Walking on air at Tahune

David Reed, Tourism Site Operations Manager

THE experience of Tahune AirWalk is about set to step up a notch with a new strategy to give visitors even better value for their money by providing them with a more in-depth understanding and active involvement with the iconic tourism site.

The Tahune AirWalk Interpretation Development Plan Review recommends increasing access and enhancing the visitor experience at the AirWalk through:

• five point 30-40 minute guided tour for a maximum of 20 people which will run hourly
• shuttle service that will provide ongoing transport from the top of the AirWalk to the swinging bridges via the visitor centre
• upgraded self-guided brochure/map with information of walks with walking times, shuttle service timetable, tours and visitor facilities
• retail field guide/booklet as a take home experience of the visit and which provides an additional layer to the interpretation and gives greater depth to the guides’ commentaries
• consistent, clear and uncluttered signage
• development of the Bluestone Shelter as a science centre to interpret the important role the neighbouring Warra Long Term Ecological Research site plays in the research and science of forest management.

Once implemented these recommendations will allow people to move around the site in a different way from they do now. Guides will be strategically located to answer questions and provide information and visitors will learn why the rivers are like they are and how the forest has come to be how it is.

The messages visitors will take with them is that Tahune AirWalk is a one of kind experience of Tasmania’s Southern Forest, that it is a place where immersed in nature you can feel the profound power of the Tasmanian environment while leaving only a light footprint on the earth.

There will be further emphasis on the theme that from the mountains in the distance to the surrounding forests and mighty rivers this place is a theatre where natures plays out its full power and, even on a peaceful day, has a commanding presence.

Visitors will be encouraged to consider how we as humans relate to forests. They will see the forests’ contribution to the ever-changing needs of society and the demand for renewable crops of timber, as well as the adjacent rainforest of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area which meets the need to preserve places of beauty and natural value.

On the Huon Pine Walk visitors will be made aware they are meeting a family dynasty of trees related to forests growing before human memory.

Overall it’s about communicating the messages better to enhance the visitor experience.