TREETOPS ZIPLINE ADVENTURE HOLLYBANK

Let the adventure begin

Hidden behind a dense, scrubby forest of lofty trees is a realm of adventure waiting to be unearthed.

Pockets of natural splendour are scattered throughout northern Tasmania – some of which seem to emerge out of nowhere. Treetops Adventure Hollybank occupies one such pocket less than half an hour north-east of Launceston CBD. This natural arena of adrenaline, fun and fresh air is wedged between Pipers River and Lilydale Road in the enchanting Hollybank Forest.

One of the outdoor adventures on offer is an exhilarating, accessible ziplining experience. Soar like an eagle 50 metres above the ground along seven ziplines totalling nearly one kilometre. Flit between huge blue gums that tower high above rambling brushwood and a dark river. Feel the wind whistle around you as you fly through the sky to a soundtrack of babbling freshwater and swishing gum leaves.

Learn the ropes and let the knowledgeable guides fill you in on Hollybank’s unique environment as you plunge into this memorable wilderness experience.

Getting geared up

Gear up for breathtaking excitement on a zipline tour above, between and below this unique forest canopy.

Spindly, dead-straight trees form dense belts of forest that wrap around the road to Treetops Adventure Hollybank. Head to reception on your arrival to meet with the skilled guides, who will give you a comprehensive rundown of what fun lies ahead for the next two-and-a-half hours.

The guides will help you slip into the bright blue and orange safety equipment on offer – including helmets, jackets, gloves and harnesses – ahead of your zipline canopy tour. You’ll then receive a straightforward, easy round of training very close to the ground to learn the dos and don’ts of ziplining, allowing you to become familiar with the sensation of gliding through the air.

Next, it’s time to walk for 10 minutes to the launch zone of your wilderness adventure. From an open field, follow your guides along a spacious path through a shadowy plot of pine trees. You’ll pass tall gums draped with peculiar obstacles and platforms, which form part of another activity – the tree ropes course. Then head into a thicker forest, where the pine trees fall away to reveal Coastal Californian Redwoods: the tallest tree species on earth. These particular trees – spaced far apart and standing straight as arrows on the flat forest floor – have grown for the past 90-odd years to reach around 50 metres in height. Fifty metres is also about as high as you’ll fly on the zipline over Pipers River.

Your walk continues past moss-coated trunks, lush ferns and scraggly bracken until you arrive at the first platform, also called a “cloud station”, for the first high-wire run on your seven-leg journey. Climb the railed metal stairway onto the fenced platform and set up for your first glide.

Gliding into the forest

Let off some steam and invigorate the senses on a scenic, thrilling ride from tree to tree between a network of platforms at Treetops Adventure Hollybank.

Start with a light and easy glide lasting just a few seconds from the first cloud station to the second. Your guide will harness you up as you settle into a floating seated position and launch into the air a few metres above the ferns. Hear the faint whirring of the zipline and hold onto the rope in front of you on this energising ride fairly low to the ground, then hear the clanging of metal and feel a slight jolt as you pull up onto the next platform, where a second guide is ready to reel you in.

Ready for a little more fun? There are more ziplines coming up that last longer, take you higher, and drop at a steeper incline, making you soar faster.

Your next ride takes you 44 metres from the underbrush towards the tops of the blue gums. The forest floor is further beneath you this time and the journey, though gentle, is more exhilarating. This area is filled with green vegetation, and – if you’re here in spring and early summer – the bright yellows and whites of wattles and native plants in bloom. If you’re feeling comfortable, let go of the ropes and dangle your arms beside you, or hold them outstretched in the air. Inhale deeply and feel totally free as you soar. The journey to the next cloud station is short and easy, with guides offering you the opportunity to bring a bit more autonomy into your ride now that you’ve learned the ropes. You’re standing among giant gums, and the adventure is about to gather pace.

Soaring over the river

Enjoy few more short high-wire glides climbing further skyward at Treetops Adventure Hollybank, then get ready to up the adrenaline-pumping stakes.

The sixth zipline begins from a much higher forest platform and runs for far longer, seeming to disappear into the distant trees. Zoom on a faster, sharper downward slope. Cross over the steep ravine where trees fall away to reveal Pipers River gushing below. This is a stimulating and thrilling crossing 50 metres above the ground with a sweeping view of the valley. Don’t be afraid to let loose: shout into the valley and extend your arms as the vibrating hum of the zipline grows louder and the air swishes more fiercely around you.

The next lengthy descension, this time spanning 405 metres, takes you on a steep ziplining journey from the tall treetops, following the direction of the river below. Hitting 60–70km per-hour, this is where the adrenaline-pumping action reaches its peak, on the longest and fastest long run in Australia. As you plummet towards the earth, back across the valley, hear the gushing of Pipers River grow louder. As you glide weightlessly through the crisp air, relish the opportunity to absorb the sounds of nature and feel sheer joy ziplining through this untamed slice of wilderness. Arrive at the next platform and let the thrill of the experience wash over you. All that remains now is a short forest walk along a winding path back to where you started. There are some steps on this winding, uphill walk past mossy tree trunks, fallen leaves and lush ferns. During this walk and all throughout this trip, your guides will share insights on the natural flora, the conservation of the area, and other surprising facts, so stay curious and ready to learn.

Accessibility

Treetops Adventure Hollybank is a short drive 20 minutes north-east of Launceston CBD. The company has its own private bus service shuttling between Launceston and Hollybank. To arrange this transport option or to discuss additional assistance, call the venue ahead of time on (03) 6395 1390. Taxi and rideshare options between Launceston and Hollybank are also available.

Ziplining is open to people over the age of three, but children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This experience is available to people who are blind or have low vision. The ziplines can carry a maximum weight per person of 135kg. Be sure to book ahead for this tour.

Treetops Adventure Hollybank also offers other adrenaline-pumping activities including segway tours, tree rope courses and mountain biking. However, please note these additional activities may not be accessible for those who are blind or have low vision due to safety considerations. For more information, visit treetopsadventure.com.au.