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Hollybank Forest, Tasmania - Escape into the Treetops near Launceston
- Oct 17, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Hollybank Forest, Tasmania - Escape into the Treetops near Launceston
Just a short drive from Launceston, Hollybank Forest Reserve is a peaceful green haven where towering trees, gentle walking tracks, and forest adventures come together. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed stroll, a family picnic, or an adrenaline-filled treetop experience, Hollybank offers a little something for everyone in a beautiful bushland setting.
Located 21 kilometres north-east of Launceston, this 140-hectare reserve has been managed as a recreational forest since 1977. Today, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering an easy way to experience Tasmania’s forests without venturing far from the city.
Hollybank Treetops Adventure - See the Forest
from Above
The Hollybank Treetops Adventure offers an unforgettable canopy experience high above the forest floor. This guided zipline tour allows you to glide through the treetops, soaring between platforms and taking in sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
The experience begins with a full safety briefing, training session, and fitting of professional safety equipment before a short walk to the launch zone. Tours are limited to just 12 people, creating a relaxed, small-group atmosphere where guides can share insights about the forest’s unique ecosystem as you move from platform to platform.
Once in the canopy, you’ll travel across a series of six ziplines, totalling almost one kilometre in length.
The highlight is the final zipline — one of the longest in Australia — stretching 400 metres as it flies above the valley and across the Piper River, reaching heights of up to 50 metres above the ground. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the scale and beauty of the forest while feeling completely immersed in nature.
What’s Included
Full training and safety briefing
Professional guides
All safety equipment
Locker hire
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Meeting Point: Hollybank Forest Reserve, 66 Hollybank Road, Underwood
Parking: Park in the main carpark and walk to reception
End Point: Returns to the meeting point
Whether you’re an adventure lover or simply want to experience the forest from a fresh perspective, the Hollybank Treetops Adventure is a thrilling addition to any visit.
Walk of Change - A Forest with a Story
One of the highlights of Hollybank Forest is the Walk of Change, a gentle and informative stroll that showcases the evolving story of Tasmania’s production forests.
Hollybanks Forest Walk
2 kilometres return – 45 minutes – Grade 1
This walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania
We parked at the Cricket Pitch Picnic Area, right in the centre of the reserve, as signage for the start of the walk wasn’t immediately obvious. From here, the Walk of Change is easy to follow and well signposted.
This short loop winds through a fascinating mix of forest types, with interpretive signs along the way explaining how each area is harvested, regenerated, and managed. It’s an enjoyable walk that blends nature with insight, making it both relaxing and educational.
From Arboretum to Ash Forests
At the beginning of the walk, you’ll pass through an arboretum featuring exotic plantings, including a beautiful holly tree growing near the remnants of an old farming cottage — a quiet reminder of the land’s earlier days.
Further along, the landscape shifts into a mix of dry and wet eucalypt forest, Pinus radiata, and Eucalyptus nitens plantations. Scattered throughout are older ash trees, some small and struggling, planted back in the 1930s when the forest was intended as a timber supply for cricket bats and tennis racquets. These subtle details add depth to the walk, giving you a sense of how the forest has changed over time.
A Quiet Detour to Butchers Creek
One of the most peaceful moments along the walk comes with a short detour off the main track to Butchers Creek. A sign points the way, and although this section is a little steep, it’s well worth the effort.
Here, you can sit quietly by the creek and watch the water cascade over smooth rocks, shaded by forest trees. It’s a lovely spot to pause, enjoy the cool air, and listen to the gentle flow of water before returning to the main track.
Facilities and Accessibility
Hollybank Forest Reserve is a very inclusive destination. Much of the area is wheelchair-friendly, and dogs on leads are permitted, making it a great spot for families and pet owners. Picnic facilities are scattered throughout the reserve, perfect for a relaxed lunch surrounded by nature.
How to Get to Hollybank Forest Reserve
From Launceston, follow the Tamar Highway (A8) to University Way in Newnham. Continue onto George Town Road, then turn onto Lilydale Road in Rocherlea. From there, turn onto Hollybank Road and follow it into the reserve.
A Forest Experience for Everyone
Hollybank Forest Reserve is one of those special places where you can choose your own adventure. Whether you’re enjoying the gentle Walk of Change, learning about Tasmania’s forest history as you wander beneath towering trees, or taking a quiet detour to the peaceful banks of Butchers Creek, the reserve offers a calm and accessible way to connect with nature.
For those craving something more exhilarating, the Hollybank Treetops Adventure delivers an unforgettable experience, soaring high above the forest canopy and across the Piper River.
Together, the easy walking tracks and thrilling zipline tour make Hollybank a destination that truly caters to all ages, fitness levels, and travel styles.
Just a short drive from Launceston, Hollybank Forest Reserve is perfect for a relaxed morning walk, an adventurous afternoon, or a mix of both — making it a must-visit stop for anyone exploring northern Tasmania.
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