Photo: Photohome_UK / CC BY 2.0
High above the ancient rainforest canopy, Illawarra Fly offers a breathtaking perspective on New South Wales' lush Illawarra escarpment. This treetop walk and zipline adventure lets you stroll among towering eucalypts and coachwood trees, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the verdant valleys below. It's a must-do for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, combining a gentle rainforest walk with heart-pumping zipline experiences.
Highlights & What to See
- Treetop Walkway: A 500-metre steel walkway suspended 20–30 metres above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the escarpment and, on clear days, all the way to the coast.
- Knoll Lookout: A circular platform that extends over the edge of the escarpment, giving you a bird's-eye view of the rainforest and the ocean beyond.
- Zipline Tour: Fly through the canopy on a series of ziplines, including the longest and fastest in Australia, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
- Rainforest Interpretation: Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Illawarra region, including the rare Illawarra palm and the powerful peregrine falcon.
- Night Walks: Occasionally offered, these guided tours reveal the nocturnal side of the forest, with possums, gliders, and bioluminescent fungi.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least 2–3 hours to fully enjoy the treetop walk and soak in the views. If you're adding the zipline tour, allow an extra 1.5–2 hours. The site is well-suited for a half-day outing, and you can easily combine it with a picnic lunch at one of the nearby lookouts. For a relaxed pace, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet of the forest.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kiama: Famous for its blowhole, seaside charm, and coastal walks, just a 20-minute drive south.
- Jamberoo: A historic village with a popular action park and mountain biking trails, 15 minutes away.
- Minnamurra Rainforest: A stunning boardwalk through subtropical rainforest in Budderoo National Park, 10 minutes north.
- Shellharbour: A coastal town with beautiful beaches and the Killalea State Park, 25 minutes north.
- Berry: A quaint country town known for its antique shops, cafes, and the nearby Seven Mile Beach, 30 minutes south.
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
- Kiama — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jamberoo — OSX / Public domain
- Minnamurra Rainforest — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shellharbour — State Library of NSW Public Library Services / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Berry — Eva Rinaldi / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Budderoo National Park — N2xjk / CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Coast Walk — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0