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Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

View from the top of the tower

Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

Ever gone walking through a forest, looked up at the trees and wondered what it would look like from the canopy? Well at the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk you can find out. Situated just over half an hour west of Kiama, this walk takes you through the canopy of a temperate rainforest.

Checking In

On arrival, check in at reception to confirm you allocated time, because there is a limit on how many people can be there each hour. Make sure you don’t miss out by booking ahead on their web site. At reception they have a small gift shop and café that sells drinks and snacks. There are also toilet facilities, so make use of them as there are none on the walk.

The Walk

The 500m walkway is constructed of sturdy steel, making you feel safe when you are on it. Walking along, you look down to the forest floor 20 to 30m below. Surrounded by trees, you really are a part of the forest canopy. At two points, 25m cantilever bridges extend out from the main walkway. These bounce slightly as you walk on them, but they are very safe and anchored by large steel cables. Walking to the end of the bridges takes you over the escarpment for amazing views.

The highlight of the walk is Knights Tower, which rises 45m above the forest floor, providing beautiful views all the way to the coast.

On the walk to or from the reception building, check out the decorations and displays on the way, including a miniature village.

What Did We Think?

We had a great time here and really enjoyed the views and also the feeling of being in the treetops. For the more adventurous, there is a zip line that runs through the trees. Of course, you could always do both if you wanted.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Heritage Walking Track Minmi

Heritage Walking Track

Heritage Walking Track

Originally a coal mining area dating from the 1840s, little remains to remind you of its past. Following its closure in the 1980s, rehabilitation and dedicated work by the Minmi Heritage Landcare Group have removed many of the scars. Plantings of native trees, the eradication of invasive plants and the installation of barbecues and picnic facilities have produced a beautiful community park. The Heritage Walking Track winds through the regenerated bushland.

Located near the outer western Newcastle suburb of Minmi, the park has plenty of parking and a small toilet block. The walking tracks are shown on an information board near the car park.

The Track

We chose the Heritage Walk because it includes the brick tower of an old ventilation shaft from the coal mine. Starting at the end of the car park, the track immediately splits into two paths. There are no signs to show which way to go, but the correct direction is to the right of the large white tyre. Not far from here, a track leads off to the left. Fortunately, there are two signs here showing that this is the way to go.

From the left turn, the well-maintained path follows a shady route through regenerated Australian bushland. We didn’t see any wildlife but could here plenty of cicadas.

The trail intersects another track, where you will find the brick tower. This remnant of the old coal mine used to provide ventilation to the mine’s underground workings. Turn right at the intersection, where another well-formed track takes you back to the car park.

Only a few minutes’ walk from the car park is the old Minmi Cemetery, where you can see the graves of many of the mine workers and their families.

What Did We Think?

A simple easy walk, it only took us 45 minutes, including stops for photos. The well-maintained path and shady trees made the walk enjoyable.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

Baiame Cave Painting

Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

It’s amazing what you can find close to home that you didn’t know existed! It’s even on the local council website, but we somehow failed to see it. About 25 minutes down the Putty Road from Singleton, the Baiame Cave at Milbrodale contains a significant example of Aboriginal art.

Significance

Connected to other sacred sites in the region, the cave and its artwork are culturally significant to the local Wonnarua people. Baiame is the creator and protector of the local people. In the painting he has widespread, larger than life arms. This signifies his status as protector of the local people. His eyes are also overly large, because he was all seeing and all knowing.

The choice of this particular cave is significant because it allows Baiame to look over the land of the Wonnarua. It also allows the local and visiting people to view the creator.

Getting There

Located on private property, access is via a dirt track just off Welshs Road. Although the property is privately owned, you are allowed access to the cave, but be respectful and remember no camping is allowed here. On our visit, a creek crossing just off the road, had been washed out. This meant we couldn’t drive all the way in, but it was only a short flat walk in. A sign at an intersection points in the direction to go.

The cave is located in the small escarpment to the left of the road, with a small path leading up. In the cave, a raised steel mesh platform provides a nice stable area to stand on and view the painting. Do not step off the platform, so as not to damage the cave. Remember the cave is heritage listed and protected.

The Painting

The painting depicts Baiame with arms outstretched looking over the river valley. Also visible are hand and arm stencils, representing the people who cared for and maintained the cave. There are also axe and boomerang stencil around the main figure.

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to visit, not only was it good to see, but we also learnt something else about the local Wonnarua people. The current access may be difficult for people with mobility issues, because you need to climb over the broken river crossing, but otherwise the track is flat and easy to walk.