Road testing the World’s Longest Rollercoaster Zip Line
I’m not afraid to admit that I like flying foxes and zip lines. There’s no shame in enjoying the childhood sensation of flying through the air and soaring like a bird, albeit for a brief second. Well, now on the NSW Central Coast you can supersize that feeling on the world’s longest rollercoast zip line – an attraction that takes the childhood thrill and turns it into an experience being universally embraced by the young and old.
The Crazy Rider Xtreme at Tree Tops Adventure Park on the Central Coast is located just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney, and is one unique thrill ride through the Ourimbah State Forest that will redefine your prior interpretation of a zip line. This insane bird-like sensation takes place on a 1.3km long track, around 6 stories high above the canopy, and is guaranteed to be one of the most unique attractions you’ll ever experience.
After a safety gear fitting, it’s a short hike through the forest to the top launch platform. I’m harnessed into a safety sling, clipped on to the railing, and thrown off a platform. After starting off modestly in speed, momentum takes over and you’re soon soaring through the tree tops.
All sounds pretty standard right? Wrong! This zip line is different from traditional attractions not only due to its setting in the Australian bush; it’s anything but one straight zip line on a decline. Rather, it’s a series of around 40 different obstacles which twist and turn, zig and zag, spin and drop you through the forest. There are three 360 degree loops, and one 540 metre circle, with a number of sharp turns and jolts that throw me excitedly all through the air. It’s the unexpected movement of the ride which really gets the adrenalin pumping, and I’m overtaken with fits of laughter and a wide smile all the way down.
The most amazing thing about the ride is that the entire set up is completely fixed to existing trees in the Ourimbah State Forest. Not one single metal beam or pole was erected to hold the actual zip line – every cable and bolt is attached through a complex and systematic method to the trees themselves. It’s an incredible engineering achievement that really embraces its natural Australian setting.
Anyone from 7 years of age can ride the zip line, and best of all, there’s wheelchair accessibility all the way to the top. All up, the ride takes about 4 minutes from the top right down through the forest to the landing platform.
This zip line is a great Australian experience – getting to cruise through the forest, with the sounds of kookaburras and cicadas in your ears, as you soar through the gumtrees under the sunshine. It’s brilliant that such an ingenious set up has been created in a great natural setting, and it’s one attraction that is guaranteed to give you one unique perspective of the Australian bush.
Expedia compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site, such compensation may include travel and other costs.
More Articles With Adventure
When was the last time you went skiing? Were there heated walkways, free bubbles, hot toddies, hot tubs, and roaring fireplaces? We didn’t think so. If you haven’t been to Northstar California Resort, in North Lake Tahoe, you haven’t done skiing right. Here’s 10 reasons why this North American ski resort will take your winter… Continue reading 10 reasons Northstar shines bright in snow season
This article is a joint partnership between Expedia and Air Vanuatu. Being a mere three-hour flight from Sydney, two-and-a-half hours from Brisbane, and from June 2019, just over four hours from Melbourne, Vanuatu is the South Pacific neighbour where your family can have an active holiday and experience real island life. Immerse in the cultural… Continue reading 5 reasons to go to Vanuatu in 2019
More than four million people have climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and for International Women’s Day, BridgeClimb celebrated with a very special Power Climb made up of inspiring Australian women. The three hour BridgeClimb celebrates women working together, ‘rising above’ to achieve their dreams and marks the first of many series… Continue reading BridgeClimb takes International Women’s Day to new heights
It’s dark outside the four-wheel drive, Mexico’s highways are quiet at 4am, there’s just us and a few passing cars on the road for the two and a bit hour drive. The sky hasn’t started to lighten as we hop out of the car, stretch our legs and slowly walk into the park. Passing through… Continue reading How to take the best photographs of Chichen Itza
What’s roughly the same size as Singapore, had its own Ice Age and is just a few hours away from Australia? Trust us, you won’t guess because we’re talking about Lake Taupo. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, four hours drive south east of Auckland, Lake Taupo is in fact the same size as Singapore.… Continue reading Why Taupo needs to be on your to do list