Hobart: Tahune Airwalk, Hastings Cave, Thermal Springs Tour

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines the thrill of walking above the treetops with exploring ancient caves and relaxing in thermal springs, this tour offers a compelling package. It’s a well-balanced experience that appeals to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting a taste of Tasmania’s diverse landscapes. We love how it offers both breathtaking views and intimate encounters with the island’s natural history, all within a manageable one-day itinerary.

While the tour packs a lot into a single day, it’s worth noting that it involves a good amount of walking and some stairs—so if mobility or time constraints are a concern, plan accordingly. That said, it’s particularly suited to travelers with a sense of adventure, reasonable fitness levels, and a curiosity for untouched wilderness. If you’re after a comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s forests, caves, and thermal springs, this trip won’t disappoint.

Key Points:

• Stunning Treetop Views: The Tahune Airwalk offers a unique perspective on Tasmania’s forest canopy.
• Expert-guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of the area’s geology, flora, and fauna.
• Authentic Nature Encounters: From ancient trees to elusive platypuses, you get a real feel for Tasmania’s wildlife.
• Active but Manageable: The tour involves walking, stairs, and some physical activity, suited for reasonably fit travelers.
• Value for Money: The combination of experiences, guides, and scenic highlights makes this a good investment.
• Memorable Photos: The vistas, swinging bridges, and cave formations are perfect backdrops for photos.

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A Full Look at the Day’s Journey

Starting early from Hobart’s Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, the tour sets a lively tone with a prompt 7:30 am departure and a scenic drive through the lush Huon Valley. Traveling south, you’ll pass through Tasmania’s apple-growing heartland, which adds a gentle, pastoral contrast to the wilderness adventures ahead. The bus ride itself offers a chance to settle into the day, with some reviews noting the journey mainly follows the same roads, but the scenery is captivating enough to keep everyone engaged.

Exploring the Tahune Forest Adventures

The first major highlight is the Tahune Airwalk Forest Reserve. We loved the way the experience combines physical activity with awe-inspiring views. The walk begins with a climb up 104 stairs, offering a gradual warm-up before reaching the cantilever—a 619-meter-long structure extending across the treetops. Once on the cantilever, you’ll be 50 meters above the Huon River, feeling like you’re floating among the giants of Tasmania’s forests.

The views from the airwalk are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll see the dense canopy of the Southern Forests and the winding Huon River below, with some reviewers remarking that even on a rainy day, the scenery remains stunning. Several visitors mention that the guides do a good job explaining the significance of the forest, particularly the ancient trees like the Huon Pine, some of which are millennia old.

For those interested in a bit more activity, the circuit walk includes the Swinging Bridges Walk, crossing above the river on a 100-meter suspension bridge—an exhilarating experience that’s perfect for photos. The bridge’s slight sway and views of the river below are memorable. The walk also includes a smaller, 60-meter span bridge, as well as the gentle Huon Pine Walk, which offers a calmer, informative stroll through the forest.

The Thrill of the Senses at Hastings Cave

Next, the tour ventures south to the Hastings Cave Reserve. Here, visitors can choose between relaxing in the thermal springs or exploring the 40-million-year-old caves. The thermal springs swimming pool is a standout for many, maintaining a steady 28°C — ideal for a quick dip or simply unwinding surrounded by lush forest sounds. Several reviews praise the pool’s relaxing atmosphere, while others mention the opportunity to spot platypuses in the streams nearby, though these elusive creatures are not guaranteed sightings.

The Hot Springs Nature Trail provides a peaceful walk through the forest, giving visitors a chance to enjoy Tasmania’s unique flora. The caves themselves are the main event: a guided 45-minute tour led by knowledgeable guides who explain the formations, geology, and fauna. The caves’ spacious chambers and impressive formations—such as stalactites and stalagmites—are often highlighted as a highlight, with some reviews emphasizing the guided commentary’s depth.

Be prepared for the 9°C temperature inside the caves and the 250 stairs involved in the descent and ascent, which adds a bit of physical challenge but also makes the visit more rewarding. Guides are skilled at making the experience accessible and educational, with many visitors remarking how much they learned about the cave’s history and geology.

A Perfect Blend of Nature and Relaxation

The tour’s final stops include a stop at regional roadside stalls—perfect for picking up fresh produce and snacks to enjoy during the day or on the return journey. The entire experience wraps up around 5:30 pm, offering a full day of natural beauty without feeling rushed.

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Practical Details and the Experience

This tour is meticulously planned to balance adventure and comfort. It departs early from Hobart, with the guide providing insights and answering questions along the way. The bus ride offers a chance to relax and enjoy Tasmania’s landscape, though it’s worth noting that the drive mostly follows the same roads back and forth, which might feel repetitive for some travelers.

The group size tends to be moderate, ensuring everyone gets enough attention from guides and space to move comfortably during walks. The price covers all activities, guides, and transportation, making it a good value considering the variety of experiences packed into the day.

What to Bring and Considerations

To get the most out of the trip, pack comfortable shoes suitable for walking and stairs, as well as warm clothing—especially for the caves—and swimwear for the thermal springs. Bring food and drinks for breaks, although a stop at a regional bakery en route allows for snacks or lunch. The daypack should be lightweight but sturdy, and don’t forget closed-toe shoes for safety.

The tour is suitable for those aged 8 and up, and travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. If you’re prone to fatigue or have mobility issues, note that some walks involve steps and uneven surfaces.

Guides and Reviews: Trustworthy and Enthusiastic

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who are described as friendly, passionate, and full of interesting facts. For example, a reviewer noted, “Nick, my guide, was extremely knowledgeable and super friendly,” and others mention guides like Heather, Ian, Clint, and Peter as making the experience enjoyable and educational.

Many reviewers highlight how the guides add value by providing context about the environment, the formations, and the local wildlife—making the trips more than just sightseeing. The expert commentary, combined with the stunning scenery, makes this tour a highlight for many visitors.

This tour offers a wonderful snapshot of Tasmania’s diverse landscapes, from towering forests and suspended walkways to ancient caves and warm springs. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation in one day. The stunning scenery, guided expertise, and unique experiences make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you value authentic encounters with nature.

However, be prepared for some physical activity and the cooler cave temperatures—this is not a leisurely sightseeing bus tour. If you’re comfortable with walking, stairs, and outdoor exploration, you’ll find this a rewarding day full of memorable sights.

In summary, this experience is ideal for active, curious travelers eager to see Tasmania’s wilderness at its finest. It balances scenic grandeur with educational value, all delivered by guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children need to be at least 8 years old and able to handle walking and stairs comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring warm clothes for the caves, a daypack for your essentials, and swimwear if you plan to swim in the thermal springs.

Does the tour include lunch?
Not directly, but there is an opportunity to purchase snacks or lunch at a regional bakery en route. You can also bring your own food for the picnic at Hastings Caves.

How long is the cave tour?
The Hastings Cave tour lasts about 45 minutes, including some stairs, and the caves are kept at a cool 9°C.

Can I see platypuses?
Streams near Hastings are home to platypuses, but sightings are not guaranteed—they are quite elusive.

Is the tour physically demanding?
It involves walking and stairs, especially at the caves and the treetop walks. Most reviews note that reasonable fitness is recommended.

What about the weather?
Tasmania’s weather can be variable; expect cooler temperatures in the caves and possibly rain, so dress accordingly.

What makes the Tahune Airwalk special?
It offers a rare opportunity to walk high above the forest canopy with views that stretch for miles—perfect for nature lovers.

How many people typically join this tour?
Group sizes are moderate, enough to feel personalized but still social.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the natural beauty of southern Tasmania. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy an active day out and appreciate guides who bring the landscape to life with their stories and knowledge. From the thrill of walking among treetops to exploring underground caves and relaxing in thermal springs, it’s an experience that balances adventure with tranquility.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this journey delivers memorable sights and stories. The combination of stunning scenery, friendly guides, and authentic experiences makes it a standout choice for a full day of exploring Tasmania’s wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby