Photo: User DirkvdM on en.wikipedia / CC BY 1.0
Suspended 25 to 35 metres above the ancient rainforest canopy, the Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures offers a breathtaking perspective on the lush escarpment of the Illawarra region. This eco-adventure attraction combines a gentle, wheelchair-accessible steel walkway with a thrilling zip-line course, making it a unique outdoor experience for families, nature lovers, and adrenaline seekers alike. Located near Robertson in the Southern Highlands, the site provides panoramic views stretching from the verdant forest to the Pacific Ocean, a perfect stop on a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and the South Coast.
Highlights & What to See
- Treetop Walkway: A 500-metre elevated circuit that takes you through the crowns of towering eucalypts and coachwood trees, with interpretive signs explaining the forest ecology. The central tower offers a 360-degree view over the escarpment and, on clear days, all the way to the ocean.
- Fly Zone Zipline Tour: A 1.5-hour guided adventure across five ziplines, including a 200-metre-long line that soars over the canopy. The course is designed for all fitness levels, with professional guides ensuring safety and fun.
- Rainforest Discovery: The walkway passes through a remnant of the once-vast Illawarra subtropical rainforest. Look for lyrebirds, satin bowerbirds, and the occasional swamp wallaby. The elevated perspective allows you to spot epiphytes, ferns, and flowering eucalypts up close.
- On-site Café: The Canopy Café serves locally sourced coffee, cakes, and light meals, with a deck overlooking the forest. It’s a great spot to relax after your walk or zip.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow at least 1.5 hours for a leisurely walk on the treetop walkway, including time to read the interpretive panels and soak in the views. If you’re doing the zipline tour, budget an additional 2 hours. Most visitors combine both activities for a half-day trip (3–4 hours). The site is open daily (except Christmas Day), and it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Robertson: Known as the “Big Potato” town, this charming village is just a 10-minute drive away. Explore its historic main street, antique shops, and the famous Robertson Pie Shop for a hearty lunch.
- Fitzroy Falls: A 20-minute drive west, this spectacular waterfall in Morton National Park plunges 81 metres into a deep gorge. There are well-maintained walking tracks with several lookout points.
- Kiama: Head east for 30 minutes to the coastal town of Kiama, famous for the Kiama Blowhole, a natural rock formation that spouts seawater. Also worth visiting are the Kiama Coastal Walk and the historic lighthouse.
- Jamberoo: A 15-minute drive south, this small town is the gateway to Jamberoo Action Park (a water park) and the Jamberoo Valley, with its scenic drives and local wineries.
- Southern Highlands Hinterland: The region around Bowral, Berrima, and Moss Vale offers gardens, antique shopping, and fine dining. It’s an easy detour on the way to or from Sydney.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Robertson — Timmy96 / CC0
- Fitzroy Falls — Bjenks / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kiama — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jamberoo — OSX / Public domain
- Southern Highlands — Photohome_UK / CC BY 2.0
- Morton National Park — Baltimike / CC BY 2.0
- Illawarra Region — Gadgetcat / CC BY-SA 4.0