Treetops Adventure The Hills Tree Ropes Course

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Climb, balance and zipline through tall pines in the Cumberland State Forest, half an hour from Sydney's CBD. Treetops calls The Hills its highest park, and its 9 courses run from low junior circuits for 3-year-olds to an expert course for teenagers and adults.

Days

2.5 hours

Age

3 years and over (junior courses for ages 3 to 7)

Group size

Self-guided climb, instructors on the ground

Start / finish

Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills / same place

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way; Treetops car park 10 minutes' walk from reception

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Treetops Adventure The Hills Tree Ropes Course

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Included experiences

Safety briefing — harness fitting and training before you climb
Junior courses — low circuits 4 to 10 m up for ages 3 to 7
Tree ropes courses — beginner to expert, 15 to 25 m up in the pines
Ziplines and rope bridges — cross between the trees on wires, nets and bridges

Treetops Adventure The Hills Tree Ropes Course

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN IN CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST

Half an hour from the city, Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills is Sydney's only state forest, a patch of planted pines and native trees beside Castle Hill Road. Leave the car in the Treetops car park and follow the forest track about 10 minutes to reception. Allow 30 minutes before your session for parking and check-in. Your booked time is gear-up time: the crew fit your harness and run a safety briefing and training, which even repeat climbers do, because the courses change.

UP INTO THE PINES

Treetops calls The Hills its highest park, and you'll feel why. The main courses sit on platforms 15 to 25 metres up in the pines, with beginner and intermediate levels from age 8, advanced from 10 and expert from 13. Rope bridges swing under your feet, cargo nets ask for arms as well as legs, and ziplines carry you from tree to tree. The climbing is self-guided, with instructors on the ground watching, so you set your own pace and choose when to step up a level.

THE JUNIOR COURSES

Children from 3 to 7 have their own junior and junior pro circuits, 4 to 10 metres off the ground. They climb on their own while parents watch from below, as adults aren't allowed on these courses. For ages 8 to 10 on the main courses, one paying adult climbs with every four children.

FINISHING UP

Your session ends when you hand back your harness, two and a half hours after gear-up. Cafe Saligna is right next door for coffee or lunch, and there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby in the forest if you've brought your own.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Treetops reception, 95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills, inside Cumberland State Forest. Map apps may drop you at the forest entrance. The Treetops car park is a 10 minute walk from reception; the spaces near reception are for disabled parking and Plants Plus customers only.
Departure time: Arrive 30 minutes before your session for parking and check-in. Sessions run through the day, with the last starting at 2:30pm. Arriving more than 45 minutes late means losing the booking.
Minimum age: 3 years for the junior courses. Children aged 8 to 10 need a ticketed adult climbing with them (one adult per four children). Adults cannot go on the junior courses, so parents of 3 to 7 year olds watch from the ground. Climbers aged 11 to 17 need an adult on site.
Fitness: The courses are physically demanding; an average to moderate level of fitness is recommended. Weight limit 120 kg. Pregnant women cannot take part, and anyone with a medical condition should check with their doctor first.
Suits: Families, school-age kids, teenagers and adults. Each level has a suggested reach height (arms up, flat feet), from 85 cm for the junior courses to 140 cm for the expert course.
Please note: The walk in is an uneven forest path with steps, so it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Climbing goes ahead in the rain but stops for thunderstorms or strong winds. Everyone signs an online waiver, emailed when you book. Remove loose jewellery and watches; no pets.

What to bring

Secure, enclosed shoes
Comfortable clothes that sit well under a harness, suited to the weather
Water bottle (there is a tap near the courses)
Hair tie for long hair

What is included

2.5 hour tree ropes session, including gearing up
Harness and climbing equipment
Safety briefing and training
Access to every course your age and reach allow

Not included

Treetops grip gloves, required for every climber (about $5.50 each, sold at checkout or in the park, yours to keep)
Food and drink (cold drinks at reception; Cafe Saligna next door)
Transport to the park

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.