Tahune AirWalk

Walk among the giants of the forest….
The Tahune AirWalk is an exhilarating nature-based experience set in one of Tasmania’s most world-renowned forests, the Tahune Forest Reserve, which is home to the world’s tallest flowering plant - Eucalyptus regnans.  The AirWalk is a visually spectacular walkway that takes you on a journey through the tops of the trees in this stunning wet eucalypt forest.  Extending for 597m through the forest, the AirWalk is elevated high above the ground, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful tree species and forest life.

Attractions
The AirWalk
The Tahune AirWalk gives you the chance to walk among the giants of one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and world renowned forests – the Tahune Forest Reserve.  
The AirWalk is a spectacular walkway through the tree canopy that provides visitors with stunning views over the surrounding forests and landscape.
It extends for 597m and takes you past some unique tree species including Eucalyptus regnans – the world’s tallest flowering plant.
The walk culminates with a cantilever suspended 48m above the ground that provides breathtaking views of the confluence of the Picton and Huon Rivers and surrounding forest.
A gentle walk, suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, the Tahune AirWalk is a unique way to experience the beautiful natural environment of Tasmania.

Eagle Glide
Take a thrilling glide through the forest canopy
Soar through the forest canopy like a bird with the Eagle Glide Hang Gliding adventure. View the trees from this extreme vantage point while experiencing the rush of gliding high above the river below.
Time: 10 minutes

Walks
Stroll along the forest floor
Choose from a variety of walks of varying lengths and difficulties through the Tahune Forest Reserve.

The Huon Pine Track
 Tahune is the most accessible place in Tasmania to view the Huon pine and allows you to get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s oldest residents. Towards the end of the walk you will see young Huon pine seedlings regenerating along the riverbank.
Time: 20 minutes return

The Swinging Bridges at McKay’s Track
McKay’s Track gives you the opportunity to experience the Huon and Picton Rivers first hand.  The track includes a walk directly over the mighty rivers via two swinging bridges suspended from the riverbanks. The bridges replicate a similar suspension bridge that spanned the Picton River 40 years ago and was destroyed by a flood. Experience the thrill of watching these powerful rivers rush beneath your feet.  
Time: 1 hour return


Experience the rivers rush
Fishing
Tahune is a popular spot with anglers, and both trout and blackfish are caught in the river. Access is available from the two tracks on the southern riverbank.  (Note: Fishing is seasonal and requires a licence. Contact Service Tasmania to enquire about obtaining a licence).

Rafting
Those seeking a more adventurous way to get close to the essence of nature can take a rafting expedition down the Picton River.  Experience the power and beauty of the river first hand through this day-long tour.  Bookings are required a day in advance through Aardvark Adventures.  
 

Visitor and Interpretation Centres
The Tahune AirWalk Visitor Centre is a beautiful timber and glass building that fits perfectly into the surrounding environment.  The centre has a licensed restaurant where you can sample some of Tasmania’s fine food and wine or indulge in a relaxing coffee after your forest adventure.  
There is a gift shop specialising in Tasmanian craft and produce and the Island Specialty Timbers retail outlet has a range of items crafted from Tasmania's special timbers especially for the Tahune AirWalk.
Adjacent to the Visitor Centre is the Bluestone Interpretation Centre where you can learn about the biodiversity and ecology of the Tahune Forest Reserve.  See how Forestry Tasmania sustainably manages this area to provide ongoing environmental and social benefits for the region through its forestry operations.

Arve Road Drive
Discover a range of activities on your drive out of Tahune

The Arve Road leads from Geeveston to the Tahune AirWalk and provides visitors with a range of other recreational opportunities.

Blue Gum Plantation
Stand in a southern Tasmanian blue gum plantation. Planted in 1999, these trees grow at a rate of two to three metres a year. The pruned stems will provide sawlogs in about 20 years.

The Look-in Lookout
This information booth is a useful stop for familiarising yourself with the attractions and activities on the Arve Forest Drive. Perched above the forest floor, the Look-in Lookout allows you to see right into the forest and to explore the various natural and man made processes that impact on the trees.

Arve Picnic Ground
Alongside the picturesque Arve River, this site is a popular place for a picnic lunch or to relax and enjoy a barbecue.  A 10-minute walk upstream before heading uphill reveals the changes in vegetation in this small reserve.

Keoghs Creek Walk
(One of Tasmania's Great Short Walks)
Just like the forest in the Arve Picnic Ground, part of this site is a streamside reserve. A short stroll through a variety of forests and several creek crossings allows you to compare the unlogged forest of the streamside reserve with the much younger regrowth forest in an area which was partially logged about 20 years ago.

The Big Tree Lookout
After a visit to Keoghs Creek turn left off the Arve Road on to the Arve Loop Road (*gates beyond the Big Tree) and travel just over one kilometre to the car park.
The Big Tree is a large swamp gum (Eucalyptus regnans) and its great size and age shows it is a survivor. Much of this forest was logged selectively for sawlogs by old-time loggers. Extensive bushfires swept through this area in the 1960s. On surrounding hillsides you can see the grey trunks of the trees that were burned. Read the signs to find out how this tree has survived the many threats it has faced in its long life.

West Creek Lookout
This lookout and approach walkway is a great way to get a feel for the AirWalk. It looks out over the steep slopes of the West Creek Valley, part of which is protected in a streamside reserve.

Zig Zag Track
A short 15 minute downhill stroll, meet your driver at the lower car park. This track follows part of the old Picton packhorse trail through unlogged forest. Here the old trees are rotting after their tops have been blown off in high winds.

Discover the pristine Southern Forests
Surrounding the Tahune Forest Reserve is the Weld Valley and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area where you can experience towering forests, waterfalls, tranquil walks and fascinating history.  
Explore the rich natural assets that exist in this unique region including karst formations and rivers.  The Weld Valley is home to endemic Tasmanian species such as the Denison crayfish and the endangered wedge-tailed eagle.  The many opportunities for adventure and recreation including mountain bike riding, horse riding, hiking and rafting.

(Note: Some areas of the southern forests have boom gates across the roads. These may be placed on a temporary or permanent basis for public safety or security purposes. Keys to gain access or information on closed areas may be sought from Forestry Tasmania's Geeveston Office.)


Location
The Tahune AirWalk is in the Tahune Forest Reserve in Tasmania’s beautiful Huon Trail region.   The Huon Trail is a place of extensive and beautiful waterways, serene boutique farms, world class wineries and pristine wilderness - all of which you can take in on your trip to the AirWalk.

Travelling by car
The AirWalk is a 90-minute drive south of Hobart.  
If travelling by car from Hobart, take the Southern Outlet from Hobart then drive along the Huon Highway (A6) to Geeveston. From Geeveston, follow the signs to the Tahune AirWalk along Arve Road (C631).

Travelling distances to nearby areas:


Bus Tours
Private coach operator Experience Tasmania runs a day tour to the Tahune AirWalk, which includes pick up and drop off from your hotel, transport to the AirWalk, admission fee and a packed picnic lunch.
Operating times:

October – April: 8.15am departure Monday to Friday
May - September : 9.15am departure Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Bookings are required.Please visit www.experiencetas.com.au

Operating Hours
The Tahune AirWalk is open seven days a week.

Opening times:
9am-5pm October to March    
10am-4pm April to September        

We recommend you allow three hours to experience the entire site.


Price
Admission fees:
Adults - $22
Children - $10 (5-16 years old)
Family $45
Concession: Student & Senior Cards $19.80

Tickets available on site at the Visitor Centre.



FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
Visitors do not need to book prior to visiting the site.  However, if you wish to avoid any queues on the day you are welcome to book your ticket online by following the ‘book now’ link on the home page.
Bookings are required for coach groups and functions.

Is camping permitted at Tahune?
There are limited sites for campervans and caravans located near the Visitor Centre.  
Several larger, more informal and private tent sites are located in Tahune’s designated camping area.  No bookings are required, sites are allocated on a first in, first served basis.  
Additional tent camping sites are available at the Arve picnic ground.

Is there accommodation at Tahune AirWalk?
There is no accommodation at Tahune AirWalk; however, there is accommodation at Geeveston and Huonville, which are within a 40-minute drive of the site.
Should you require accommodation while visiting the Tahune AirWalk, Innkeepers property group has an extensive property listing around the State. Visit them online at www.innkeeper.com.au

When is the site open?
Tahune AirWalk is open seven days a week from 9am – 5pm November to March and 10am – 4pm April to October.  For the safety of patrons, the site may be closed from time to time due to hazardous weather conditions in the region.
Last entry to site is fifteen minutes prior to closing.

How long does it take to tour the site?
We recommend you allow three hours to experience the Tahune AirWalk site.  

What facilities are there for people with disabilities?
There is a courtesy shuttle service that allows wheelchair access to the site.  Wheelchair hire is also available at the site (a deposit of $100 is required for this service).  Toilets and other facilities for people with disabilities are available at the AirWalk.

How long does it take to get from Hobart to the Tahune AirWalk?
The Tahune AirWalk is a 90-minute drive south of Hobart along sealed road.  For more detailed directions, please click on the location link above.

Are dogs allowed on site?
Dogs are welcome on site at the Tahune AirWalk, however they must be restrained on a lead at all times.

What dining facilities are there on site?
The Tahune AirWalk has a licensed restaurant serving café-style meals that are available dine in or take away. The AirWalk can also cater for larger groups if required and function enquires are welcome.
For those seeking a more informal dining option, there are barbecue and picnic facilities located around the site that are available to visitors free of charge.

Is there mobile phone reception at the AirWalk?
Unfortunately, due to the remote location of the AirWalk within the beautiful Tahune Forest Reserve, mobile phone reception is not available.  There is a public telephone on site available for visitor use.

What do I wear?
We recommend you bring warm clothing for your visit to the Tahune AirWalk.  Sturdy flat footwear is required and strictly no high heels.

How long do the walks take?
There is a range of walks available at the Tahune AirWalk.  Based on a leisurely walking pace, the respective time lengths required for each of these walks are outlined below:


General Information
The Tahune AirWalk is suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities.  Some of the site’s general facilities include:


If you are planning a visit and wish to discuss any special needs please phone the site on (03) 6297 0084.


 

 

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