Illawarra Fly
Reporter: Felicity Urquhart
NSW’s newest attraction, The Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk, opened to the public on Saturday 15 March 2008.
The Fly is an elevated steel walkway through the canopy of lush rainforest. It’s 500m in length, showcasing an unseen aspect of the rainforest from the only steel tree top walk in NSW. The canopy walk takes around 40 minutes providing extraordinary views of the south coast and hinterland, and is easily accessed via a walking track through the trees. Self guided walking maps are available.
There are 160 tonnes of steel in the treetop walk with 400m3 of concrete used for the footings.
The view from the walk is from Bass Point in the South to the Southern tip of the Royal National Park and everything in between. Perched on the escarpment in the Southern Highlands, the Illawarra Fly provides unprecedented views of the coastline, Lake Illawarra and the expansive valley floor. Not only are the surrounding views spectacular, it’s a haven for native flora and fauna in the tree tops.
"A soft footprint" - with ten towers, the treetop walk is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, “many will get to enjoy the forest but none will touch the ground”. The 500 metre long structure is built on existing forest tracks that follow the edge of the Illawarra Escarpment. "Knights Tower" is ascended via a spiral staircase taking the guest to an exhilarating 45 metres above the forest floor.
The 2 springboard cantilevers, each at 24 metres long, sway gently above the canopy giving you the sensation of being at the edge of the escarpment, whilst offering spectacular views and a challenge to the thrill-seeker.
The Illawarra Fly is the only treetop walk of its kind in the world with 2 cantilevered sections. The treetop walk is able to withstand 280 km/hr winds.
Illawarra Fly is located in the Illawarra Ranges, at Knights Hill, Robertson on the escarpment, near Mittagong.
More Information
Illawarra Fly
182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill
Telephone: 1300 362 881
www.illawarrafly.com.au
Open 9am - 5pm every day.
Entry is 19 for adults, $9 for the kids (aged 6-16) and $49 for a family (2 adults and 2 children).
Prices correct as at 03/05/08
Wallaby Hill Farm [Main House]
Wallaby Hill Farm is in Jamberoo about 20mins from the Illawarra Fly.
Head for the hills and vogue living that will please the most discerning. Creative in design and distinctive in style, this spectacular retreat with captivating views across the valley to the ocean beyond is perfect for a short break, family holiday or corporate gathering.
It was once one of the finest dairies in the valley, but now Wallaby Hill is a working 70 acre farm co-designed by permaculture guru Bill Mollison. Enjoy either the luxury of the house surrounded by a private acre of gardens or the rustic charm of the converted dairy just across the lane overlooking the farmyard and rolling pastures or take the whole family and fill up both premises - the choice is yours.
The House is meticulous in detail with every contemporary luxury. Four bedrooms in the main house: master king, two double bedrooms and twin room, plus a detached queen garden bedroom (extra $100 per night if required). Bathhouse: with steam room, bath, shower, toilet leading to outdoor deck for yoga or meditation; second shower room, toilet. Gourmet kitchen: fully equipped with microwave, dishwasher & fridge. Dining living area warmed in winter by log fire and oil filled heaters. Separate study: TV, VCR, DVD and CD player, videos, books and games. Outdoor furniture, gas barbecue & original Italian brick wood-fired pizza oven from Sienna. Landscaped grounds, solar heated pool, child’s play area and orchards. All linen and towels provided.
There is also a separate garden bedroom for an extra $200. The Dairy, incorporating the Shed and the Bales is available for up to 10 guests.
They don't provide meals, but a chef, Dee, is available to cater for guests – she's a great cook who has catered for many get togethers at the property.
Wake to the kookaburras laughing or the cattle lowing. Help yourself to fruit in the orchard or vegetables from the veggie garden. Discover nearby rainforests, national parks and beaches. Explore the historic townships of Jamberoo and Kiama or … simply sit back, relax, watch the grass grow and soak in the serenity that surrounds.
More Information
Wallaby Hill Farm
185 Wallaby Hill Road, Jamberoo
Telephone: (02) 4234 2065
www.southcoastholidays.com.au
Prices start from $1200 for four people for a 2 night weekend. Get ten people together for 2 nights on the weekend and it’ll cost $180 per person.
Prices correct as at 03/05/08