adventurous sport has continued throughout the ages and is now an extreme sport that people all over the world compete in for fun and competition.

Historically, rafts were made from logs and tied together with vines. As humans developed, so did the designs of these vessels.

The first rubber raft was made in the 1840s by the US Military to assist in surveying the Rocky Mountains and for use in beach assaults. Lieutenant John Fremont made the raft from independent rubber tubes that were latched together.

The Military modified the design and used the rubber rafts for all sorts of activities and training. The rafts not utilised for Military use were quite often used for recreation by soldiers and it wasn't long before this past time grew in popularity.

As the sport grew, many rivers were navigated in the rubber rafts and the thrill of navigating through rapids and waterfalls appealed to those with an extreme personality.

Today, white water rafting is a very popular sport. Man made courses have been built around the world and those seeking a thrill travel to all corners of the globe to experience some of the roughest rivers.

The safety aspects of the sport have developed with its popularity and all rafters must wear head protection and life jackets.   © MAS 2007

White Water Rafting Comes of Age

The 1972 Summer Olympic Games are remembered for the 5 Arabic terrorists that attacked and killed eleven Israeli athletes and coaches. However, it was also the first Olympics to host white water rafting as a leisure event.

Rafting was included as a major event at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The International Federation of Rafting was conceived in 1997 and in 1999 the first official International Championship were held.

The only man-made whitewater course in the southern hemisphere was built purposefully for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The construction was a joint venture between Olympic Co-ordination Authority, the International Canoe Federation and Penrith City Council.   © MAS 2007