Hobart Holiday – Sight-seeing around Hobart

Tasmania is famous for its natural resources – its forests, natural parks. Care for the environment is foremost in their scheme of things, which is why, as much as 42% of its area is completely protected and natural. Just the reason why, when in Tasmania, you should not miss out on visiting its parks and forests and see, first hand, how people take care of their land and do all to maintain its virginity.

Drive through the Huon Valley

After spending the first day sight-seeing in Hobart, we drove out the second day to see the areas around it. You are out of the city limits in a matter of  15-20 minutes. And then, past those lovely hill side cottages, there’s greenery all around you. Drive southwards, and you enter a scenic mountain road and soon you see the valley. Soon after, the river runs with you forming into a picturesque estuary some miles ahead. The drive has a number of fruit plantations including blueberries, raspberries, peaches, nectarines etc. A few places even sell their fresh farm produce. Stop by to keep a few in the car….

Tahune Adventures

They are about at a 90-min drive from Hobart. Once you have crossed the Huon Valley stretch, you entire a thick forest with very tall trees on either side. This is the Tahune Forest Reserve. Deep inside this forest, is Tahune adventures’ famous Eagle glide, Air Walk and the Swinging Bridges Trail.

The Eagle Glide is just a 2-min glide — takes you up to a few tree tops after crossing the Huon river. Not much you will miss if you don’t do it.

The walks are the real stuff though. We did both – first the Air Walk that reveals the forest to you and also shows what steps are taken to conserve it. We were in time for the famous Oak tree bloom that had filled the forest with its subtle fragrance. It is advisable to take the guided tour for the air walk, for, there is a lot to know about the trees, the two rivers, rain patterns etc. The cantilever point is the climax of the walk, where you can see both the Huon and Picton rivers’ confluence.

For the Swinging Bridges Trail, you can go on your own – you walk through the deep forest and come upon the swinging bridges Huon Bridge and the Picton Bridge.

Both the tours take about 2-3 hours, and involves walking through the forest. Dress accordingly and wear the right shoes. They have an awesome restaurant at the entrance. Do not miss the smoked Salmon salad there!

View from Mount Wellington

On our way back from the Tahune Adventures, we went upto Mount Wellington for a good view of Hobart town and beyond.  Check the weather report before you make the climb, for, clouds can notoriously sweep the peak and block the view. We didn’t get any snow though.

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