Car Hire Tasmania

Parking and Driving

City Car Spaces:

• Hobart: Metered street spaces (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm). Hourly rates apply. Use Argyle Street or Centrepoint car parks for longer stays

• Launceston: Easier to find spaces than Hobart. Paterson Street car parks are centrally located

• Smaller towns: Generally free spaces available on main streets or designated lots

Driving Rules:

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Default speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on some highways
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%
• Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited unless hands-free
• All passengers must wear seatbelts; children under 7 need appropriate child seats

Points for International Drivers:

• Carry your driver's licence and International Driving Permit (if licence not in English)
• Give way to vehicles already on roundabouts
• Random breath testing is common, especially around holidays
• Speed cameras operate across the island and enforcement is strict

Road Conditions:

• There are no toll roads in Tasmania; all highways and bridges are free
• Most tourist attractions are accessible via sealed roads
• Winter driving (June-August) may involve ice or snow in mountain areas like Cradle Mountain and Ben Lomond
• West coast roads (especially around Queenstown) feature steep gradients and hairpin turns

FAQs

Can I take my rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry? Most rental companies do not allow taking their vehicles on the ferry to mainland Australia. If your provider doesn't permit it, you'll need to drop the vehicle in Tasmania and book a separate car for the mainland. A few companies may allow it with written permission, so always check your contract.

Are there any roads where I can't take my rental car? Most standard rental agreements prohibit driving on unsealed roads except for short access roads to recognised attractions. Check your agreement before going onto gravel roads.

Can I take my rental to Bruny Island? Some companies explicitly allow this (Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast Car Rentals), while others might not cover you if something happens. Always check the policies before ferry travel.

Do I need winter tyres or chains? Most rental companies do not provide snow chains, and some forbid driving in snow completely. If you visit alpine areas in winter, check your rental agreement and consider using park shuttle services instead.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket? For camera-detected offences, the rental company will nominate you as the driver and charge an administration fee (usually $30-60). You'll then receive the fine directly from the authority. For fines the company pays on your behalf (e.g., some parking infringements), they may also charge your card for the fine amount.

Can I pick up in Launceston and return in Hobart? Yes, one-way rentals between major cities are common but usually incur a fee ($50-150). Book ahead as one-way inventory is limited.