Launceston: Hollybank Forest Guided Segway Tour with Photos

Hollybank Forest gives you a way to travel through the trees without committing to a long hike. On this 90-minute off-road Segway tour, you learn the controls, follow a guide along forest paths, and let the machine handle much of the effort while you watch the changing ecosystem around you.

I like two things right away: the small groups of no more than five make the instruction more personal, and the complimentary photos mean you do not have to spend the whole ride trying to take pictures yourself. The guide also explains the forest’s history and ecology, adding some purpose to the ride.

The main consideration is that the route may repeat some sections rather than carrying you far into every corner of Hollybank Forest. One recent rider also found many of the supplied photos blurry or aimed at trees and the backs of heads, so treat the USB photos as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book.

Key points to know before you ride

• The tour lasts 90 minutes: Training is included, so your actual riding time is part of the total.
• The group is capped at five people: That matters when you are learning a new vehicle and need clear guidance.
• The route is off-road: Paths range from easy sections to more challenging stretches.
• The age and weight limits are firm: Riders must be at least 13 and weigh between 45 and 117 kilograms.
• Digital photos come with the tour: They are supplied on a USB drive after the ride.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead: A full refund is available, and reserve-now-pay-later booking keeps payment until later.

Why a Segway works well in Hollybank Forest

A forest tour can be rewarding, but walking is not the only way to see it. The Segway lets you cover ground with less physical strain than a hike, while still keeping you outside and close to the trees.

You stand upright and steer by shifting your weight. The heavy-duty off-road model is designed for forest paths, not smooth city pavements, so the ride has a little more character than a standard sightseeing loop.

I would not call this a passive ride. You still need to pay attention, balance, and respond to the track. The machine does much of the work, but you are responsible for controlling it. That makes the lesson at the start important, not just a formality.

The format works especially well if you want a taste of Hollybank Forest but do not want sweaty clothes, a heavy day pack, or a long walking route. It also gives families with older children and mixed-age groups a shared activity. The lower age limit is 13, and the tour is described as suitable for riders from 13 through 70 and beyond, as long as they meet the weight rules and can manage the controls.

Starting with training and safety

Your 90 minutes include a safety briefing and riding instruction. Expect the first part of the tour to focus on getting comfortable with acceleration, stopping, steering, and balance before heading onto the forest paths.

That built-in training is useful for first-time riders. You do not need to arrive already knowing how to operate a Segway. The guide’s role is to make the controls clear and help the group move at a sensible pace.

The small group size is a real advantage here. With a maximum of five participants, the guide has a better chance of seeing who is confident and who needs another explanation. A larger group could make the early practice feel rushed. Here, the limited numbers should make it easier to ask questions before the route becomes more varied.

Wear comfortable clothes and proper walking shoes. You do not need specialist equipment, since the Segway and required gear are provided. Comfortable shoes still matter because you remain standing during the ride and may need a secure footing on uneven paths.

The weight range is not a minor note. Riders must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 117 kilograms. If you are close to either limit, check the requirement before paying. Pregnant women and children under 13 cannot join.

Heading into Hollybank Forest

Once training is finished, the guide leads you through Hollybank Forest in Underwood, a short drive north of Launceston. The setting is quiet and wooded, with the trees rising around the paths as you move farther from the starting area.

The route uses different paths, ranging from easy to more challenging. That variation gives the outing more interest than a flat ride on one simple track. You might find that the Segway feels very steady on easier ground, while rougher sections require more attention to where you are going and how you shift your weight.

The pace is suited to learning and looking around rather than racing. You have time to notice the forest and listen to the guide. The ride is not just about operating the machine. It is also a guided introduction to how the forest has changed and how its ecosystem works.

The forest itself is the main attraction. You will not be moving between a long list of formal stops or landmark viewpoints. Instead, the value comes from being inside the trees, following the paths, and seeing the setting from a standing position that lets you look around without the effort of a long walk.

One point to keep in mind is route variety. A rider found the track somewhat repetitive, with the group returning over the same sections, and would have preferred to travel farther into the forest. That does not make the ride poor, but it sets a sensible expectation. Book this for a guided forest ride, not for an extended expedition across every part of Hollybank.

Listening to the forest story

The guide talks about the forest’s history and its changing ecosystem as you ride. This is one of the tour’s more useful features because it gives you something to notice beyond the immediate novelty of the Segway.

A good forest explanation helps connect the trees, paths, and signs of change into a larger picture. You are not simply passing through a pleasant patch of bush. You are learning how the setting has developed and how its natural systems shift over time.

The guide’s teaching is also important during the riding itself. One rider specifically praised the instructor for being friendly, clear, and effective when teaching the Segway. Another described the guide as excellent. Those comments match the design of the tour: this is a fully guided activity, not a vehicle rental where you are left to work out the route alone.

The language is English. If you are comfortable following English instructions, the format should be straightforward. Ask questions as you go if you want more context about a particular part of the forest, since the small group gives you a better chance to interact with the guide.

How challenging is the off-road ride?

The route includes easy and more challenging paths, so expect some change in surface and riding conditions. The tour is not presented as a technical adventure, but it is also not a smooth pavement ride.

Your preparation should be simple. Wear comfortable clothing, choose secure shoes, and arrive ready to stand and steer for the duration. The tour description does not give a fitness grade, so the weight rules and minimum age are the clearest practical limits available.

I would rate the activity as active but approachable. The Segway reduces the need for sustained walking, yet you still need balance and attention. If you are unsteady on your feet or uncomfortable controlling a vehicle on uneven ground, this may not be the right fit.

For confident riders, the mix of instruction and forest paths should feel manageable. For complete beginners, the training period is an important part of the value. You are not expected to know the machine before you arrive.

What the included photos are really worth

At the end of the ride, the tour team provides digital photographs on a USB drive. This is a useful touch, especially if you want a record of the activity without stopping constantly to take pictures.

It also means you can focus on riding and listening. On a moving vehicle, trying to use a phone can distract you from the path. Having the team take photos lets you keep your hands on the controls.

Still, I would keep expectations modest. One participant received dozens of images but found many were blurry, showed the back of the group’s heads, or focused on trees and other forest details. That kind of result can happen when photos are taken during a moving outdoor activity.

The photos may be fun souvenirs, but I would not judge the tour by them alone. Think of them as a free bonus. The training, guide, equipment, and time in the forest are the core of what you are paying for.

Is the 77 dollar price fair?

The price is $77 per person. For a 90-minute guided outing, that is reasonable if you value instruction, equipment, a small group, and an activity that combines nature with a little novelty.

You are not paying only for access to a path. The cost includes the Segway, safety briefing, guide, equipment, and digital photos. You also get a structured route rather than needing to plan your own way through the forest.

The small group helps the price make more sense. A maximum of five participants gives the experience a more personal feel than a large departure with many riders waiting for instructions. This matters most if you are new to Segways or want the guide to explain the forest as you go.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long-distance forest exploration. The route may repeat sections, and the ride lasts only 90 minutes including training. If you want a full-day bush outing or a broad network of trails, this is too short. If you want a compact activity near Launceston, it fits the bill better.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some protection if plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when you are arranging several Tasmania activities.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to first-time Segway riders, couples, families with teenagers, and older adults who want outdoor scenery without a long hike. The age range begins at 13, so it can work for a mixed-age group as long as everyone meets the weight requirements.

It is also a good choice for anyone staying in Launceston who wants a short activity outside town. Hollybank Forest is close enough for a simple outing, and the 90-minute format leaves room for other plans the same day.

You may want to choose something else if you dislike standing activities, have difficulty with balance, or want a route that keeps pushing into new areas. The possible repetition is the clearest weakness. Pregnant women and children under 13 cannot participate.

The tour suits curious beginners more than serious off-road riders. Experienced Segway users may find the route and instruction fairly gentle, while new riders are likely to appreciate the chance to learn in a controlled small group.

Final call: book it for the ride, not the photos

I would book this Hollybank Forest tour if you want an easy-to-organize outdoor activity with clear instruction, a small group, and a guide who adds context about the forest. The strongest parts are the friendly teaching, the low participant limit, and the chance to cover forest paths without a long walk.

Go in knowing that the route may repeat itself and that the complimentary photos may be uneven. At $77, the tour offers fair value when you see the USB images as an extra and judge the outing by the guided Segway ride itself.

FAQ

How long does the Hollybank Forest Segway tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, or 1.5 hours. This time includes the training and safety briefing.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in Hollybank Forest in Underwood, a short drive north of Launceston in Tasmania.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $77 per person.

Is training included?

Yes. The booking includes a safety briefing, training, the Segway, and all necessary equipment.

How many people can join a group?

The tour is limited to five participants, making it a small-group activity.

What are the weight and age requirements?

Participants must weigh between 45 and 117 kilograms and be at least 13 years old. Children under 13 cannot join.

Are digital photos included?

Yes. Complimentary digital photographs are provided on a USB drive at the end of the tour.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now-pay-later booking is also available.