Gravel and unsealed roads
The default speed limit on gravel roads is 80 km/h. Slow down on winding, gravel or icy roads. Check your rental agreement for what it says about unsealed roads before you head for one.
Car hire in Tasmania
Tasmania has three pick-up points that matter: Hobart Airport for the south and east coast, Launceston Airport for Cradle Mountain and the north-east, and Devonport for the Spirit of Tasmania and the north-west. Hobart to Launceston is about 200 km and 2 hours 20 minutes, so a one-way trip between the two airports is a common plan. The default limit on gravel roads is 80 km/h and every Tasmanian national park needs a parks pass, so read the rules below before you book.
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Search Tasmania car hire
The search starts at Hobart Airport [HBA]; change the pick-up to any airport or city. Prices are in Australian dollars.
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Where to pick up your hire car
Hobart Airport (HBA)Best for: Hobart, Port Arthur, the Huon Valley and the east coastAbout 17 km north-east of central Hobart. Seven of the airport's 16 rental companies are in the forecourt in front of the terminal.Launceston Airport (LST)Best for: Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, St Helens and the Tamar areaDesks are in the Arrivals Hall, but operators will not accept pick-ups after 9pm. Cradle Mountain is about 2 hours away.Devonport Airport (DPO) and the Spirit of Tasmania terminalBest for: Arriving by ferry from Geelong, or heading to Cradle Mountain and the north-westThe airport is about 10 km from the town centre and the airport's listed desk hours end at 5pm. The ferry terminal is on the Esplanade, East Devonport.Burnie Airport at WynyardBest for: North-west Tasmania from BWTThis pickup is Wynyard Burnie Airport, rather than a Burnie city depot. Keep Wynyard terminal collection separate from Devonport ferry plans.
Rules that catch out visitors in Tasmania
Parks pass with a hire car
All 19 Tasmanian national parks need a parks pass. If you buy one online for a hire car and do not have the registration yet, choose the HIRE option in the registration section. The Holiday Vehicle Pass covers one vehicle and up to 7 passengers for up to 2 months, and the 24-hour pass excludes Icon parks such as Cradle Mountain.
Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake Road
Private vehicles cannot use Dove Lake Road while the shuttle bus is running, and campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers are never allowed on it. The shuttle costs $15.50 per adult without a Cradle Mountain Icon Parks Pass or Overland Track Pass. Hours run from 8:45am to 4pm in mid-May to September and 8:10am to 7pm from December to February.
Wildlife at dawn and dusk
Official advice is to slow down and look out for animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Distance per day
Plan no more than 300 km per day; 150 km may take 2 hours. There are no major freeways in Tasmania, and many roads are unsealed or winding.
Overseas licences and speed cameras
Visitors can drive on an overseas licence for up to six months while it stays current. If the licence is not in English, carry an international driving permit or an English translation by an accredited translator. Speed cameras operate in Tasmania.
Seasons and timing
Late December to February
The Cradle Mountain shuttle runs 8:10am to 7pm from late December to February, its longest published hours.
Mid-May to September
Cradle Mountain shuttle hours shrink to 8:45am to 4pm. Black ice and moss can make shady roads slippery, so leave more time for each leg.
From 31 October 2026
Spirit of Tasmania's new ships start sailing and the new Devonport terminal opens, and the schedule will only include night sailings. Check your arrival time against rental desk hours.
All year
Hobart to Devonport is about 280 km and 3 hours 15 minutes. With no major freeways, allow more time once you stop.
Every Tasmania pickup guide
Burnie Airport (Wynyard)BWT aerodrome reference point; follow the booked rental branch directionsDevonport (airport and Spirit of Tasmania terminal)Spirit of Tasmania arrivals and DPOHobart AirportSouthern Tasmania, Bruny and the east coastHobart cityArgyle and Harrington Street depotsLaunceston AirportNorthern Tasmania starts at arrivals
Tasmania drives and guides
Can you take a hire car to Bruny Island?Launceston to Cradle Mountain by carDo you need a car in Tasmania?Driving in TasmaniaFly into Hobart or Launceston?Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive320 km, about 4 hoursHobart to Port Arthur drive92 km, 1 hour 30 minutesHuon Valley drive from HobartGeeveston 60 km; Hastings Caves 105 km from Hobart, About two hours to Cockle CreekLaunceston to Hobart drive200 km, 2 hours 20 minutesCan you drive up kunanyi / Mount Wellington?21 km, about 30 minutesSpirit of Tasmania and your hire carTasmania car hire costTasmania east coast driveTasmania parks pass with a hire carTasmania road trip itineraryabout 1,092 kmTasmania Unsealed Roads in a Hire CarHobart to Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast300 km, about 4 hours 30 minutesDriving in Tasmania in winter
Hire car rules across Australia
Car hire excess insurance in AustraliaRenting a car in Australia: what the rental rate covers, what counter excess reduction, standalone excess cover and travel insurance pay, and what they exclude.One-way car hire in AustraliaHow one-way car hire works in Australia: when a fee applies, what the rental terms say about interstate drop-offs, NT, WA and Tasmania, and kilometre limits.Child car seats in Australian hire carsChild car seat laws for hire cars in Australia: age bands, booster seat age by state, why overseas seats are not allowed, and what a rental company's terms say.Driving in Australia as a TouristVisitors can often drive on a valid overseas licenceOverseas Licence Rules by Australian StateVisitor driving periods differ across AustraliaCar hire age rules in AustraliaCan you hire a car under 25 in Australia? Avis and Hertz set a 21-year minimum, with vehicle limits and a surcharge for younger driversUnsealed roads and hire carsA 4WD does not give a hire car access to every gravel road, beach or trackHire Car Fines in AustraliaTraffic and parking fines can follow a hire car driver after returnCar Hire with a Debit CardA physical Visa or Mastercard debit card may be accepted, but a bond can reduce available funds
Tasmania car hire questions
Where the answer depends on your rental agreement, we say so rather than guess.
Which airport is best for car hire in Tasmania?
It depends on your route. Hobart Airport suits the south and east coast, Launceston Airport suits Cradle Mountain and the north-east, and Devonport suits the ferry from Geelong. Hobart to Launceston is about 200 km (2 hours 20 minutes), so a one-way hire between the two airports is an option. Whether a one-way fee applies depends on the company and shows in the search results.
Can I take a hire car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Spirit of Tasmania takes cars and 4WDs, but hire car rules are set by each rental company. Check your rental company's agreement before you book a ferry crossing with a hire car.
Is car hire cheaper at Launceston or Hobart?
It changes by date and car class, so compare both on the same dates in the search box above. Include the one-way option if you are flying into one airport and out of the other.
Do I need a parks pass for a rental car in Tasmania?
Yes. All 19 Tasmanian national parks need a pass. Buy one online and select HIRE in the registration section if you do not have the registration yet. If the car changes, email the Visitor Services Team with your pass number and the new registration.
Can I hire a car in Tasmania if I'm under 25, or add a baby seat or 7-seater?
Minimum age, young-driver fees, child seats and vehicle classes are set by each rental company and shown in the search results and the booking conditions. Filter for the vehicle class you need before you pay.
Do I need a 4WD in Tasmania?
It depends on your route. The default speed limit on gravel roads is 80 km/h, and many roads are unsealed or winding. Check your rental agreement for what it says about unsealed roads before you plan a gravel route.
Can I drive in Tasmania on an overseas licence?
Yes, for up to six months while the licence is current. If it is not in English, carry an international driving permit or an English translation by an accredited translator as well.