Swinging from the tree tops
From the Autumn/Winter 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Enjoying the roping course suspension bridge. Photo courtesy Ecoline Pty Ltd
Visitors to Ourimbah State Forest on the NSW central coast should turn their eyes skyward to get the best view of the newest commercial enterprise on State forest, TreeTop Adventure Park.
Established by Frederic and Sandrine Galimard of Ecoline Pty Ltd, the new TreeTop Adventure Park is an adventure-based course located on Red Hill Road (just inside the White Gates) in Ourimbah State Forest.
The new park has been designed to attract families, students, sports lovers and corporate groups alike, and offers an eco-friendly adventure activity that’s great for your fitness, exciting to try and gentle on the environment.
Consisting of a number of ‘challenges’ which link tree to tree, the course allows participants to move through the tree canopy at their own pace.
Described as ‘a playground in the trees’, participants traverse suspension bridges, ladders, trapezes, Tarzan jumps and the odd flying fox.
The high-wire activities are of progressive difficulty, but are designed to allow everyone to complete the course.
A variety of courses are available, from those designed for children over 3 years old, through to easy, medium, and ‘adventure lover’ grades.
All participants are required to complete a mini ‘training course’ to ensure they are able to safely undertake the TreeTop Adventures. Following a full safety induction, instructors assist participants through the course and provide advice and assistance where needed.
On the course participants are required to wear safety harnesses which are then attached to guiding lines. Two carabineers are used to ensure that participants remain attached to the course at all times, as they move from one platform to the next.
Parents can relax while watching their children move in total safety through a continuous belay safety system, similar to the one currently used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.
The TreeTop Adventure Park aims for minimal environmental impact on the forest, especially as the trees are the real stars of the course.
“The platforms are built without any drilling or nailing to the trees. All our structures are designed to allow the trees to grow unrestricted. The forest is part of the total experience, of both adventure and fitness, so we take great care to respect the forest and ensure it is conserved for future generations,” operator Frederic Galimard said.
As the only operating treetop-based adventure course in NSW, TreeTop Adventure Park is a new experience not to be missed.
TreeTop Adventures is open 7 days a week. For further information visit
www.TreeTopAdventurePark.com.au or phone (02) 4025 1008.
Louise Faulkner - Community Partnerships, Maitland
