A number of experiences across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs can push you to the edge of your comfort zone.
So if you’re in the mood for some high-BPM moments, we’ve put together a list of some of the best options in the east.
Did we miss any? Email us at [email protected]
Learn to abseil
Image Credit: Teague Leigh
With slabs of rock between 18 and 50 metres off the ground, Seven Acre Rock in Gembrook offers panoramic views of the Yarra State Forest, Bunyip State Park and farm land.
The four-hour experience includes a one-kilometre hike, followed by guided sessions where you progressively develop your skills and comfort between sloped slabs to a sheer cliff face.
Where: 3375 Warburton Highway, Warburton
Cost: $132 for adults, $102 for children aged 14-17
Whitewater rafting on the Yarra
Guided sessions lasting two to three hours involve learning the basics of how to control your raft and what to do if you fall off.
Where: Various locations in Wonga Park and Warrandyte
Cost: From $89 for children over 5 to $190
Skydive over the Yarra Valley
Image Credit: SkyDivePhoto
The experience includes safety preparations on the ground, a 20 to 25-minute climb up to 15,000 feet, a 60-second freefall and a five to seven-minute glide over the Yarra Valley’s wine region.
Beyond the experience, optional extras include purchasing photos and videos taken by your tandem instructor or paying extra for a dedicated flyer to take video and photos.
Where: Lilydale Airport, 13 MacIntyre Lane, Yering
Cost: $469 with optional extras
Drive a V8 Supercar at Sandown Raceway
Image Credit: Kytabu
Springvale’s Sandown Raceway has hosted motor racing events since 1962.
While the track will be packed to the brim this coming weekend for the Sandown 500, there are a number of experiences you can book during the rest of the year, including getting to drive a V8 Supercar or being driven by professional driver John Bowe.
If you want to test out your own speed machine, there are also special track days where members of the public can drive with no speed restrictions.
Where: Sandown International Motor Raceway, 591–659 Princes Highway, Springvale
Cost: From $79 for children to $1,495
Learn how to fly trapeze
Hosting Melbourne's only full-sized indoor flying trapeze rig, Blackburn’s Fly Factory Circus School’s program includes two-hour beginner workshops, term classes or aerial fitness sessions.
Beginner workshops involve learning how to complete a basic knee-hang catch, where you hook your knees over the trapeze bar to then transfer over to swinging off an instructor.
Where: Fly Factory Circus School, 26 Cottage Street, Blackburn
Cost: $110