Gliding Under the Canopy: A Segway Ride Through Hollybank’s Ancient Forest
Glide beneath towering eucalyptus on an easy, unforgettable 90-minute forest tour near Launceston
You arrive at the edge of the forest to a hush that feels deliberate — the kind of quiet that makes city noise impossible to remember. Damp leaves breathe out the day’s last rain and the trunks around you are scored and towering, their bark a scoreboard of seasons. An instructor clips a helmet on, runs through a few simple balance drills, and hands you the handlebars of a two-wheeled Segway built for dirt. For the next 90 minutes the machine beneath you is less a novelty and more a means to one simple, delicious thing: moving slowly through enormous living things. You glide, not run; you lean, not strain; the understorey parts respectfully and the canopy, patient and indifferent, lets shafts of light and flurries of shade pass through like a slow film.
Trail Wisdom
Book morning slots
Morning rides have cooler temperatures and higher bird activity; the trails are less muddy after early sun.
Wear grippy shoes
Closed-toe shoes with traction help on damp boardwalks and dirt tracks—Segways won’t protect your toes.
Listen closely
Keep headphones off to hear guides and wildlife; the best moments are audible—rustle, call, bark.
Dress for changeable weather
Bring a lightweight waterproof and a warm midlayer—Tasmanian weather shifts quickly under the canopy.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short detour to nearby Hollybank Reserve picnic clearings for a quiet lunch
- •Drive the Tamar Valley wine route on the way back for cellar doors and cider houses
Wildlife
Spotted pardalote, Green rosella
Conservation Note
Operators encourage low-impact visits; stick to trails, avoid disturbing understorey plants, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect habitat.
Launceston dates from 1806 and the surrounding forests were historically used for timber and small-scale farming before conservation and recreation efforts expanded.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower displays, active birdlife, mild temperatures
Challenges: muddy trails after rain, cool mornings
Late spring offers vivid green growth and bird activity, making for lively tours—pack a layer for chilly starts.
summer
Best for: long daylight, warmer weather, post-ride patios
Challenges: occasional heat spikes, more visitors
Summer brings comfortable afternoons and easier travel, but choose morning rides to avoid heat and crowds.
fall
Best for: crisp air, soft light, fungi and leaf color
Challenges: shorter days, cool evenings
Autumn colors and mushroom displays add atmosphere; plan earlier rides as daylight shortens.
winter
Best for: dramatic light, fewer crowds, spotting mammals
Challenges: cold temps, slippery trails
Winter rides are quiet and atmospheric but bring warm layers and check for wet, slick roots.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Light waterproof jacketEssential
Quick protection from showers and wind beneath the canopy.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Required for traction on dirt, roots, and occasional boardwalk.
Small camera or phone with strap
Capture close-up forest details—strap prevents dropped devices on the move.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated on the trail; operators may not provide water during the ride.
Common Questions
Do I need prior Segway experience?
No — instructors provide a safety briefing and practice run; the machines are stable and designed for beginners.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes with good grip, comfortable pants, and layers for changing weather; a lightweight waterproof is wise.
Are tours suitable for children?
Yes—operators set age and height minimums for safety; check with the provider for specific age rules.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Standard Segway tours require standing balance; contact the operator about accessible alternatives or tailored experiences.
How wet can the trails get?
Trails can be muddy after rain and some sections may be slick; tours may be adjusted for safety in heavy rain.
Do I need to bring food?
Not necessary for the 90-minute tour, but bring snacks if you have specific dietary needs or plan to picnic afterward.
What to Pack
Water bottle (hydration), closed-toe shoes (traction), lightweight waterproof (changeable weather), camera with strap (capture details)
Did You Know
Tasmania hosts some of the world's tallest flowering trees (Eucalyptus regnans among them) and the island's temperate forests are globally significant for biodiversity.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Launceston Airport (20–30 min drive), book morning tours to avoid heat and mud, expect limited cell service in dense canopy, bring cash/cards for local farmgate stops
Local Flavor
After the tour, return to Launceston for farm-to-table dining at Harvest or Stillwater, or sample local ciders and small-batch beers at a nearby brewery — the Tamar Valley’s produce shows well in town.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Launceston Airport (approx. 25 min drive); trailhead: Hollybank Treetops (short drive from city); driving distance from Launceston CBD: ~25 km / 20–30 minutes; cell service: intermittent under dense canopy; permits: none required for the commercial tour
Sustainability Note
Tours operate on established trails—stay on marked routes, pack out any waste, and respect wildlife; the area benefits from low-impact visitation and local conservation funding.