september-2011

For nature-led
adventures, don’t
miss Fitzroy Falls
more about the long-lashed animals that
provide this wool should continue along the
Hume Highway to Birrong Suri Alpacas in
Canyonleigh and join the fascinating 1.5hour
tour of the working farm. This is not
a regular tourist attraction and tours must
be pre-booked through Tourism Southern
Highlands (tel: 1300 657 559) or direct with
the owners. A late afternoon visit is ideal,
when the tour includes feeding time. Go
from July to November to see lots of cria
(baby alpaca).
As well as charming towns and working
farms, the Southern Highlands also boasts
huge state forests and national parks
fi lled with dramatic waterfalls, sandstone
gorges, rugged cliff s and lush rainforests.
Particularly popular with families is
Bundanoon’s Glow Worm Glen, on the edge
of the Meryla State Forest, where visitors
can make the hour-long return trip to see
the natural after-dark light show.
If you’re looking for more nature-led
adventures, don’t miss the dramatic
Fitzroy Falls. Call into the visitor centre
to learn more about the area before taking
the boardwalk to the lookout at the top of
072
Take the boardwalk
to the lookout at the
top of Fitzroy Falls
the falls. There are a number of
easy bushwalks to choose from
which take you to other lookouts
and feature signs pointing out
interesting fl ora and fauna.
Next up is a visit to the
Illawarra Fly, a half-hour drive
from Fitzroy Falls towards the
South Coast, which features a
1.5km walk along an old fi re trail
through emerald green rainforest
and eucalyptus trees. The
highlight is the 25m-high elevated
treetop walk that leads to the
Knights Tower, off ering stunning
views from the top.
During school holidays, kids get
a kick from the ranger’s activity
sheet and the reward of a free
icy pole on completion. One side
features questions with most
answers found on the series of
interpretive panels along the trail,
while the other side has some quirky
brainteasers the whole family will
have fun nutting out together.
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PHOTO: TOURISM SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS