Merlin Entertainments Announces Sale

Merlin Entertainments announces sale of iconic Australian attractions: Illawarra Fly & Otway Fly

Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, is offering two of its iconic Australian assets - Otway Fly in Victoria and Illawarra Fly in New South Wales - for sale. This decision is part of Merlin’s global strategy to focus on building out clusters of attractions in key cities.

In line with this strategy, the two rainforest attractions are now available for acquisition as freehold properties with vacant possession or as a going concern, offering a rare and unique investment opportunity for potential buyers.

Ian Wood, Divisional Director, Merlin Entertainments ANZ, said, “While listing the sites of Illawarra Fly in NSW and the Otway Fly in Victoria was a difficult decision, it aligns with Merlin’s global strategy of focusing on the growth of the city clusters. Within Australia this includes Sydney and Melbourne.”

Wood continued, “Both attractions will continue to operate as business as usual until the completion of the sale, or the direction of the new owner is confirmed. We are extremely proud of the positive impact these sites have had on thousands of local and international guests over the years. We want to thank our dedicated teams who have created magical memories for over 21 years at Otway Fly and 16 years at Illawarra Fly."

Both Otway Fly and Illawarra Fly are renowned for their immersive treetop walk and zipline experiences. Situated in the scenic Otway Ranges and Southern Highlands, respectively, these attractions have been meticulously maintained and boast significant land holdings—approximately 81 hectares for Otway Fly and 13 hectares for Illawarra Fly. Located just 2.5 hours from Melbourne and 2 hours from Sydney, these attractions remain easily accessible and popular with both domestic and international visitors.

“These assets are well-positioned to continue as successful tourism operations, but they also offer extraordinary potential for private buyers or educational organisations,” said Lachlan Castran, who, along with John Castran, is managing the sale. “The versatility and prime locations of these properties, combined with their substantial infrastructure, make them a rare investment opportunity,” added John Castran.

Key Features of the Attractions

  • Otway Fly: Features a 600-meter treetop walk elevated 25 meters above the forest floor, with a spiral tower reaching 47 meters that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. The zipline experience includes nine cloud stations and six ziplines.
  • Illawarra Fly: Offers a 500-meter treetop walk with a 45-meter tower and a zipline experience featuring four cloud stations and three ziplines.

Both attractions are equipped with extensive visitor facilities, including cafés, large car parks, and retail outlets, providing a complete guest experience.

Strong Visitor Numbers and Growth Potential

Collectively, the Flys welcome over 100,000 visitors annually. With the Great Ocean Road region in Victoria seeing 5.4 million visitors annually, and the South Coast of NSW attracting 12.3 million visitors, the potential for further growth and investment is significant.

For Sale Enquiries

To enquire more about the sale of Illawarra & Otway Fly please contact: 

For Interview Opportunities

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Rachel Anker - Rachel.Anker@merlinentertainments.com.au

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