Wired in Launceston

SPEEDING above Hollybank Forest on a steel cable, Lee Taylor feels the rush of Tasmania's newest adrenalin attraction.

"IF you're really feeling brave, let go of the safety harness while you're going along and look down..."

Standing on a ledge 23m above Tasmania's Hollybank Forest and desperately clinging to a steel cable like a quivering animal, I couldn't help but notice Brett, our guide, was speaking to the other members of the group.

"This run is 214m of sheer adrenalin bliss to the next cloud station," he says, pointing to a tiny treehouse-type platform in the distance.

We shade our eyes from the sun, following the cable along the swaying treetops, and gulp in unison. Through the branches we can just make out the jutting rocks of the forest floor.

"You can reach anything from 50-80km/h with a southerly breeze behind you, so we'll be attaching a brake at the other end to slow you down. Just remember to open your eyes and grab it," he says, this time smiling at me.

See you on the other side

A 15-minute drive north-east of Launceston, Hollybank Treetops Adventure is Tasmania's newest adrenalin attraction, offering thrill seekers the chance to fly above the forest floor.

Traversing between carefully constructed platforms known as cloud stations, the three-hour nature tour enables visitors to learn all about the forest's ecosystem and enjoy a bird's-eye view of 140ha of lush forest.

Perched on the cloud station and jostling for position, we watch as Daryl, Hollybank's other guide, attaches his pulley to the cable and is given the once over by Brett. Daryl will meet us on the other side, explains Brett. I hope he doesn't mean literally. 

Adjusting his harness and turning to us briefly, Daryl grins like a Tasmanian devil before crossing over.

It's almost as though someone has flicked on a switch as the calmness of the forest is broken by the high-pitched shrill of the pulleys zipping across the steel cable and Daryl's cackles echoing along the treetops. Gracefully gliding out of sight, he soon blends into the forest until the vibrations along the cable are no longer felt.

"Cloud station six, ready to receive… over." Daryl's voice crackles over the radio and we all breathe a sigh of relief. Except Brett, who summons me to the launching pad.

The pulleys clang against the cable, conveniently drowning out the sound of my knocking knees.

"I suppose now is a bad time to tell you about my fear of heights," I say half joking.

"That's okay, it's only 23m down, so don't forget that when you're flying," says Brett reassuringly.

Right on cue a breeze cuts through the forest and the trees become alive, their leaves reflecting the sunlight like a spotlight. In any other circumstance it would be a view to die for. No, hang on. I didn't mean that.

"Okay Lee, sit down on your harness, lift your legs up and off you go."

One hell of a ride

Surprisingly, my body betrays me and reacts to Brett's instructions. The entire forest rushes towards me, and gripping the safety harness, I push my feet out in front me for protection. Picking up speed effortlessly, the roar of the wind is almost deafening as branches whiz past in a blur.

The butterflies in my stomach are replaced with exhilaration and I let out a loud scream. I can't believe I'm actually doing it. I'm flying. I'm soaring. I'm… starting to spin around. "Aaaahh".

Brett had told us earlier that if we found ourselves in a spin, to simply hold out your hand in the opposite direction to the way your spinning. Reluctantly letting go of the safety harness, I hold out my left hand and… continued turning, looking even more foolish.

Although my stomach would argue, the air show simply enhances the journey, displaying a 360-degree panorama of gum trees, Pipers River and a hazy sunset.

The canopy catches on the brake and immediately slows me down. I look up to find Daryl grinning from ear to ear. "How d'ya like that, mate," he asks.

"That was one hell of a ride," I say, finally feeling brave enough to let go of the safety harness and look down.