Tahune Airwalk

High above the Huon River, the Tahune Airwalk is a thrilling steel-and-timber structure that takes you into the canopy of Tasmania's temperate rainforest. This is one of Australia's best treetop walks, offering a perspective on the island's wild southwest that you simply cannot get from the ground. The airwalk is part of the larger Tahune Forest Reserve, a pocket of ancient forest where giant eucalypts, myrtles, and tree ferns create a cathedral-like atmosphere. It's a must-do for anyone driving the Huon Trail, combining adventure with a deep immersion in Tasmania's natural heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• The Airwalk itself – a 620-metre walkway that soars up to 50 metres above the forest floor, with a glass-floored cantilever section that feels like walking on air above the Huon River.
• Huon Pine Walk – a gentle riverside boardwalk through a grove of ancient Huon pines, some over 2000 years old, with a chance to see platypus at dawn or dusk.
• Eagle Hang Glider – a suspended viewing platform that sways gently, giving you the sensation of gliding over the forest canopy.
• Interpretive Centre – learn about the region's logging history, forest ecology, and the unique species that call this rainforest home.
• Picnic areas and walking tracks – several shorter trails, including the Huon River Walk, offer a more grounded exploration of the reserve's mossy, fern-filled landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three hours at Tahune Airwalk, which is enough to walk the airwalk, explore the Huon Pine Walk, and take in the interpretive displays. If you're keen on a longer walk, such as the 6 km return Arve Loop, allow four hours or more. The site is best visited in the morning when the light filters through the canopy and the crowds are thinner. Combine it with a drive along the Huon Trail for a full day of forest immersion.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Huonville – the gateway town to the Huon Valley, known for its apple orchards, cideries, and the Huon River.
• Hartz Mountains National Park – a World Heritage Area with alpine walks, glacial lakes, and stunning views from Hartz Peak (about 45 minutes' drive).
• Cycling the Huon Trail – a scenic drive or bike ride along the Huon River, passing through tiny hamlets like Cygnet and Franklin, famous for their artisan food scene.
• Bruny Island – a short ferry ride from Kettering, offering dramatic coastline, white-sand beaches, and the famous Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.
• Hastings Caves State Reserve – explore the dolomite caves and thermal springs, about 40 minutes south of Tahune.

Please check official sources for current details.