Launceston: Hollybank Forest Guided Segway Tour with Photos

Hollybank Forest gives you a fun way to get among Northern Tasmania’s tall trees without carrying a pack or working up a sweat on a long walk. You ride a sturdy off-road Segway along forest tracks while your guide explains the area’s history and changing ecosystem. The small five-person group keeps the outing personal, and the 90-minute format fits neatly into a Launceston day.

I like two things right away: the tour includes proper instruction and equipment, so you do not need prior Segway experience, and complimentary digital photos save you from having to stop constantly for pictures. The main tradeoff is that the route may feel repetitive, with one rider finding the group returned to the same sections instead of reaching farther into the forest.

Key points to know before you book

• Training is part of the 90 minutes: You learn how to control the Segway before heading onto the forest tracks.
• The group is limited to five people: This gives the guide room to watch each rider and answer questions.
• The route mixes easy and more challenging paths: You get more than a flat paved ride, but the exact balance can vary.
• Photos are included: The tour team takes digital pictures for you to keep on a USB drive.
• Strict weight limits apply: Riders must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 117 kilograms.
• The minimum age is 13: The activity is not suitable for younger children or pregnant women.

A forest ride close to Launceston

Hollybank Forest is in Underwood, a short drive north of Launceston. That makes this a handy choice when you want a nature activity without giving up most of your day to transport or a long walking route.

The appeal is simple. You get under the trees, hear about the forest, and cover more ground than you would on foot. The Segway does the work of carrying you along the tracks, while you focus on steering, balance, and the changing view around you.

This is not a high-speed thrill ride. It is a guided outdoor outing with a light adventure edge. You move through peaceful forest paths and may encounter different track surfaces and grades. The ride is designed for a broad adult age range, from 13 to 70 and above, provided you meet the weight requirements and can take part safely.

I would choose this tour when you want fresh air and a little action, but do not want a strenuous hike. It also works well as a break from Launceston’s city sights. You still spend time outside, yet the commitment is only about an hour and a half.

Getting comfortable on the Segway

The tour begins with a safety briefing and training. This matters more than it may sound. A Segway responds to your body movement, so the first few minutes are about learning how to start, stop, turn, and manage your speed.

You do not need to arrive as an experienced rider. The guide teaches you the basics before the forest portion begins and helps you get used to the equipment. Since the group is capped at five, the instruction should have a more personal feel than a large group activity.

The training counts toward the advertised 90 minutes. In practical terms, you should expect part of your time to be spent learning rather than riding through the trees. That is a good trade for first-time riders, but it is worth knowing if you are comparing this with a longer forest excursion.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You do not need to bring special riding gear because the necessary equipment is included. Comfortable footwear is still important because you will be standing on the Segway and moving around during the briefing and tour.

The weight range is firm: 45 to 117 kilograms. This is not a minor suggestion or a flexible guideline. The Segway equipment and safety setup require you to fit within those limits, so check before booking if there is any doubt.

Riding the easy and challenging forest paths

Once training is complete, you follow your guide onto Hollybank’s forest paths. The route includes easier sections and more challenging stretches, giving the ride a little variety without turning it into an extreme activity.

The forest setting does much of the work here. Tall trees surround the tracks, and the quiet changes the pace from ordinary sightseeing. You are not simply being taken from one attraction to another. The point is the ride itself, the sound of the forest, and the chance to see how the paths move through the trees.

Your guide adds context along the way, covering the forest’s history and its changing ecosystem. That commentary gives the outing more purpose than a silent equipment rental. You learn something about the place while moving through it, rather than stopping for a long formal talk.

The route may not feel like a major expedition. One rider found the track somewhat repetitive and wished the group had gone farther into the forest. Keep that in mind if you want a long, varied route with constant new scenery. This activity is better suited to a compact introduction to Hollybank than to a full day of exploration.

The ride’s main strength is access. A walking route can require more time and effort, while the Segway lets you cover the forest with less physical strain. You still need to pay attention, steer, and respond to the track, but you are not carrying a heavy hiking pack or dealing with a sweaty uphill trek.

What the guide adds to the experience

The guide is central to the quality of this activity. A clear explanation makes the Segway feel manageable, while friendly encouragement helps nervous first-timers relax. The guide also controls the pace and explains what you are seeing in the forest.

The strongest feedback points to instruction and attitude. One rider specifically praised a guide for being friendly, clear, and effective when teaching the group to ride. Another simply described the guide as awesome. That tells me the human side of the tour is a major reason to book it.

You should still keep expectations realistic. The tour is offered in English, and the guide’s commentary is part of the experience. If you want a highly detailed natural history lesson, ask about the guide’s focus when you arrive. The supplied information promises explanations of the forest’s history and ecosystem, but it does not list a fixed script or specialist topics.

A five-person maximum is a real benefit. The guide can keep an eye on riders as the path changes, and you have a better chance to ask questions without speaking over a large crowd. It also makes the experience more comfortable for people who need a little extra help during training.

The included photos, with a small caveat

The tour team takes digital photos during the ride, and you receive them to remember the outing. The information provided describes these as complimentary digital photos on a USB drive.

That is useful because handling a phone while riding is not ideal. You can concentrate on the track and let the tour team record the experience. The photos also give you something more personal than a picture of the forest taken from a roadside lookout.

Photo quality can vary. One rider found that many of the images were blurry or showed the backs of riders’ heads, while other pictures focused on trees, leaves, or a wallaby. That does not cancel out the value of the inclusion, but it means you should treat the photos as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

If the pictures matter to you, ask the guide how the photo process works and when you will receive them. Also keep your own camera or phone safely stored unless the guide says it is suitable to use. The best part of the experience is being present on the track, not trying to manage a camera while steering.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a forest near Launceston. You are paying for more than access to a track, though. The price covers the Segway, equipment, safety briefing, guide, instruction, a small group setting, and digital photos.

The value depends on what you want from your time outdoors. If you only want a short walk among trees, a free or low-cost public path may suit you better. If you want a guided activity that lets you cover more ground with less effort, the price is easier to justify.

The five-person limit also improves the value. Your fee supports a guided experience rather than an unguided rental, and the instruction is included in the scheduled time. That matters for first-time riders who might not feel comfortable teaching themselves.

The 90-minute length keeps the cost and time commitment moderate. You can fit it into a day based in Launceston, then continue with other plans. The downside is that serious outdoor enthusiasts may find the outing too short, especially if training takes a noticeable part of the session and the route repeats some sections.

I would call $77 reasonable for a first Segway experience in a forest, especially if the photos and small group matter to you. I would be less keen if your top priority is reaching the most remote parts of Hollybank or covering a long distance.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour suits adults and teenagers aged 13 and over who want a gentle adventure with a guide. It is a good match for first-time Segway riders because training and equipment are included, and the group is small enough for personal help.

You may also like it if you prefer active sightseeing without a hard workout. The Segway reduces the need for long walking, but you still get the pleasure of moving through the forest under your own control.

It works for mixed-age groups, too. The stated age range reaches from 13 to 70 and above, though every rider must be able to take part safely and meet the weight limit.

This is not suitable for children under 13 or pregnant women. The 45 to 117 kilogram requirement is strict, so do not book until you have checked that everyone in your party qualifies.

I would think twice if you dislike standing activities, are uncomfortable with balance-based equipment, or want a route that constantly changes. The forest tracks can include more challenging sections, and part of the appeal is learning to manage the Segway rather than simply sitting back.

Practical details that affect your day

Plan on about 90 minutes from the start of training to the end of the ride. Starting times vary, so check availability when you choose your date.

The tour is conducted in English. Comfortable clothing and shoes are the only listed items to bring, and all necessary equipment is supplied.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several Tasmania activities and want to keep your schedule flexible.

Because the activity takes place outdoors, give yourself enough time to arrive in Underwood from Launceston. The forest is close enough for a short drive, but the experience is not in the city center.

The small group size can make this a good choice for people who do not enjoy crowded tours. It also means spaces may be limited, so check the date and starting time before building the rest of your day around it.

My verdict on the Hollybank ride

Book this tour if you want a short, guided forest adventure with easy instruction, modest physical demands, and a personal group size. The strongest points are the friendly teaching, the chance to ride a heavy-duty Segway on real forest paths, and the included photos.

Go in expecting an introduction to Hollybank Forest, not a long backcountry journey. The route can repeat some sections, and the photo collection may be uneven. At $77, the tour is best value for first-time riders who want a managed experience and do not mind spending part of the session in training.

FAQ

Where does the Segway tour take place?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, including the safety briefing and Segway training.

Is the tour suitable for first-time Segway riders?

Yes. Training, a safety briefing, and all necessary equipment are included before you ride the forest paths.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to five participants.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English, and the activity is offered in English.

What should I wear?

Bring comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Riders must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 117 kilograms.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 13 cannot join. The activity is intended for participants aged 13 and above.

Are photos included?

Yes. Complimentary digital photos are included, with the information describing them as being provided on a USB drive.