Another weekend, another adventure in Newcastle! This time we sent our intrepid contributor, Brittany, to Newcastle’s Tree Top Adventure Park to take on the high-ropes course. Here’s what she had to say.
If this activity taught me one thing, it’s that my spaghetti arms and I are not entirely equipped to swing through the air with the greatest of ease. A Lesson in High Ropes 101: upper body strength is v. important.
That being said, Tree Top Adventure Park has a number of high ropes courses that cater to all ages and fitness levels, so if you’re a bit like me when it comes arm strength (or, lack thereof), you’ll still be able to enjoy what the park has to offer.
Our guide, Aaron, got us all geared up and ensured we were safely strapped into our harnesses, then took us to the training course for a rundown on how to traverse the treetops.
If you haven’t done any sort of climbing before, the friendly staff are there to help you get your head around the gear and how it all works before you hit the ropes.
It does seem like a fair bit of knowledge to take in at first – I’ll admit my friend and I found ourselves slightly baffled BEFORE WE EVEN LEFT THE GROUND trying to get our clips locked into the first ladder… But, after a fit of giggles and Aaron’s help, it didn’t take long before we got the hang of it.
You ease into your day on the high ropes on the Green Course, suited to beginners, which helps you get into the flow of clipping and unclipping your harness on the ropes.
Each course involves a series of ‘challenges’ that get harder as you go. From one challenge to the next, you’ll find yourself climbing, crawling, swinging, leaping, balancing and teetering on the edge.
Then of course, everybody’s favorite part – the flying foxes. As a kid, I always thought the flying fox was the best part of the playground. As an adult, nothing’s changed. Except that the flying foxes at Treetops are much higher, longer, and way more exciting! You can check them out in our video highlights of the day below:
Moving on to the Blue Course, you start to come across challenges that require a little more strategic thought and concentration on your centre of gravity.
You also begin to develop a newfound appreciation for the humble flying fox. Throughout the courses, they become your muscles’ saving grace, giving you a chance to relax for a moment as you navigate your way through the trees. Also, they provide with some great views of the park from above!
Red steps the difficulty level up a few notches. This course has a few more complex challenges to negotiate, and like a game of aerial Twister, you know you need to get your left foot onto the green circle but… how?!?
Though slightly trickier, the Red Course comes with a fantastic reward – The Tarzan Jump. Yes, it is exactly how it sounds. You climb up onto the highest platform, lock in your safety clips, grab onto the rope and JUMP!
The trees around you whoosh past in a blur as you swing across the canopy. Once you reach the other side, you land Spiderman-style on a vertical web of ropes for the next challenge. Awesome.
Though my screaming arm muscles the day after may beg to differ, Tree Top’s courses were a lot of fun! A perfect mix between feeling as though you were born to climb with your monkey-like prowess, to feeling extremely challenged and out-of-your-comfort-zone.
Once I’d hit the end of the Red Course, I felt accomplished enough – and tired enough – to call it a day. At this point, the spaghetti arms were feeling more like mashed potato, and would be of no further help if I tried to take on the final big bad Black Course.
I’m not usually one to walk away without having done everything (because, FOMO), but Tree Top’s courses are a pretty tough physical activity, and they definitely give you a few good hours of a full-body workout!
One thing I will say is make sure you bring gloves or purchase some from the kiosk before starting the course, because you use your hands a lot to grip the ropes and cables. I made the mistake of not wearing gloves, my hands were feeling a little sore and sorry at the end of the day.
Tree Top Adventure Park is open rain or shine, and is a great option for cooler or overcast weekends when you still want to get outdoors and active. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, seeking an interesting activity to add into your fitness regime, or even just all about those flying foxes, Tree Top Adventure Park is a must-do.
And as for the Black Course? Well. I’ll be back… Maybe after I’ve done a few weeks of push-ups.
If you’re ready to take on your own Tree Top Adventure, check out http://www.treetopadventurepark.com.au/ for more details on all the parks across Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney.
TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK
Duration: Depending on your skill level, all 4 courses can take anywhere between 1.5 – 3 hrs to complete
Adventure Level: High as the tree tops
Adventure Scale: 9 out of 10 Tarzan calls
Stay tuned for the next Adventure Newcastle feature, our new series where we test-run some of the best activities and experiences on offer in Newcastle and the Hunter.
