Tahune Airwalk / Hartz Mountains Nat Park

Because my time at Tasmania is almost over and it appears that I won’t find a job anymore it is getting time to actually see something of Tasmania. You probably would think: No work? Then you got a job for which you had to bend yourself into difficult corners (such as re-schedule an appointment with a valuator for where my brother had been waiting for more than 2 weeks long and reschedule the ferry crossing) you get to hear you appear to be unmotivated. Sounds a bit strange to me. And also $2500,- a week been shoved up my ass.

Anyway ,as you have read in a previous message I had to abandon the Cockle Creek trip, so it looked most logical to visit the Tahune Airwalk and Hartz Mountains when I returned to walking fitness. So I left Glenorchy around noon for Geeveston from where you need to drive to the Tahune Airwalk and Hartz Mountains National Park.

First I visited the Tahune Airwalk. This is a 700m walk over canopies through the tree tops walking between 21 and 43 meter above the forest floor. It is a nice short walk but I expected more of it. Nevertheless I had some nice views from the canopies with the best one at the highest point of the walk. Hanging about 43 meter above the river bank on a bit swinging canopy. After leaving the Airwalk I took the Swing Bridges track back to the visitor centre and this one I enjoyed much more. Both the swing bridges of approx. 50 to 80 meter long did swing as well but compared to the canopy I was a bit closer to the ground (well I meant water!). So I walked these bridges with a bit more confidence. And on my way back I passed a sign stating the different walks and I knew I was walking a 2 hours walk I did see the one taking 6 to 12 days.. I will pass for that one at the moment.

After giving way to a tiger snake and returning at the car I left for Hartz Mountains National Park, my second visit to the Tasmanian Wilderness Area. Before I started the Lake Esperance track I did stop at the Waratah Lookout and Arve Falls. Two nice short walks to two nice places in the park. The walk to Lake Esperance is signed both as a 1 hour as well as a two hour track and if I may choose take your time for the track (you can walk the return distance in 1 hour). Walking through such a nice area so quiet you really feel like being in another world. I stayed at the lake for a while and I can’t believe I’ve ever heard it quieter before. Compare it with a football stadium where there is asked for a minute silence and you can hear someone at the other side of the stadium receiving a text message on his mobile. I’ve heard a fish coming to the surface a couple of times but I just couldn’t see where and I’ve heard some wild life in the bush which could be 10 meter away from me, but it could easily 200 meter as well.

On the way back to the car I had a quick stop at the Sydney and Arthur Geeves Monument. This couple died in a blizzard nearby in November 1897. And I can imagine it as the temperature dropped pretty quickly.