Travel > Travel Guides > Tasmania > Tahune Air Walk

Tahune Air Walk

- by Bettina James

Things to do > Tasmania > Port Arthur > Salamanca Place > Wineglass Bay & Freycinet Peninsula > Barilla Bay Oyster > Tasmanian Devil Park > Tahune Air Walk > Tahune Eagle Glide > Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs > Sea Kayaking

The day we went to the Tahune Air Walk, the ground was wet, the air was cold but there was no wind. Given these circumstances, anyone with the whinging gene would say they cannot go on the walk, but you will just have to force them, because it is worth it. Sure, it was cold and slippery, but when you get up there, whoa! is all you’ll say – it is an amazing view!

The walk begins up the top of the visitor centre in the Tahune State Forest, which is located 90 minutes north west of Hobart. The structure isn’t a tightrope type structure, but a fixed metal walkway, suspended above the trees. The trees below are regrowth trees, which are around 25 years old. It provides a panoramic view of the southern forests, local mountain rage and the Tasmanian World Heritage area. Spectacular!

For the people who have vertigo, it’s suspended around 30 metres above the ground and at it’s highest, it is around 45 metres in the air. If you are really worried, these stats will make you feel safer: the steel framework is supported by 12 concrete towers embedded in the forest floor, this is stabilised by three elastic steel guy cables designed for each tower and the structure is built to withstand winds of up to 180 km.

The total length of the walkway is about 600 metres, and despite the wet weather, is still safe – with the traction strips to keep you balanced and upright. Near to the end of the walk, there is the cantilever, which is suspended 48 metres above the river, providing amazing views of the forest and the Picton and Huon rivers joining. You might be able to see some of the tracks around there, which were established to access the Huon Pine. Don’t forget to stop and listen to the rushing water in the river, and the birds singing. It’s one of those nature moments – first your mind is clear and stress free, then it goes into making plans so you can quit your job and move to the country.

Some of the trees visible from the air walk are King Billy and Celery Top pine, Myrtle, Beech, Blackwood and Sassafras. Some of the Huon Pines range from 200 to more than a thousand years old and are renown for sweet smelling oil. There’s also the sign posted Huon Pine walk, which you can take along the river to see the trees from the ground up. Just follow the track; this is a short walk and well worth it.

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is a buzz of activity, being the hub for guided walks, the eagle gliding ride and also the ticket desk for the air walk. It also acts as a mini museum, illustrating the story of Tasmanian timber from its historic purposes of boat building to modern uses in high quality timer crafts. The café is in the visitor centre and serves local Tasmanian gourmet produce. It’s a good place to get a cup of tea and warm yourself up and buy some of the local crafts.