Tahune Airwalk & Hastings Cave

This day trip explores south of Hobart and takes you to the Tahune Forest Airwalk – a cantilevered bridge that allows you to walk through the treetops 40 metres above the ground! Further south still, we stop at the Hasting Caves for a swim in the thermal pools and a spectacular underground cave walk.

Today’s tour takes us south of Hobart through the picturesque Huon Valley a region famous for its abundant produce of apples, pears, cherries and fish farming.

Our first adventure for today is to explore the Tahune Forest Airwalk. We head up the short hill to begin our walk along the Cantilever. It stretches for 597 m through the treetops. Enjoy the sensation of being suspended above the Huon River with breathtaking views across the treetops and surrounding mountains. We have time to explore and enjoy more walking here at Tahune. We can take on a longer walk (45mins) to experience the “Swinging Bridges”. With a 50m span across the river this is another thrilling experience and makes for fabulous photos! For a more “tame” experience there is the easy 20 minute Huon Pine Walk where these famous and unique local trees grow alongside the river with some as old as 2000 years, a delightful and enchanting short walk.

We continue our journey south to the Hastings Cave Reserve.  This is a quiet, remote and spectacular area where we enjoy a variety of activities and soak up the unique atmosphere.  Bring your swimming gear and jump into the Thermal Springs swimming pool where the water is always 28 degrees, fed by the naturally heated waters of the thermal springs nearby.  OR just relax in the beautiful forest surrounds, wander along the Hot Springs Nature Trail where the warm water meets the cool water, and also home to the unique & playful Platypus, keep your eye out for this elusive local.

We head underground to explore the spectacular cave which is Australia’s largest tourist Dolomite Cave.  We join the underground tour expertly conducted by the National Parks & Wildlife guides.  The cave temperature is always 9 degrees so bring your jumper along.  

Our return to Hobart allows us the opportunity to make some short stops along the way.  There is opportunity to stop at the many roadside stalls and collect some delicious local produce such as Cherries, Berries, Apples, Ice-creams and also a stop for a honey tasting along the way.  (fruit & produce stops are seasonal and may also vary due to changeable operating hours of the various operators.)

We return to Hobart City accommodation around 5.30-6.00pm.

Highlights

• Visit the Tahune Airwalk Forest Reserve

• Walk amongst the trees on the Cantilever 40m above the ground

• Discover Tasmania’s unique ancient trees on the Huon Pine Walk

• Walk above the river on the Swinging Bridges Walk

• Visit Hastings Caves State Reserve

• Enjoy the fully guided Cave Tour, 40 m below the ground

• Take a swim in the Thermal Springs swimming pool

• Test the water temperatures on the Hot Springs Nature Track

• Keep a sharp eye out on the Platypus Walk

• Drive the Huon Valley and discover Tasmania’s diverse Apple growing history

• Enjoy seasonal roadside stops – Honey Tasting, Ice-creams, Berries, Apples, Cherries

Inclusions

• Tahune Airwalk entrance fees

• National Park entrance fees

• Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs Pool fees

• Guided Tour of Hastings Caves 

• Professional guides and interpretive walks 

• Small, friendly groups

• Central Hobart Hotel & Backpacker Hostel pick up and drop off

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

You may bring your lunch with you or we will stop to give you an opportunity to purchase a bakery style takeaway lunch on the day.

What to bring/wear

• Sensible shoes for walking

• A variety of warm clothing (Cave temperature 9 degrees)

• Swim gear & towel for Thermal pool (hot showers available)

• Hat, sunscreen

• Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)

• Camera

• Sense of adventure

Special considerations 

Our tours are active and visit National Parks and wild areas that involve some walking. We focus on the great short walks of Tasmania.  Although most of the walks are classified as easy, a suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential.  All tour participants will be participating in outdoor, active activities and therefore subject to the outdoor weather conditions of the day.

We educate all our guests on Minimal Impact Bushwalking and the Leave No Trace policy’s before entering our National Parks. We provide accurate interpretation, and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimise negative impacts.