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Domestic Travel

The best tree-top walks in Australia

Enjoy a new perspective on the forest by getting up close and personal with a canopy walk through the tree-tops. Instead of looking up from the ground, or down at the forest from a plane, you can get amongst the foliage and find yourself face to face with the sights and sounds of nature.

We have pulled together a list of the best of canopy walks around the country. Take in a new angle and you might be surprised at what you can discover.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, Queensland

If you’re in south east Queensland you can wander through the canopy of the rainforest on Tamborine Mountain. See the many butterflies as you walk the 1.5 kilometre track 30 metres above ground level.

Get there: 1 hour drive from Brisbane or 50 minutes from the Gold Coast

Tickets: Adult $19.50, Child $9.50, Family $49.50

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm

O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, Queensland

If you’re after a more thrilling walk, the nine suspension bridges on the O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk in Queensland should fit the bill. Swaying 15 metres above the ground, the bridges run for 180 metres. You can also take in the view from the two observation decks another 15 metres above the walkway. There’s plenty of bird life to enjoy, with over 160 known species.

Get there: 2 hour drive from Brisbane or just over an hour from the Gold Coast

Tickets: Free

Opening hours: All day, year round

The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, Western Australia

Wander through the last forest of red tingle trees in the world and see some stunning eucalypts that are over 400 years old. At its peak the Treetop Walk reaches 40 metres above the ground, with a lightweight structure that sways in the breeze. The walk loops for 600 metres through the trees.

Get there: 5 hour drive from Perth

Tickets: Adult $15, Child $7.50, Family $37.50

Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, New South Wales

It’s the only canopy walk in New South Wales, and you’ll be impressed by the stunning sandstone cliffs of the Illawarra escarpment as you wander through the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk. The steel platforms are 30 metres above the ground and the trail runs for 500 metres. At the end of the walk climb the spiral tower almost 50 metres above ground level to enjoy the sweeping views to the ocean.

Get there: 1.5 hour drive from Sydney or 2 hours from Canberra

Tickets: Adult $25, Child $10, Family $64

Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Otway Fly Treetop Walk, Victoria

If it’s records you’re after, visit the longest and highest steel canopy walk in the world. Start at the visitor’s centre and do the 2km round trip which takes in the forest floor as well as a 600 metre walkway that sits 25 metres above the ground. The 47 metre-high spiral tower gives you a fantastic view over the tops of the trees. If you’re brave you can even let the wind sway you on the cantilever over Young's Creek.

Get there: 2.5 hours from Melbourne or a 1.5 hour drive from Geelong

Tickets: Adult $25, Child $10 

Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Tahune AirWalk, Tasmania

If breathtaking views are your thing, the Tahune AirWalk in Tasmania should be on your to-do list. Walking through the eucalypt treetops you’ll soon find yourself on suspensions bridges over the Huon and Picton rivers. The solid steel structure is 29m above ground level and runs for nearly 600 metres. The grand finale is a stunning 24m-long steel cantilever where you perch out over the rushing river.

Get there: 1.5 hour drive from Hobart

Tickets: Adult $26, Child $13, Family $52

Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Image credits: Queensland.com/Illawarrafly.com/Discovertasmania.com.au

Related links:

The best places to go birdwatching around Australia

Top 5 swimming holes to cool off in the heat

What to do in emergencies when camping

Tags:
outdoors, lifestyle, nature, Lee Price