Tahune Eagle Air Walk and Eagle Glide, TASMANIA
Airing Date: May 22nd, 2006
The Tahune Air Walk, is a suspended tree canopy walk that offers up amazing views of the Tahune State forest, nearby Hartz mountains and the Huon and Picton rivers.
And if walking in the tree tops doesn't take you're breath away then the EAGLE Glide certainly will. It's a cable hang gliding experience that suspends you across the Huon River. Now that's a ride you won't forget! The Air Walk was made in Tasmania and designed to meet the highest safety standards. The steel framework is supported by 12 concrete towers embedded in the forest floor and stabilised by three elastic steel guy cables designed for each tower. The walkway is built to withstand winds up to 180 km.
The Tahune Air Walk opened in July 2001 and is now rated in the 'top ten' visited attractions in Tasmania. The eagle glide experience started up at Tahune about 18months ago. It's not an adrenalin rush as such, but it can be a little nerve wracking, especially if you're afraid of heights!!! It's another way to enjoy the tree top experience as you soar 30 meters above the Huon River. The hang glider is designed like wings- to replicate the look of a wedge tailed eagle. This is how it works- you're strapped into a paragliding safety harness and attached to a hang glider.
Once in the glider you are transported up and over the Huon river via a suspended aerial cable to the top of the forest canopy; it's 30 meters up and apparently a fantastic view. Hanging in the trees for about 10seconds, there's a release and you glide like an eagle across the river- taking in forest scenery. The trip lasts about 1and a half minutes and you travel 400m. Visitors to the Air Walk get a birds-eye view of a wet sclerophyll forest, with tall eucalypts and rainforest species in the understorey.
Some of the things you'll see are treetops of King Billy pine and Celery Top, Sassafras and the flowering Leatherwood. Many of these trees are rare species - some found only in Tasmania There is an on-site cafe that provides bistro-style meals. There are also picnic tables throughout the reserve for visitors who prefer to bring their own picnic hamper and full wheelchair access is available to the Air Walk.
Further Information
Eagle Glide $33 for an Adult and $22 for a Child. Entry to Tahune Airwalk $17 for an Adult and $9 for a Child.
Tahune Airwalk & Eagle Glide
03 6297 0068
Return flights & three nights at Wrest Point Water Edge from $355 ex Melbourne, $396 ex Sydney and $467 ex Brisbane. Based on twin share. Includes surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Qantas Holidays
13 14 15
Prices correct at 03/5/06
