Guild Wars 2

I made it all the way to the top last night, did the instance (it wasn’t easy, but I actually managed to do it solo), but then when I went out the exit it transported me back out into Kessex Hills on a branch before I could use my combo-key to get treasure outside the instance! From what I can tell, the only way back there now is for me to teleport to Level 3 and fight my way through that level again. Is that correct?

There are actually two exits. You can take the small passage to get outside (where the second jumping/diving goggle point is) or you can use the classic green “leave instance” point. The latter will bring you back to the entrance of the instance (so you can rejoin or open the treasure chest).

What Smaxx said.

Though if you’re already outside / off the top, then yes. Your only way back up is to port to level 3 and work your way back through. There’s no warp or shortcut back up to the top once you’re down.