Driving in Tasmania
Tasmania drives on the left and sets default limits of 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 80 km/h on gravel unless signed otherwise. Some roads are narrow or winding, so 150 km may take two hours. Watch for wildlife between dusk and dawn and read your rental terms before using gravel roads.
Updated
Key facts
- Urban default
- 50 km/h unless signed otherwise
- Rural default
- 100 km/h unless signed otherwise
- Gravel default
- 80 km/h unless signed otherwise
- Daily distance
- Plan no more than 300 km per day and take frequent breaks
- Travel pace
- 150 km may take two hours
- Wildlife
- Extra care between dusk and dawn, when wildlife is most active
Is Tasmania easy to drive?
Most roads in Tasmania have one lane each way, and some are narrow, winding and have sharp corners; you may also meet gravel roads. Allow about two hours for 150 km and plan no more than 300 km in a day. Plan the stops before deciding that a map distance is short.
What are the speed rules?
Unless a sign says otherwise, Tasmania’s default speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 80 km/h on gravel roads. Drive below the limit when bends, rain, snow, ice or wildlife reduce visibility or grip.
What changes after dark or in winter?
Wildlife is most active between dusk and dawn, so drive slowly and stay alert. Fog, snow or black ice can affect roads, especially at night and in the early morning, and in winter both sealed and unsealed roads can become very slippery with ice and snow. Aim to finish remote driving before dark and check weather and closures before an alpine leg.
Can a hire car use gravel roads?
It depends on your rental agreement, not the state speed limit. Gravel roads in remote areas near national parks can be narrow, winding or mountainous, and may be in poor condition after rain and slower to travel. Check the road and vehicle permission before setting a route to a remote park or trailhead.
Can visitors use an overseas licence in Tasmania?
A visitor can drive with an overseas licence if it is current and stays current during the stay, the visitor’s exemption has not been terminated, and the driver only drives the types and sizes of vehicle the licence covers. Keep the licence with you; if it is not in English, also carry an official translation or international driving permit. Your rental company may set additional document conditions, so confirm those before collection.
What if you hit a wallaby or other wildlife?
If you hit an animal, stop if it is safe to do so, because the casualty may be able to be treated. Injured and orphaned animals need special treatment; contact Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625, which is also available out of hours. If the hire car is damaged, follow your rental agreement’s incident-reporting steps. Do not risk stopping in live traffic.
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Questions people ask
Which side of the road do you drive on in Tasmania?
Drive on the left, as on mainland Australia.
What is the speed limit on gravel in Tasmania?
The default is 80 km/h unless a sign says otherwise. Slow further for conditions.
Is night driving safe in Tasmania?
Use extra caution. Wildlife is most active between dusk and dawn, so drive slowly and stay alert.
How far should you drive in a day?
Plan no more than 300 km per day and take frequent breaks; 150 km may take two hours.
Can I drive in Tasmania with an overseas licence?
Yes, if the licence is current, your visitor’s exemption has not been terminated and you drive only the vehicle types it covers. Carry it, plus an official translation or international driving permit if it is not in English.
What should I do if I hit a wallaby?
Stop if it is safe to do so. Call Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625 for advice on injured or orphaned animals and follow your rental incident process if the car is damaged.