Some day trips give you one great experience. This one gives you three. In a single day south of Hobart, you can walk high above an ancient forest canopy, head deep underground into a glittering dolomite cave, and taste your way through one of Tasmania's great food regions on the way home.
The Huon Valley and Far South are among the most underrated corners of the state. Here's how to see Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves in a day, and what to expect at each stop.
Where are Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves?
Both sit south-west of Hobart, beyond the Huon Valley.
- Tahune Airwalk is roughly an hour and a half from Hobart, near Geeveston, where the Huon and Picton rivers meet.
- Hastings Caves are further south, close to the end of the road in Tasmania's Far South, about two hours from Hobart.
The two are far enough apart that fitting both into one day takes planning. That's why most visitors who want to see both choose a guided tour rather than driving themselves.
Tahune Airwalk: walking above the forest
The Tahune Airwalk is a steel walkway that winds through and above the treetops of a towering wet eucalypt forest. As the ground drops away beneath you, the walkway rises high above the forest floor, finishing at a cantilever that juts out over the river junction.
What makes it special:
- The view from the canopy. You're level with the crowns of trees that have been growing for centuries.
- The river junction. The cantilever looks straight down onto the meeting of the Huon and Picton rivers.
- Forest walks below. Short trails and swinging bridges let you see the forest from ground level too.
- Huon pine. Keep an eye out for this slow-growing native conifer, one of the oldest living tree species on Earth and famous with Tasmanian boatbuilders.
The walkway is suitable for most fitness levels. If you're not a fan of heights, the forest floor walks are just as beautiful.
Hastings Caves: into the earth
After the treetops, the day heads underground. Hastings Caves State Reserve is home to Newdegate Cave, one of the largest tourist caves in Australia formed in dolomite rather than limestone.
A guided tour takes you through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and delicate formations that have been forming for thousands of years. The cave is cool year-round, so a jacket is a good idea even on a warm November day.
Afterwards, many visitors head to the reserve's spring-fed thermal pool. The water stays warm year-round and sits in a lovely patch of forest with picnic areas and short walks nearby. Pack your swimmers if you'd like a dip.
The Huon Valley tasting trail
No trip south of Hobart is complete without stopping to eat and drink. The Huon Valley is Tasmania's apple country, and that heritage now shows up in cider, fresh fruit, local cheese and small-batch produce.
On our tour, tasting stops are built into the day, so you get a real taste of the region without needing a designated driver.
Why November is a great time to go
Late spring is one of the best times to visit the Far South:
- Rivers and waterfalls are flowing after winter and spring rain
- The forest is lush and green and the days are long
- It's quieter than peak summer, so the walkway and caves are less crowded
- Temperatures are comfortable for walking, while the caves stay cool regardless
How to do it in one day
Our Hastings Caves, Tahune Airwalk and the Huon tasting trail tour is a 10-hour day trip from Hobart, from AUD $200 per person.
It takes care of the long drive, the timing between sites and the tasting stops, so you can relax and enjoy it. A local guide shares the stories of the region along the way, from timber-getting and apple-growing history to the wildlife and forests of the south.
What to bring
- A warm layer and rain jacket - the south can be cool and changeable, and the cave is chilly
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Swimmers and a towel if you want to try the thermal pool
- Water and snacks for between stops
- A camera - the cantilever view is a highlight
See more of southern Tasmania
If you have a few days in Hobart, the Far South pairs well with our other day tours. The 4 Day Tasmanian Highlights Bundle combines Hobart, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Hastings and Tahune in one easy package. Or book any two day tours separately and save 15% on your order.
Ready to explore Tasmania's Far South? Book your Hastings Caves and Tahune Airwalk tour with Tassie Tours.
