This Is the Ultimate Gift Guide for the Person Who Has Everything
Stuck for ideas? This year, give them the gift of the incredible and unforgettable.
We’ve teamed up with RedBalloon and Adrenaline to bring you the ultimate gift guide of unforgettable experiences for the person in your life who’s the hardest to buy for.
We all have that person on our gift list. The person whose possessions are as carefully curated as their Instagram feed. The minimalist friend who says “no” to being given more “stuff”. The dad, brother or partner who you’re sick of buying socks for every time Christmas rolls around. Or even the person who you feel deserves way more this year than just another “thing” to gather dust on the shelf.
If your mission this year is to give differently, we’ve got you covered. The secret? Give the gift of experiences and adventure, which are guaranteed to not only stand out from the present pack but are sure to create memories that last well after the tinsel is packed away and the Boxing Day leftovers are long gone.
With the help of RedBalloon and Adrenaline, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide of unforgettable experiences sure to put a smile on any recipient’s face this Christmas, from the adrenaline-pumping and heart-stopping to the luxuriously relaxing and indulgent.
A New Kind of Wellness Experience
The ultimate extreme sport, skydiving has also become the latest wellness trend, with those who jump from a plane at 15,000ft saying they feel more confident and accomplished after landing back on solid ground. Enjoy the stunning view of Wollongong's coastline as you freefall, strapped to an experienced tandem instructor. All that's left to do is enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
$419.
A Private Cruise on Sydney Harbour
There's hardly anything more iconic than setting sail on Sydney Harbour, except perhaps being on a luxury, private vessel with a five-course menu from one of the city's best restaurants. This 90-minute cruise comes with your very own skipper and complimentary bottle of wine, with an indulgent tasting menu from 6HEAD in Campbell's Cove overlooking the harbour.
$940 for two people.
A South Australian Oyster Farm & Tasting Tour
For the foodie friend with the most discerning of tastebuds, let them wade out into the water at a working commercial oyster farm and earn their next treat. An absolute seafood indulgence, a guide will shuck deliciously salty Coffin Bay Oysters right in front of you, to be enjoyed with a bottle of Adelaide Hills Sparkling. After the tour, head back to Oyster HQ for a sumptuous local and fresh seafood platter and a Bloody Mary shot (over 18s only, obviously) to celebrate a successful harvest.
$525 for two.
A Helicopter Flight & Beach Picnic
There's no more perfect backdrop than the remarkable Broome coastline for a private helicopter adventure. During a 50-minute flight, soar over the world-famous Cable Beach and Willie Creek before landing on your own secluded beach, where a beach picnic (and sparkling wine!) awaits. Relax and enjoy the serenity, and perhaps take a dip, before embarking on an equally gorgeous return flight.
$1358 for two people.
A Swim with Friendly Fur Seals
As curious as they are cute, snorkelling with seals makes for an unforgettable day in the water. Cruise from the Mornington Peninsula around the beautiful Port Philip Bay, spotting dolphins and seals splashing in the surrounds. Then, dive in to frolic with friendly fur seals, swim with wild bottlenose dolphins, and explore the reefs and marine life below.
$350 for two people.
A Sky-High Balloon Flight Over the Hunter Valley
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soaring over a changing landscape at sunrise. A bucket-list-worthy experience, this tranquil hot-air balloon ride offers breathtaking views over the premium wine region of the Hunter Valley as it is bathed in the golden hues of sunrise. Once back on solid ground, savour an à la carte breakfast with a glass of sparkling to celebrate an unforgettable morning.
$349 per person, weekend booking.
A Glamping Getaway
For the family member dreaming of a tree change, gift them an unforgettable and relaxing trip back to nature. Just 2.5 hours from Sydney's CBD at Turon Gates, this luxury accommodation offers complete rest and relaxation. While there's no mobile phone reception, TV or Wi-Fi, there are plenty of ways to get out and explore in nature, with bushwalking, fishing, kayaking and horse riding available. Switching off doesn't mean settling, though: the tent is fitted out with a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, crackling log fire and private balcony.
$885 for three nights for two people.
A Spin in a V8 Supercar
Take control of a powerful V8 Supercar at Bathurst's famous Mount Panorama Circuit. Take a thrilling four laps around the legendary circuit (open just a few times a year for events like this) with a professional racing instructor as friends and family watch with bated breath from the sidelines.
$1200.
A Relaxing Soak
The ultimate in luxury, this private hot springs and bath experience is one for the history books. Take a soak in the natural thermal mineral waters at the picturesque Peninsula Hot Springs, then make your way to the Spa Dreaming Centre's private bathing pavilion for a 45-minute experience. Bathe with your choice of lavender milk, Tulsi tea, mud or Peninsula honey and myrtle additives to enhance relaxation, before sipping on a complimentary herbal tea to finish.
$190 for one person.
A Blend as Unique as Them
For the budding winemaker or aspiring sommelier, this interactive class at Penfolds Barossa Valley gives an inside look into what goes into making the perfect bottle of wine. Guided by an experienced host, create your own blend using Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro - the same varieties used to create Penfolds' award-winning Bin 138.
$170 for two people.
A Day of Stress Relief (With a Difference)
Ever wanted to smash something to pieces? Or get messy with some colour with zero consequences? At Sydney's Smash Splash rooms, get ready to blow off some steam by smashing random objects with your weapon of choice, before heading to the paint room to hurl colours against a bare white wall. The best part? There's no clean-up involved!
$200 for two people.
A Canyoning Trek in the Blue Mountains
Test your limits and live life on the edge (literally) with a full-day abseiling and canyoning adventure in the spectacular Blue Mountains. With no experience necessary, it all begins with a lesson in the basics, before a day of climbing, abseiling, walking, wading, swimming, jumping and sliding.
$249
A Private Lesson with a PGA Pro
Know someone who fancies themselves as a bit of a golf expert? Help them perfect their swing, short game and handicap with this golf lesson with a difference. Taught by a PGA professional at the gorgeous St Michaels Golf Club in Little Bay, this one-hour lesson also comes with beautiful views (and the chance to spot a whale or two while they're swinging the 9 Iron!).
$185 for one person.
Still stuck for ideas? Let them choose their own adventure with a RedBalloon or Adrenaline gift card. Valid for five years, they can unlock endless possibilities of unforgettable memories.
