Big tree destroyed in fires lives again

ONE OF the largest trees in Tasmania felled in the 2019 bushfires has been brought to life through world-leading augmented reality technology, which could become a future staple of Tassie tourism.

The Arve Big Tree, a former gigantic fixture of the Geeveston landscape, has been immortalised through a new sculpture of the tree’s 25m wide stump which, when viewed through the new Arve Big Tree app, reveals an 87m tall realistic representation of the swamp gum.

The project opened at Heritage Park in Geeveston about 10km from the original centuries-old tree. Handbuilt Creative founder David Shering’s team includes talented

developers who found Tasmania appealing for its more than 150 Augmented Reality installations.

“We’re creating some of the best world leading technology,” Mr Shering said.

“We know AR glasses are on the horizon and Tassie will get those as soon as they’re released.”

He said the latest installation was the best yet, with depictions of historic gallows at Oatlands among past projects.

“You can get right up close and see tiny plants smaller than your little fingernail growing on the tree.”

Flux Engineering’s Nina Koops said her team created the physical installation in two months.

The end result includes seating and corten steel which will gradually rust

into bright orange colour.

Tahune Adventures owner Ken Stronach said people who previously visited the Tahune Airwalk to view the tree could now see the virtual attraction while visiting the forest.

He said “thousands” of gum trees only a couple of metres tall had started sprouting nearby since the Arve Big Tree’s seeds fell in the fires.

“It was just incredible to think something that big lasted that long through bushfires and logging.”

Mayor Bec Enders thanked the state and federal governments for contributing through the Disaster Recovery Funding program.

Download the Arve Big Tree app to your smart device from the App Store or Google Play.