Iconic Tahune Airwalk to reopen to the public after devastating 2019 bushfires
In the state’s deep south, a popular tourist attraction is set to welcome back visitors after being devastated by fire last year.
Tasmania
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JUST over a year since it was closed down, an iconic tourism attraction in the state’s far south will rise from the ashes and reopen this weekend.
The Tahune Airwalk at Geeveston will reopen to the public on Saturday after closing in January last year due to severe bushfires.
Community fears escalated on January 25 when fire crews were called to a blaze in the Tahune Forest Reserve which forced the Airwalk to close.
Expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors a year, the upgraded site has seen the stairs rebuilt and the airwalk itself undergo a makeover.
The airwalk structure remained safe after the fires, but repairs were carried out to the guy-wire ropes and hardware, while arborists inspected fire-damaged trees and took out any deemed unsafe.
Tahune Adventures Tasmania chief executive officer Ken Stronach said his team was looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the popular site.
“We are excited to have visitors once again admiring the view from the airwalk — returning visitors will notice changes in the landscape around the structure,” he said.
“Visitors will clearly see the impacts fire had on the site, but will see many changes taking place, both naturally and as other areas are rebuilt.
“Our rafters hut has been repaired and is waiting for visitors to enjoy the river again.
“Our visitors can walk from the visitor centre, along the river to the Swinging Bridge and island where there is a lookout.”
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Mr Stronach said there was still work to be done on the Huon Pine Walk and the track to the Swinging Bridges, which should reopen within the next few months.
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