Tasmania: Hastings Caves, Tahune Airwalk & Huon Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Walk treetops taste cider and explore caves in Tasmania’s south

You’ll start your Tasmanian adventure with coffee by the Huon River, walk high above ancient forests at Tahune Airwalk, explore cool chambers inside Hastings Caves with a local guide, and finish with fresh cider or warm apple pie on your return to Hobart. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the morning started—half awake, clutching a takeaway coffee in Huonville, watching mist slide off the river. Our guide, Ben, had this habit of pointing out apple orchards as we drove, telling stories about old cider recipes and salmon farms that I’d never even heard of. The drive itself felt like it was waking up with us—every bend in the road showed a new patch of sunlight or a glimpse of those endless green hills. I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything so quickly.

The Tahune Airwalk was next. Walking 50 meters above ground is… well, it’s not something you do every day. The metal walkway had this gentle bounce underfoot, which made me laugh nervously at first (I’m not great with heights). But then you look out—just eucalyptus leaves everywhere, and the wind makes them shimmer silver. Some people went for the swinging bridges over the Huon River (the sound of water below is louder than you’d think), but I stuck to wandering among the ancient Huon pines along the riverbank. There’s this smell—kind of sharp and earthy—that lingers on your hands after you brush past them.

Lunch was simple but good (nothing fancy, just what you need after all that walking), and then we headed even further south to Hastings Caves. The cave air hit me straight away: cool and damp, almost sweet-smelling somehow. Our guide inside—her name was Jess—had this quiet way of explaining how old everything was. She pointed out tiny details in the rock that I would’ve missed on my own. At one point she switched off her torch so we could feel total darkness for a few seconds; I can still remember that silence pressing in.

On the way back to Hobart we stopped at a cider place tucked behind rows of apple trees. They handed out tasting paddles (I tried both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—no shame) and there was an apple pie if you wanted it. Sitting there with sticky fingers and tired legs felt like exactly what I needed before heading back into town. The whole day just kind of settles into your bones—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Huon Valley and Caves

• Grab takeaway coffee in Huonville
• Drive along the Huon River
• Learn about local orchards and salmon
• Explore Tahune Airwalk for two hours
• Walk in tree canopy and cross bridges
• Enjoy riverbank walk among ancient pines
• Visit Hastings Caves for guided tour
• Spot wildlife in Hastings Caves Reserve
• Stop at local cider producer
• Enjoy cider tasting and apple pie

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Hobart to Hastings Caves?

The full day tour includes travel time between stops; expect to spend most of your day exploring Tasmania’s south before returning to Hobart in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is provided during the tour after visiting Tahune Airwalk.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, selected Hobart CBD hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What is included at Hastings Caves?

Your entrance ticket covers a guided tour through Australia’s largest dolomite cave led by an experienced guide.

Can children join this trip?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome but infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking tracks and cave stairs.

What is special about Tahune Airwalk?

The Airwalk lets you stroll 50 meters above ground through eucalyptus canopy; there are also swinging bridges over the Huon River.

Is there wildlife on this trip?

You might spot native animals like platypus, quolls or pademelons especially near Hastings Caves State Reserve.

Are drinks included at the cider stop?

You can enjoy a tasting paddle with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options; apple pie is also offered seasonally.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with pickup from select Hobart hotels, general admission tickets for Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves (with guided cave tour), lunch after your forest walk, plus a stop for cider tasting or seasonal apple pie before returning in the evening.