Launceston: Hollybank Forest Treetop Zip Lining with Guide

Flying between tall blue gums is the main event here. Six zip lines cover almost one kilometre, with the final 400-metre ride giving you the longest stretch of open air and views toward Piper’s River. I like the mix of height, scenery, and forest information, rather than a zip ride that is only about speed. I also like the small group limit of 10, which gives guides time to help nervous riders.

The guides are a real part of the experience. Monty, Lachy, Taylor, Jesse, Charlie, Chris, Faith, Naomi, GC, Danielle, and Carlos have all been praised for calm instruction and friendly support. The main caution is simple: this is a high ropes activity, so it may not suit anyone with a strong fear of heights, limited mobility, pregnancy, or a body weight above 136 kilograms.

Key points at a glance

• 50 metres above the forest floor: You zip from timber platform to timber platform high in the blue gum canopy.
• Six lines, nearly one kilometre: The course builds toward a 400-metre final ride.
• Views beyond the trees: Look across the valley and toward Piper’s River while you glide.
• Small guided groups: No more than 10 participants share the course, with English-speaking instruction.
• Support for first-time riders: Your guide explains the harness and riding system before you reach the launch zone.
• Plan your clothing carefully: Closed-toe shoes are required, while sandals, high heels, and skirts are not allowed.

Why Hollybank Forest makes a good zipline setting

Hollybank Forest gives this activity more character than a basic cable ride over a cleared field. You are moving through a blue gum forest, with timber platforms fixed among the trees and the valley opening out below. The height reaches 50 metres, so you get both a close view of the canopy and a wider view toward Piper’s River.

I like that the forest is part of the tour rather than just decoration. Your guides explain the ecosystem below as they lead you from one platform to the next. That gives you something to notice between rides, especially if you are interested in Tasmania’s natural setting and not just the rush of the zipline.

The setting also changes how the height feels. On some lines, the trees are close around you. On the longer run, the view stretches farther and the sensation becomes more open. You get a good balance of forest detail and broad valley scenery within one activity.

The first 10 minutes: harness training and a short walk

You begin by meeting the guide and learning how to put on and use the zipline equipment. This matters more than it may sound. A clear briefing lets you focus on the ride instead of wondering which strap, clip, or connection does what once you are standing on a platform.

Your guide handles the safety process and explains the action behind the system. The tour is fully guided, so you are not expected to work out the course on your own. Guides also help you get unhooked at the end, which keeps the transitions between platforms orderly.

After the introduction, you walk for about 10 minutes to the launch zone. This is not a long hike, but you should still wear shoes that are comfortable and secure. Closed-toe shoes are required. Open-toe shoes and high heels are not permitted, and skirts are not suitable for the harness and platform setup.

That short walk also gives you time to settle your nerves. If you are uneasy about the height, the first few minutes are useful for asking questions and getting comfortable with the guide before the actual rides begin.

Six rides from treetop to treetop

The canopy tour includes six separate zip lines. Together, they total almost one kilometre, so this is not a quick single-run attraction. You move from platform to platform, with the guide managing the group and helping everyone prepare for each departure.

The platforms are part of the experience. You pause there to get ready, look out through the trees, listen to the instructions, and watch the next rider. For someone new to ziplining, this rhythm can be reassuring. You are not rushed from one cable to the next, and you have a moment to reset before another launch.

Each ride gives you a different view of the forest. You may look down through the blue gum canopy, across the valley, or toward Piper’s River. The height also gives you a view that is hard to get from a walking track. You see the trees from above and around you, with the sky opening up between the branches.

The final ride stretches 400 metres, making it the clear feature of the course. By that point, you have had several chances to learn the motion and build confidence. The longest cable then gives you the best sense of distance and speed. If you are booking this for the thrill, this is the section you will likely remember most.

What the guides add to the experience

A zipline course needs safe equipment, but the guide often determines how enjoyable it feels. Here, the guide stays involved from the harness briefing through the final platform. That is especially useful when a participant is nervous or needs extra time before launching.

The guide team includes Monty, Lachy, Taylor, Danielle, Carlos, Jesse, Charlie, Chris, Faith, Naomi, and GC. Different groups meet different guides, but the consistent theme is calm help, clear direction, and forest information. Jesse and Charlie, Jesse and Chris, and Jesse and Faith have all been specifically praised for making people feel at ease. Monty has also been singled out for a strong overall experience, while Lachy and Taylor were noted for providing plenty of information.

I would not treat the guide names as a guarantee that you will meet a particular person. Staff assignments can change. Still, the repeated emphasis on patient and professional instruction is useful if you are booking for a first zipline, a family group, or someone trying to manage a fear of heights.

The guide also helps make the small group size count. With no more than 10 participants, there is less chance of feeling lost in a large crowd. You can hear the briefing, ask for help, and receive direct support at the platforms.

The views from 50 metres above the ground

The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this course. At canopy level, the blue gum forest looks different from the forest floor. You get the green of the treetops, the sky above, and the valley and Piper’s River beyond.

The view is not a separate sightseeing stop. You see it while preparing to ride, during the glide, and again from each platform. That makes the scenery feel connected to the activity rather than added on afterward.

The longer 400-metre line should give you the most open view, while shorter sections let you concentrate on the mechanics of riding and landing. If you are anxious, do not feel that you need to stare straight down. You can look ahead toward the next platform or out toward the valley instead.

Several people have used this activity to challenge a fear of heights, and the guide support seems especially important in those cases. You should still be honest with yourself. Encouragement can help, but this remains a high-altitude activity, not a gentle forest stroll.

Safety, tandem riding, and family rules

The tour has clear restrictions that you should check before paying. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or anyone weighing more than 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

People under 40 kilograms must ride in tandem with another person. Children aged 8 or younger must also ride in tandem. For anyone under 18, one adult supervisor is required for every four young people. These rules affect how you plan a family booking, so count the adults and children before reserving.

The activity is guided and equipment is provided, but the supplied information does not give a full medical or technical checklist. If you have a condition that affects balance, movement, or comfort with heights, you should consider carefully whether the course is right for you.

One useful detail comes from the hands-on nature of the course: guides are present to help riders who need assistance reaching or leaving a platform. That does not remove the need to meet the stated requirements, but it shows why listening closely to instructions matters.

Is $102 good value for 150 minutes?

At $102 per person, this is not a cheap add-on for a quick thrill. I think the value is reasonable if you want a substantial outdoor activity rather than a single zipline ride. You receive 2.5 hours on site, a fully guided canopy tour, all necessary equipment, six lines, and nearly one kilometre of riding.

The value also comes from the setting and the instruction. You are paying for a forest course high above the ground, with guides who explain the equipment and share information about the ecosystem. The small group cap of 10 helps protect the quality of that attention.

I would be less enthusiastic about the price if you are only looking for a brief burst of speed. The course includes walking, harness preparation, platform transitions, safety explanations, and waiting for other members of the group. Those parts are necessary, but they mean the full 150 minutes is not spent continuously in the air.

For an active half-day in Tasmania, though, the price is easier to justify. It combines scenery, a physical challenge, and a guided experience. If you are comparing it with a simple lookout or forest walk, it costs more. If you are comparing it with a longer adventure activity that includes equipment and instruction, the price is more competitive.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this tour for an adult or older child who wants a controlled challenge with strong scenery. It suits people who like the idea of flying through a forest but prefer a guide-led format rather than an independent ropes course.

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups. One couple used the activity to mark an anniversary, which makes sense: the course creates a shared memory without requiring advanced outdoor skills. The intimate group size also helps if you want a more personal experience.

Families can enjoy it, but the age, weight, tandem, and supervision rules need attention. Younger children may not ride independently, and the adult-to-youth ratio can affect the booking. I would not choose it for anyone with mobility limitations or for a person who wants to avoid heights.

If you are nervous, the course may still work for you if you can safely take part and are willing to follow the guide’s lead. The staff have helped people move beyond their comfort zone, but nobody should feel pressured to prove anything.

Practical preparation before you arrive

Wear secure closed-toe shoes. Avoid high heels, sandals, and other open-toe footwear. Skirts are not allowed, so choose clothing that works with a harness and lets you move comfortably.

Allow the full 150 minutes rather than treating the tour as a short appointment. The program includes the briefing, the 10-minute walk to the launch zone, six rides, platform changes, and the final unhooking.

English is the tour language. If you need instructions repeated, ask early. The equipment briefing is the point where you should make sure you understand what the guide wants you to do.

The activity can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, which can help if your Tasmania plans are still shifting. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

Should you book the Hollybank canopy tour?

I would book it if you want a proper forest adventure near Launceston, especially one that combines high treetop views with patient, hands-on guidance. The six lines give the experience enough length to feel worthwhile, and the 400-metre final ride provides a clear high point.

I would skip it if you dislike heights, cannot meet the footwear and physical requirements, or want a quiet nature activity with no equipment or instruction. For everyone else, the strongest reasons to go are the blue gum setting, the views toward Piper’s River, the small groups, and the guides’ calm approach.

Before booking, check your group’s weights, ages, adult supervision needs, and shoes. If those details work, this is a well-shaped 2.5-hour adventure that lets you see Hollybank Forest from a rare angle without giving up the reassurance of a trained guide.

FAQ

How long does the Hollybank Forest zipline tour last?

The tour lasts 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours.

How many zip lines are included?

The canopy tour includes six zip lines totalling almost one kilometre.

How high above the ground do the zip lines reach?

The zip lines reach up to 50 metres above the ground.

Is the tour guided?

Yes. The experience is fully guided, with English-speaking instructors who explain the equipment, lead the group, and help participants at the platforms.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What shoes should I wear?

You must wear closed-toe shoes. High heels, skirts, and open-toe shoes are not allowed.

Can children ride the zip lines?

Children aged 8 or younger must ride in tandem with another person. Anyone under 40 kilograms must also ride in tandem. For participants under 18, one adult supervisor is required for every four youths.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people weighing more than 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.