Illawarra Fly

Imagine walking among the treetops of an ancient rainforest, with the Pacific Ocean glittering on the horizon. That's the Illawarra Fly, a stunning steel-and-wire walkway that takes you 50 metres above the forest floor. Suspended between giant eucalypts, the walk offers panoramic views from the escarpment down to the coast. It's an exhilarating, family-friendly experience that brings you face-to-face with the lush, subtropical Illawarra rainforest.

Highlights & What to See

• Treetop Walkway: A 500-metre steel walkway that soars through the canopy, with a central tower that climbs to 50 metres – the views over the escarpment and to the ocean are breathtaking.
• Knoll Walk: A shorter, wheelchair-accessible trail that winds through the rainforest at ground level, perfect for spotting lyrebirds, wallabies, and towering tree ferns.
• Zipline Tour: For an adrenaline kick, fly through the forest on a series of ziplines – a guided experience that adds a whole new perspective.
• Lookout Platform: At the highest point of the walkway, you'll find a platform that seems to float above the valley – arrive early or late in the day for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Interpretive Signs: Scattered along the walk, these explain the ecology of the rainforest, including the role of the Illawarra flame tree and the rare stinging tree.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the treetop walk, the Knoll Walk, and the lookout. If you're doing the zipline tour, budget an additional 1.5 hours. The site is compact enough for a half-day trip, but you could easily linger longer if you're a keen birdwatcher or photographer. Combine it with a morning at the nearby Nan Tien Temple or a coastal walk at Minnamurra for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kiama: Famous for its blowhole and beautiful coastal walks, just a 20-minute drive north.
• Minnamurra Rainforest: A lush national park with boardwalks and waterfalls, only 10 minutes away.
• Shellharbour: A laid-back coastal town with great cafés and the stunning Killalea State Park.
• Jamberoo: Home to Jamberoo Action Park (a huge water park) and the historic Jamberoo Pub – a fun stop for families or a cold beer.
• Southern Highlands: Towns like Bowral and Berrima are a scenic 45-minute drive inland, offering gardens, antique shops, and cool-climate wineries.

Please check official sources for current details.