Imagine walking among some of the tallest trees on earth, not at ground level but in the lower canopy high above the forest floor – and still straining to see the top of the trees. That is exactly what you can do at Tahune Adventure’s AirWalk deep in the Southern Tasmanian Wilderness.

Among the Ancient Giants

Tahune Adventures is surrounded by the southern hemisphere’s tallest forests and one of the few places where the famous ancient Huon pines and giant Mountain Ash trees grow together. Unlike the Mountain Ash the Huon Pine requires a permanent source of water and is more usually found near rivers as is the case here, and, appropriately, it is the Huon River.

Walking the Walk

The AirWalk is a 600-metre elevated walkway 30-metres above the mosses and bracken of the forest floor and high among the trees giving close-up views of Myrtle and Leatherwood and the trunks of the giant Mountain Ash. The AirWalk culminates in a cantilevered platform 50-metres above the Huon River.

Far more sturdy than you would expect, the walkway gives excellent views of the confluence of the Huon and Picton rivers as well as the number of ancient trees gathered along the river banks swept downstream during successive flood events.

Forest Fire

Something unfortunate, however, makes this place quite unique and that is the effect of a major fire that took place in 2019. Much of the ground cover was destroyed through to the Huon River and a number of the giants seriously damaged, some later felled for safety. This means the view of the trees and surrounds are far less obscured and new growth, in all shades of green, can be clearly seen.

The AirWalk received some damage during the fire and, along with several of the walks around the area, access was restricted for many months while safety inspections took place. The only sign of damage now visible is the charred bark of many of the trees contrasting with the recently replanted landscaping around the visitor centre and the 104-steps leading to the start of the AirWalk.

In addition to the AirWalk two additional walks allow exploration of the forest. The Huon Pine Walk gives the opportunity to see, touch and smell these ancient trees along the short 20-minute loop. The 3km Swinging Bridges Walk offers more of a challenge. Rope bridges here provide a safe but swinging crossing of both the Huon and Picton rivers. Far less stable than the AirWalk platform it is only a few metres above each of the rivers.

And there’s more

There are two additional activities here; River Rafting and the Eagle Hang Gliding experience that glides 400-metres from the treetops across the Huon river. No experience is required – the hang glider is suspended by wire similar to a flying fox ride.

Drive with care

Being in the wilderness it is not too surprising that this location is quite remote. Access is via a sealed but winding road and a 30-minute drive from Geeveston, the nearest town. This is a logging road and great care should be taken when logging trucks are active.

For more information including booking details check the Tahune Adventures website.