Tasmania is known for towering trees. In fact, the second tallest tree in the world lives here. So it's no surprise that the Tasmanian government went through the trouble to build the Tahune Airwalk. Built amongst the treetops in the Huon River Valley, the Tahune Airwalk takes you 50 metres above the forest floor. From here, you'll be able to see across the verdant valleys that earn Tasmania the nickname 'Apple Island.' Take And the journey concludes at a cantilever sitting high above the intersection of the Huon and Picton Rivers to give you breathtaking views. There's no better way to experience the healthy natural abundance of the Tasmanian island.
You'll have to get to the southerly town of Geeveston to take the sealed Arve Road to Tahune Adventures. The drive takes about an hour and a half from Hobart and spans about 88 kilometres. Launceston sits about 288 kilometres to the north and that drive will take you nearly four hours. The drive from Devonport, Tasmania's north coast port town, will take you four hours and 33 minutes and that trip spans more than 370 kilometres.
You'll have to have a moderate level of fitness to ascend the 112 concrete steps to the top of the walk. Most of the walk is about 20 to 30 metres above the forest floor before ascending to a staggering 50 metres at the walk's cantilevered conclusion. There is disabled access to the top of the walk if steps are impossible for you. Simply let an employee know that you require disabled access at the ticket office when you arrive.
The entire 619-metre trip takes about 50 minutes return. Many take a little longer to complete the trip because of the abundant photo opportunities along the way. But the entire Airwalk should not take you more than a morning or an afternoon to complete. This will allow you to descend back down to Geeveston to enjoy the quirky southerly town before heading back through the apple orchards of the Huon River Valley. Or you can choose to enter the Hartz Mountain National Park in the afternoon after a morning on the walk.
The Airwalk isn't the only attraction at Tahune Adventures. Thrill-seekers can choose to take a five-minute cable hang gliding course over the Huon River. Strapped in safely, you whisk 250 metres across the raging Huon River while hanging 50 metres in the air. The hang glider is securely attached to a cable so there's no chance of veering off course.
Hang gliding is totally optional but is an exhilarating way to experience the towering trees of the Huon River Valley. If you choose to hang glide, be sure to wear closed toed shoes and you must weigh between 25 and 100 kilograms. The hang gliding ride is also closed during inclement weather so plan your trip accordingly.
Your four-legged friends are welcome at the Tahune River Walk so long as they are on a leash. And if you have any Tasmanian friends when visiting the island, be sure to bring them. Tahune Adventures also offers free camping for one night with a Tahune Airwalk entry receipt.
Feel free to rock up to the visitor centre on the day of your visit to purchase tickets to the Airwalk. You'll also find a café serving up the freshest Huon Valley produce including craft beers, local ciders and wines. The ciders are particularly delicious as many of the best makers produce the libation in the valley below. You'll also find free Wi-Fi at the café as well as gas barbecues and picnic facilities.
The facility offers up a lodge that can accommodate up to 23 people. The Lodge contains up to eight separate rooms in a self-catering accommodation. Or you can choose a little more luxury by hiring a cabin. The cabins are perfect for families with two bedrooms. One-bedroom features a queen bed while the other features bunk beds. And you don't even have to worry about bringing your own food as the café offers up delicious meals.
The Airwalk isn't the only hike on the premises. Take a short stroll along a beautiful riverbank to one of the most accessible stands of rare Huon Pines in the world. This 20-minute return walk takes place on a narrow boardwalk which is not suitable for wheelchairs. Staff can direct you to a more accessible track if need be.
Huon Pine Trees are incredibly rare because they were harvested to near extinction in the 1800s. Its waterproof wood is pliable and repels insects while making a fragrant sap which made it the perfect pine for shipbuilding in Tasmania's early days. But you can still experience these trees in all their mighty glory at the Tahune River Walk.
