Explore & Unplug with Car Rental in Tasmania
From picturesque sun-drenched beaches to conifer-strewn alpine plateaus, Tasmania is a stunning island state with great swathes of gorgeous wilderness to explore. The spectacular natural scenery is the big drawcard here. Yet there’s more to the ‘Apple Isle’ than its jaw-dropping views.
The fertile island produces some of Australia’s best produce, which you can nibble at local farmer’s markets or rustic paddock-to-plate restaurants. Its petite yet pulsating cities boast a thriving arts scene, with world-class museums like MONA leading the charge. This ancient state also hosts some of Australia’s oldest historic sites, a sombre reminder of the country’s dark colonial past.
Due to its compact stature, you don’t need months of leave up your sleeve for an epic Tasmanian adventure. Hire a car from Bargain Car Rentals in Tasmania and you can savour the highlights in a week or two.
Should I opt for car rental or public transport in Tasmania?
Public transport exists in Tasmania, but the system isn’t ideal for tourism. You’d waste hours each day travelling between destinations, and local buses don’t service many highlights at all.
- Freedom: Don’t confine your itinerary to an inflexible series of pre-booked tours and hotels. Car hire in Tasmania gives you the freedom to explore the state at your own pace.
- Affordability: At Bargain Car Rentals, we specialise in providing cheap car hire in Tasmania. Our rock-bottom rates let you bounce around the state while keeping the budget in check.
- Convenience: No need to work with strict public transport or tour schedules. A hire car lets you set your own itinerary and travel Tasmania on a whim.
- Nature: Explore gorgeous off-the-beaten-track gems and admire spectacular landscapes while you drive. A car rental in Tasmania lets you savour the state’s jaw-dropping nature in style.
Explore Further with Cheap Car Hire in Tasmania
You could spend months cruising between Tasmania’s intriguing historic landmarks and spell-binding natural sites. But chances are you just don’t have that much time.If you’ve got limited annual leave, you’ll need to hone in on the highlights. Discover our favourite Tasmanian stops by reading our comprehensive travel guides.
Discover Hobart’s Best with a Hire Car
Many of Tassie’s most sought-after sites reside within a quick drive of Hobart. From secluded islands to jagged peninsulas and wildlife-rich sanctuaries, there’s no shortage of big-name places to explore. If you want to hit the ground rolling upon touchdown, we offer cheap car rentals at Hobart Airport so you can start your Tasmania road trip lickety-split. Alternatively, we also have a handy central depot for car hire in Hobart city.
Unearthing Launceston in Your Rental Car
If northeast Tasmania beckons, Launceston is the perfect base to kick-start an adventure with a hire car. “Lonnie,” as the locals call it, straddles a picturesque river and sits close to several must-visit sites. Take your pick from a budget-friendly hatchback, a spacious luxury sedan, or a commercial vehicle from Launceston Airport.
Tasmania Car Rentals: Book Your Epic Road Trip Adventure
Ready to turn your Tasmanian travel goals into reality? Book your ride through Bargain Car Rentals today. As Tassie’s best car rental agency, we offer unbeatable rates on various vehicle types. Whether you’re looking to hire in Hobart or Launceston, our conveniently located depots have the perfect ride for you.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.
Is it cheaper to book a weekly car rental in Tasmania?
When booking a rental car in Hobart, keep in mind that rental rates can vary depending on the length of your rental period. Opting for a longer duration may result in lower per-day rates, as pricing tends to fluctuate around common rental periods such as one-day, three-day, five-day, and seven-day rentals.
What is the best tip for booking a rental car from Hobart?
Booking early is recommended! Due to its location off the Australian mainland, it can be challenging for car rental providers to restock their vehicles if they’re fully booked. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to secure your rental car well in advance. Additionally, checking rates periodically is a smart way to find competitive prices and ensure you’re getting the best deal available.
Can I take my rental car on the ferry back to Melbourne?
The Spirit of Tasmania is the ferry service between Tasmania and Melbourne – and although cars are permitted on the ferry, you cannot bring your rental car on this ferry.
Is it better to rent a car in Tasmania or bring my own car?
The Spirit of Tasmania runs a car ferry between Devonport and Geelong. While it’s a convenient service for long-term travellers, the ferry isn’t ideal for holidaymakers with limited time.
For starters, you’ll need to get to Geelong (and home again) with your own car. Unless you live nearby, that means driving massive distances—remember to factor in fuel.
Furthermore, you’ll lose a full day in transit as the ferry sails across the Bass Strait (nighttime departures are more convenient). Should rough swells arise, you’ll suffer seasickness on the arduous eight-hour jaunt.
Finally, taking your car on the Spirit of Tasmania isn’t all that cheap. For shorter trips, it’s just as cost-effective—and oodles more convenient—to fly in and hire a ride on arrival.
Where can I get cheap car hire in Tasmania?
You can hire a car in Tasmania’s two biggest cities: Hobart (city and airport) and Launceston Airport. Strategically situated near the state’s most spectacular attractions, these handy hubs put you within easy road-tripping distance of numerous jaw-dropping locales. And with airport pick up/drop offs at Hobart and Launceston, you can step right off your flight and start exploring.
When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Tasmania’s climate is a tapestry of four seasons, each offering unique experiences. Summer (Dec–Feb) is ideal for outdoor adventures, boasting warm, sunny days but drawing higher prices and larger crowds. Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) bring milder weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs, with March to mid-April and mid-October to November being particularly comfortable.
Winter (Jun–Aug) is colder and wetter, better suited for indoor attractions, with Hobart’s famed Dark Mofo festival adding to its cultural chops. While Tasmania is wetter than mainland Australia, rainfall varies, with the west being rainiest and the east coast often enjoying sunny, clear days.
Mount Wellington | 30-Minute Drive
Towering over the city, this majestic mountain offers epic vistas from its lofty wind-swept peak – don’t miss the Organ Pipes walk.
Bruny Island | 2-Hour Drive
Boasting beautiful beaches and top-notch produce, secluded Bruny bewitches nature lovers and foodies alike.
The Tasman Peninsula | 1.5-Hour Drive
Sky-high seacliffs and sombre historical landmarks make this a bucket-list destination for explorers of all types.
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed | 30-Minute Drive
Savour the Apple Isle’s best-known export in the form of brandy, cider, or snacks.
Geeveston | 50-Minute Drive
Spot platypus frolicking in the river or kick back and relax in this quaint Huon Valley town.
Liffey Falls | 50-Minute Drive
As the North’s most beautiful waterfall, this stunning multi-tiered cascade is destined to impress.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate | 50-Minute Drive
Snap an envy-inducing social media shot amid a vibrant sea of bright pink flowers (blooms Dec-Jan only)
Tamar Valley Wine Route | 170km route
Vino aficionados will adore sipping Pinot Noir on the scenic Tamar Valley Wine Route.
Freycinet National Park | 2.5-Hour Drive
Cragged granite tors and breathtakingly beautiful bays make this Tasmania’s most popular destination.
Evandale | 15-Minute Drive
Adorable Evandale oozes old-world charm with its quaint eateries and colonial-era façades.
Woolmers Estate | 20-Minute Drive
Get a glimpse inside the opulent lives of Tasmania’s 19th-century bourgeoisie at this elegant manor estate.
We’ve put together two sample itineraries for an epic self-drive tour. Whether you’ve got one week or two, these action-packed adventures hit the best bits in a whirlwind trip.
One Week East Coast & Alpine Itinerary: Ex Launceston
Day 1: Explore the wineries and scenic lookouts of the Tamar Valley.
Day 2: Cruise from Launceston to Bay of Fires (3 hours) for some carefree beach time, stopping off at spots like Bridestowe Lavender Farm and Lilydale Falls.
Day 3: Drive down the coast to Freycinet National Park (2 hours), stopping at beachside hamlets like Bicheno and St Helens. Summit Mount Amos for sweeping Wineglass Bay views.
Day 4: Head to the Tasman Peninsula (3 hours). Visit Port Arthur Historic Site and hike along towering seacliffs at Waterfall Bay or Cape Huay.
Day 5: Cruise to Hobart (1.5 hours). Explore the capital’s historic sites and museums (MONA is a must) and take a scenic side trip up Mount Wellington.
Day 6: Drive to Lake St Clair (2.5 hours), stopping for tea in New Norfolk. If time permits, swing by Mount Field for a leisurely walk between its rainforest-shrouded falls.
Day 7: Depart early and drive to Launceston via Cradle Mountain (5 hours). Choose one of the numerous scenic walks around the base of this majestic alpine peak.
Two Week Tassie Lap Itinerary: Ex Hobart
Day 1: Spend the day exploring Hobart and Mount Wellington with your hire car.
Day 2: Drive to Bruny Island (2 hours) and visit highlights like the Neck, South Bruny National Park, and Adventure Bay.
Day 3: Cruise to Cockle Creek (3.5 hours), stopping at pretty Huon Valley towns like Geeveston and Frankston. Add a detour to Hastings Caves if time permits.
Day 4: Drive to Mount Field (4 hours) for gorgeous rainforest and alpine walks. Break up the trip with a stopover at New Norfolk.
Day 5: Take a side trip to the Gordon Dam and back (2.5 hours return), stopping at alpine lookouts to admire the stunning Southwest scenery.
Alternatively, skip Gordon Dam and add a day for the Tasman Peninsula at the end.
Day 6: Drive from Mount Field to Strahan (4.5 hours), swinging by Lake St Clair to stroll along its crystalline shores. In the evening, watch Australia’s longest-running play, The Ship That Never Was.
Day 7: Take a Gordon River cruise in the morning, then drive through remote rainforest to Arthur River (3.5 hours), stopping at Zeehan and Corinna enroute.
Day 8: Cruise from Arthur River to Stanley (3 hours) via the Trowutta Arch and Tarkine Drive.
Day 9: Hug the coastline on a scenic cruise from Stanley to Devonport (1.5 hours). Possible pit stops include Boat Harbour Beach, Wynyard, Penguin, and Ulverston.
Day 10: Drive from Devonport to Cradle Mountain, with a side trip to the stunning Leven Canyon (2.5 hours).
Day 11: Head to Launceston (2 hours), stopping to explore the eerie caves of Mole Creek. Hit a few vineyards on the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
Day 12: Drive to the Bay of Fires (3 hours) and spend a day relaxing on the beach.
Day 13: Travel down the east coast towards Freycinet National Park (2 hours), stopping for a swim at beach towns like St Helens and Bicheno.
Day 14: After a morning hike to Wineglass Bay, head back to Hobart (2.5 hours) to conclude your adventure.
Tasmania is a state of four seasons—the climate varies considerably throughout the year.
Summer (Dec-Feb) is the best time to visit, thanks to its balmy temps and long sunny days. However, this near-perfect weather makes summer extremely popular. That means higher prices on hotels and car hire as well as thicker tourist crowds.
Spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May) bring pleasant weather with lower prices and fewer fellow visitors. The months closer to summer (Mar to mid-Apr and mid-Oct to Nov) offer comfortable temperatures and less rainfall.
Winter (Jun-Aug) gets pretty chilly in Tasmania and sees more rain than other seasons. While it’s not the ideal time for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of indoor attractions to visit. Remember to factor reduced daylight hours into your travel plans. Many visitors organise a winter trip to coincide with Dark Mofo, a famous art and culture festival held in Hobart each June.
Tasmania is wetter than other Australian states, although most rain falls in the west. Its spectacular east coast beaches often boast clear sunny days while the rest of the state soaks.