Reviewed · MARGARET RIVER TOURS

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course

★ 4.8 · 84 reviews 2 hours From $41 Operated by Capes Foundation · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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The most unusual part of this Busselton adventure is not the zip lining. It is the chance to ride a BMX more than 9 metres above the forest floor, alongside skateboarding elements, Tarzan jumps, and wobbling rope bridges. You begin low and work upward, so the forest course can feel like a gentle family outing or a serious test of nerve.

I like the clear progression from 3 metres to 19 metres, which lets you build confidence before taking on the harder sections. I also like the range of activities: zip lines are woven through the courses, and a separate seven-zip route finishes with a flight longer than 150 metres.

The main point to consider is the physical demand. You will climb, balance, pull yourself along, and make quick jumps, and the higher routes can feel tough. On hot days, conditions may also affect the session, so bring water and avoid treating this as a passive sightseeing stop.

Key points before you book

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - Key points before you book

  • The course rises from 3 to 19 metres: Start with lower elements, then choose harder routes as your confidence grows.
  • A seven-zip course offers a simpler route to the thrills: It begins at 18 metres and requires no extra climbing before the zip lines.
  • The BMX ride is the oddball highlight: You pedal through the trees more than 9 metres above the ground.
  • Children need active adult support: Climbers aged 7 and 8 require one climbing adult for every two children, with one adult per child recommended.
  • The final zip runs more than 150 metres: It gives the dedicated zip course a strong finish.
  • You need closed-toe shoes and basic mobility: Flip-flops, Crocs, and unsuitable footwear are not allowed.

From a 3-metre start to a 19-metre challenge

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - From a 3-metre start to a 19-metre challenge

Forest Adventures South West builds the session around a useful idea: do not throw beginners straight into the tallest course. You start close to the forest floor, learn how the safety system works, and then decide how far you want to go.

The first elements are likely to feel manageable for most active beginners. You may cross simple balancing lines, ladders, platforms, and short rope sections. These early challenges matter because the equipment can feel awkward before it feels natural. Once you get your footing, the course becomes less about figuring out the harness and more about choosing your next move.

As you progress, the routes become longer, higher, and less stable. The ropes wobble more. Gaps feel wider. Platforms sit farther apart. At the upper level, you can be as high as 19 metres above the forest floor, which changes the experience from a family climbing session into a real aerial challenge.

You are not required to take on every level. That is one of the better features here. A first-timer can enjoy the lower courses, while an experienced climber can keep moving toward the taller sections. The park therefore works well for mixed groups, although everyone should expect some exertion.

A few more Busselton trips to weigh up

The safety briefing sets the tone

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - The safety briefing sets the tone

Every session begins with a safety briefing and demonstration. Pay close attention here, even if you have used a harness before. The safety actions may seem complicated during the first few minutes, but children and adults generally get the hang of them once they begin practising.

Staff are available to guide you through the course, and this support is important when you reach an element that looks easier from the ground than it feels in the air. You may need a reminder about the safety system, a tip on how to balance, or simply a moment to gather yourself before moving on.

The course is designed so you remain responsible for your own progress. That can feel empowering, but it also means you should not rush. Move at a pace that keeps you calm and controlled. If a high platform makes you nervous, take a breath and look at the next attachment point rather than the ground below.

The strong safety focus is especially useful for families. Adults are required to supervise all climbers under 16. Children aged 7 and 8 must have one climbing adult for every two children, although one adult for each child is recommended for the best experience. For ages 9 to 16, one adult is needed for every six children, and that adult does not have to climb.

Supervising adults must be at least 17 years old. Keep this rule in mind when planning a family booking. A younger teenager cannot take the place of the required supervising adult.

The zip lines are spread through the forest

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - The zip lines are spread through the forest

Zip lines appear throughout the high ropes courses, so you get short bursts of speed as part of the wider climbing challenge. They break up the balancing sections and give you a chance to glide rather than climb.

There is also a dedicated zipline course with more than seven zips. It begins at 18 metres, and you do not need to complete an additional climbing route to reach the first line. That makes it a good choice if you want the flying sensation without committing to every rope element.

The final zip stretches more than 150 metres. It is the kind of finish that gives the route a clear sense of arrival, rather than ending with one more short crossing. You should expect the dedicated zip route to be exciting, but it is not necessarily the easiest option for someone uncomfortable with height. The starting point is already high.

I like having both choices. You can make the zip lines part of a longer physical course, or focus on a series of aerial rides. Families and mixed-ability groups may find this useful because not everyone wants the same level of climbing.

BMX, skateboards, and Tarzan jumps

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - BMX, skateboards, and Tarzan jumps

The BMX ride is the feature that gives this park its personality. Pedalling a bicycle through the trees, more than 9 metres up, is a very different task from simply crossing a bridge. You need to manage balance and movement at the same time, and the height adds a healthy dose of tension.

A skateboard element offers another unusual variation. These are not standard playground activities lifted into the trees. They make you think about familiar movements in a new setting, with the added challenge of harnesses, ropes, and open space around you.

Tarzan jumps bring a more direct burst of adrenaline. You leap from one point and swing or move through the course under the safety system. Free-fall quick jumps provide another short, sharp challenge, while balancing lines test patience more than speed.

The mix helps prevent the session from becoming repetitive. You are not simply walking across one rope bridge after another. Some sections ask for balance, some for strength, and others for a willingness to step into empty space.

Same coast, a completely different day out:

What the two-hour session feels like

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - What the two-hour session feels like

The published duration is two hours, while the included high ropes session is also described as lasting 2.5 hours. Treat this as roughly two to two and a half hours on site for the activity, and check the starting time and current duration when you book.

That is enough time to complete several courses without turning the day into an all-day commitment. The physical effort adds up, though. One recent participant found about an hour and a half was already plenty of fun and exercise, which is a useful reminder that the clock is not the only measure of value.

You will spend time listening to the briefing, fitting and checking equipment, moving between elements, and waiting briefly if another climber is ahead. The pace can vary depending on how quickly your group handles each course. Younger children may take longer at difficult sections, while confident adults may move steadily.

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing that allows your legs and arms to move. Tie back long hair, bring water, and use closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops and Crocs are not accepted. You may also want clothing that can handle contact with ropes and platforms rather than something delicate.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan your refreshments separately. The forest setting gives you a fresh-air break from town and screens, but you should not arrive expecting a catered activity.

A good family choice, with important age rules

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - A good family choice, with important age rules

The minimum age is 7, and climbers must be at least 110 centimetres tall. Children under 7, people under 110 centimetres, and people over 120 kilograms cannot take part.

For families, the course works best when adults are prepared to participate rather than simply watch. Seven and eight-year-olds may need hands-on help with some elements, and the supervising adult may need to climb, zip, and steady themselves too. One grandmother who accompanied a 7-year-old found the lower course enjoyable, but the practical lesson is clear: you should be ready for a proper physical activity.

Children aged 9 to 15 can take on more of the courses with less direct help, but they still need adult supervision. The courses may look easy from below, yet height and movement can change a child’s confidence quickly. Let younger climbers set a sensible pace instead of pushing them toward the tallest route.

The activity also suits adults. Two adults can have a good time here without children, especially if both enjoy a little nervous laughter and physical challenge. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable climbing and balancing outdoors.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The course involves ladders, elevated platforms, balancing sections, and active movement. If you have doubts about your ability to manage those tasks, contact the provider before booking.

The forest setting is part of the appeal

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - The forest setting is part of the appeal

The trees provide more than a backdrop. You move through the forest rather than simply looking at it, with fresh air around you and the ground shifting farther away as the courses rise.

The setting also softens the intensity of the activity. Between challenges, you can pause on a platform and take in the surrounding trees. The result is part outdoor exercise, part amusement ride, and part confidence test.

Weather matters here. One session took place on an exceptionally hot summer day, and the park closed during the afternoon. That is a useful warning for anyone planning a summer visit. Bring water, check conditions, and avoid assuming that a booking will feel comfortable in extreme heat.

You should also know that personal photos and videos may not be possible during the activity. The safety rules and course design take priority, so if recording your best zip is important to you, confirm the current policy before arriving.

Is $41 good value?

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the price is reasonable for a guided session lasting around two to two and a half hours, especially if you use several courses. You are paying for the safety briefing, equipment, staff support, and access to a large mix of elevated activities rather than one short zip line.

The value improves for active families who stay for the full session. Children can work through age-appropriate sections, adults can supervise or climb, and confident members of the group can aim for the taller courses. The activity also offers more variety than a single ride, with BMX, skateboarding, jumps, balancing lines, and multiple zip routes.

The value is less clear if you dislike heights or tiring physical activities. You may finish early, avoid the upper levels, or spend much of the session waiting for other members of your group. In that case, the price may feel high compared with a simple sightseeing stop.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some protection if plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are building a Western Australia itinerary around weather and other bookings.

Who should book this forest adventure?

Busselton: Forest Adventure with Zip Lining and Rope Course - Who should book this forest adventure?

I would recommend it to families with children aged 7 and older, groups of friends, and couples who want an active break in the Busselton area. It is particularly good for a group with mixed confidence levels because the courses increase in difficulty rather than demanding one fixed level from everyone.

It suits you if you like the feeling of solving a physical problem. The challenge is not only height. You must decide how to place your feet, when to shift your weight, and how much effort to use on each section.

It may not suit you if you want a relaxed forest walk, a short activity with no exertion, or a guaranteed way to avoid height. The 19-metre course, 18-metre zip start, and free-fall elements are real thrills, not decorative extras.

I would also think carefully about adult supervision before booking for several young children. The required ratios are manageable, but the adults may need to climb and assist, not just sit nearby.

Should you book Forest Adventures South West?

Book it if you want a hands-on forest challenge with real variety. The combination of progressive rope courses, a dedicated zip route, a 150-metre final zip, and oddball features such as the elevated BMX ride gives you plenty to do for the price.

Families should bring enough capable adults, water, closed-toe shoes, and a willingness to help younger climbers. Adults travelling without children should book with confidence if they enjoy physical challenges and do not mind testing their balance at height.

Skip it if mobility limits make climbing unsafe, if you are above the 120-kilogram limit, or if hot-weather exertion sounds unpleasant. For everyone else, this is a lively way to trade a few ordinary hours for fresh air, nervous laughs, and a satisfying sense of having climbed higher than planned.

FAQ

Where is the forest adventure located?

The activity takes place at Forest Adventures South West in Busselton, Western Australia.

How long does the activity last?

The booking information lists a duration of two hours, while the included high ropes course is described as 2.5 hours. Check the available start times and current session length when booking.

How much does it cost?

The listed price is $41 per person.

What age can children start?

Participants must be at least 7 years old and 110 centimetres tall.

Is adult supervision required for children?

Yes. Climbers under 16 must be directly supervised by an adult aged 17 or older. Children aged 7 and 8 require one climbing adult for every two children, while one adult per child is recommended. For climbers aged 9 to 16, one adult is required for every six children, and that adult does not have to participate.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring water, comfortable clothes, outdoor clothing, a hair tie if needed, and closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops and Crocs are not permitted.

Is food included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.

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