_edited.png)
Hollybank Forest
Hollybank Forest Reserve has spacious picnic facilities nestled amongst the towering ash and pine trees. It also offers various mountain bikes and walking tracks through the forest.
It is located 21 kilometres from the centre of Launceston and covers an area of 140 hectares; Forestry Tasmania has managed it as a recreational reserve since July 1977.
Along the 'Walk of Change', you will see a diverse range of native bush and plantation forests; a slight detour will bring you to Butchers Creek, where you can watch the water cascading over the rocks.
Also on the site is the Hollybanks Treetop Adventure, which offers climbing and zip-lining adventures and a network of world-class mountain bike tracks. Short and long loops for beginner and advanced riders descend through the forest.
The Hollybank Forest Walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks
of Tasmania
The Walk - 2 kilometres Return - 45 minutes - Grade 1
It was unclear where this short walk commenced, so we parked at the Cricket Pitch Picnic Area in the centre of the Hollybank Reserve.
We walked along the 'Walk of Change' track; this 45-minute walk passes through examples of Tasmania's major production forest types in a demonstration forest. Interpretive signs show how each forest type is harvested and regenerated.
At the beginning of the walk, there are exotic plantings in an arboretum, including a lovely holly tree around the remnants of a farming cottage.
The rest of Hollybank Forest Reserve is an interesting mix of dry and wet eucalypt forest, Pinus radiata, and Eucalyptus nitens plantations. Old, small, struggling ash trees are scattered across some of these areas, and in the 1930s, the ash trees were initially planted as a wood supply for cricket bats and tennis racquets.
Along the walk, you will come to a sign pointing to the river; a short detour off the main track brings you to the banks of Butchers Creek, where you can relax and watch the water cascading over the rocks. This section is a little steep.
Dogs on leads are permitted in the reserve, and the area is mainly wheelchair-friendly.
Directions to Hollybank Forest
Follow the Tamar Highway and the A8 to University Way in Newnham from Launceston. Take the George Town Road to Lilydale Road in Rocherlea. Turn right onto Lilydale Road, then turn into Hollybank Road.
Commenti