I have written on here before of my love of giving experiences for Christmas and Birthdays… and last Christmas was no different. I wanted to take my third child ziplining for her present, but finding one that was close to us was tricky. Finally after a Google search, I came across a Zipline at the Illawarra Fly that, at 35metres above the sea floor, boasts to have the Highest Zipline in Australia!

It was a long but scenic drive. We meandered along windy roads, through farmlands and small towns before reaching our destination… The Illawarra Fly. On arrival we found ourselves one hour early for our 11am zipline, and hungry! Lucky there is a cafe on site, they serve bacon and egg rolls and Chai Lattes as well as a variety of other yummy food, so we sat back and enjoyed a meal before we had to meet up to Fly through the trees!

After utilising the free lockers for our gear, we met up with our group of 8 other people ready to go flying on the Zipline! The instructor gave us an introduction on how to fly safely,  how to use the equipment and how to move around the platforms without falling off. Next up, we put on our harnesses and we were ready to fly!

Most of us were a little nervous. As we walked down to the first platform everyone was talking quietly among ourselves, but it wasn’t long till we all felt a lot more comfortable. At the first platform our instructor guided us to how to launch and soon we were flying down the first zipline with smiles on our faces. It was at the second platform that I remembered that I had to tackle two suspension bridges… one of my greatest fears. Thankfully the instructor was very kind and patient with us. He reminded us on how to cross safely and told us that we could take as much time as we needed… thank goodness because there was a few of us that wanted to take it slow!

Carefully I stepped out onto the first rung, with my daughter encouraging and cheering me on. In the end it wasn’t too bad and I made it across without any tears! By the time we had moved onto tackle two more ziplines, many of us (including me!) were performing “tricks” such as not holding on or hanging up side down and having the time of our lives!

The time spent in the trees wasn’t just about flying down the ziplines, our instructor was very knowledgeable, sharing every thing he knew about the area, tree species and explaining the environmental aspects of what they do at the Illawarra Fly. After our amazing time ziplining we got to explore the 1.5 kilometer steel platforms of the Tree Top walk. The views over the forest towards the sea were amazing, especially from 45 meters up on top of the Knights Tower Lookout. The spiral staircase up had me hanging on tight to the hand rail, but I’m so glad that I made it to the top! It was breathtaking!

If you are in the Wollongong area and looking for something different and adventurous, then check out the Illawarra Fly and their Zipline.. the highest in Australia!

What: Illawarra Fly Ziplining.

Where: 182 Knights Hill road, Knights Hill, NSW, Australia. (approximately 2 hours from Sydney)

How much: Zipline: Adult from $60 (online price) Child(4 – 15years) from $45 (online) this includes entry to the tree top walk.

Tree top walk only: Adult from $22.50 (online) Child: from $13.50 (online)

Need to know: buy tickets online to save money, you can only take up phones on the zipline if they are in a lanyard pouch … these can be purchased at the counter for $10 (the photos above were taken through one) or  you can byo or hire a go pro, it is safe for children as long as they are over 105cm, some children may need to go tandem with an adult, adults cannot weigh over 120kg, enclosed shoes must be worn, make sure you check out the terms and conditions here. 

 Are you brave enough to go Ziplining?   OR

Have you been? Where?

Safe Travels

Kerrie